2 days Ago By Andrew Gamble
Ryan Blaney poked fun at Michael Jordan by insinuating 23XI Racing star Bubba Wallace cost him the win in Darlington. On Sunday, Blaney started ninth but flew up the standings as he quickly established himself as the fastest car on the track. While Tyler Reddick led for many of the closing laps, his tires gave out as Blaney flew past - but a late caution forced overtime.
Denny Hamlin seized his moment, clinching back-to-back wins after waiting almost a year for a victory . But Blaney appeared set to take the checkered flag before a late caution was brought out when Kyle Larson spun out. Kevin Harvick's reflections on Kyle Busch fight in NASCAR chaos at Darlington Dave Portnoy turns on Trump and claims he lost $7M over tariffs Chasing Reddick, the other 23XI Racing driver, Blaney ate up the asphalt and closed on his rival.
The No. 45 car tagged the wall with Blaney in relentless pursuit, and the 2023 Cup Series champion appeared to get the job done when he made the pass and pulled away. However, with just a few laps remaining of the 1.
366-mile track, Bubba Wallace collided with the rear bumper of Larson's No. 5 car, sending him into the wall and drawing a caution. Overtime followed, and Hamlin seized his moment while Blaney could only rue what might have been.
Jordan was watching on in Darlington. While he undoubtedly hoped Reddick could get the job done, Jordan shared an exchange with Blaney after the race - and the No. 12 driver suggested it was Wallace’s error that cost him the win.
“Hey, if your boy didn’t spin out Larson...
,” Blaney said to Jordan after the Goodyear 400. The six-time NBA champion remained coy, taking a moment before replying: “Did he spin out Larson? I couldn’t tell.” Blaney laughed at Jordan’s quip, and the pair went their separate ways.
Perhaps the No. 12 driver was somewhat smarting though, knowing that he was a Wallace collision with Larson away from getting a crucial victory that would have represented his first since the 2024 Xfinity 500 in Martinsville. Ultimately, Jordan will be as frustrated as Blaney with the result.
The Chicago Bulls legend is renowned for his historic drive to win and, while Reddick finished fourth, Wallace endured a difficult showing to finish 21st. He sits eighth in the Cup Series standings, with Reddick fifth. DON'T MISS Bubba Wallace interrupts Ryan Blaney interview after dramatic NASCAR finish Brad Keselowski makes feelings clear about impact of Trump tariffs on NASCAR NASCAR winner along with full results from Cup Series race at Darlington The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season continues with the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on Sun.
, April 13..
