Ryan Blaney's Pit Road Mistake Costs Him Position at Phoenix NASCAR Race

Blaney had to pit a second time to secure a loose tire, dropping him from second to 24th place.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Ryan Blaney narrowly avoided disaster at the Phoenix NASCAR race, but a mistake on pit road forced him to pit a second time to secure a loose tire. The incident cost Blaney valuable track position, as he had to restart the race in 24th place after running second at the time.

Why it matters

Pit road mistakes can be costly in NASCAR, often resulting in significant position losses that are difficult to overcome. Blaney's mishap highlights the fine margins teams must operate within to succeed at the highest level of stock car racing.

The details

Blaney's No. 12 team made the mistake midway through Stage 2, having to return to pit road after a stop to secure a left-side tire. The wheel itself did not come off, saving Blaney's crew from a more severe penalty, but the extra pit stop dropped him from second place to 24th.

  • Incident occurred midway through Stage 2 of the Phoenix NASCAR race.

The players

Ryan Blaney

NASCAR Cup Series driver competing for the No. 12 team.

Ross Chastain

NASCAR Cup Series driver who was penalized for losing a wheel at the previous race at COTA.

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What they’re saying

“All good fellas; don't worry about it. Long ways to go. We will get it back.”

— Ryan Blaney (Dustin Albino)

What’s next

Blaney will have to work his way back through the field to try and regain the position he lost due to the pit road mistake.

The takeaway

Pit road mistakes can be devastating in NASCAR, as Ryan Blaney experienced firsthand at Phoenix. This incident highlights the importance of flawless execution on pit stops and the fine margins teams must operate within to succeed at the highest level of stock car racing.