Ryan Blaney eyes repeat title as Team Penske chases third consecutive NASCAR crown

HAMPTON, GA - SEPTEMBER 07: Ryan Blaney (#12 Team Penske Dent Wizard Ford) during qualifications for the Quaker State 400 NASCAR Cup Series race on September 7, 2024 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney said he was very optimistic about accomplishing a rare feat in the sport – earning back-to-back titles – something that hasn’t been done by a driver since Hendrick Motorsports’ Jimmie Johnson won five consecutively between 2006-10.

“I don’t know why you haven’t seen a repeat champion back-to-back since Jimmie when he won five in a row, I don’t know why,’’ Blaney said. “It’s tough to do. Teams are always getting smarter. It takes everything kind of perfect to go your way. The team has to execute the best they can and you have to have a little bit of fortune on your side to not be in any unfortunate circumstances through the playoffs, so I don’t know why.

“I look back and there have been plenty of teams good enough to win back-to-back and it just hasn’t happened. I think that just shows you how hard it is to do.

Blaney’s Team Penske organization has won the last two NASCAR Cup Series championships – with 2023 winner Joey Logano and Blaney

“I’m confident with our group and that’s not from a cocky or arrogant standpoint,’’ Blaney said. “I have faith in our group that we can do it and we’re good enough to where we can do it again, and I just have so much faith in our team and our guys. I’d like to, obviously. I think we’re in a good position. We just have to keep doing what we can and keep staying hungry. It’s funny, I think we’re all even hungrier for a second one than we were the first.

Blaney starts fifth Sunday.