Countdown to Daytona 2026 - 6 Days

By Adam Carabine

Counting down the final 30 days to the 2026 Daytona 500, we are looking at last year's Top 30 drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series. Today's driver: Ryan Blaney

Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images

No. 12 Car – Team Penske

2025 Stats

Standings	6th
Wins	4
Points	2,403
Stage Points	314
Stage Wins	9
Laps Led	831
Lead Lap Finishes	27
Average Finish	14.6
DNFs	8
Races since last win	0

What Does Success Look Like in 2026?

Ryan Blaney had such an up and down year in 2025, at the very least, a little bit more consistency would be a success for him this year.  He tied for the second-most stage wins last year, but also tied for the third-most DNFs.  He had four wins on the season, and that’s a good measuring stick.  Success might not need to be another four (or more) wins this year, but definitely a solid spot in The Chase with multiple wins, otherwise it’ll be seen as a regression.

Best-Case Scenario in 2026?

If Blaney can clean up some of the bad luck and DNF issues he had last year, he is certainly a driver to watch out for in the Championship conversation.  He’s consistently up front (unless he gets involved in someone else’s mess – maybe wreck avoidance might be a thing to focus on this year?), and this year’s Chase format will reward some consistency moreso than the previous format.  Best-case scenario is that Blaney wins the Championship. 

Most Likely Outcome in 2026?

Honestly, best-case scenario and most likely outcome aren’t all that far off from each other.  I think Blaney has a really decent shot at the title this year.  If he doesn’t win it, he definitely finishes within the Top 5 in the season standings.

Bold Prediction?

Blaney loses the championship by one point in a nail-biter at Homestead.