Ryan Blaney reacted to his second-place finish behind Chase Elliott in the NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium.

The preseason Clash at Bowman Gray is in the books, and while NASCAR does not have any points races on quarter-mile ovals, the Clash did give a peek into how teams could perform this year. Bowman Gray Stadium was still a short track,

Unlike Elliott, Blaney struggled during heat race competition on Saturday, but advanced to the Cook Out Clash off driver points from last season. The Team Penske driver started the race in 23rd (last place), mounted a furious charge to the front of the field and impressively finished second.

NASCAR Chevy driver Chase Elliott started the 2025 Cup Series season strong with a victory in the preseason Clash at Bowman Gray, beating a Ford and a Toyota.

About as dominant of a win as you can hope for from Chase Elliott tonight as he won his first-ever Clash. He led the most laps in Clash history. Then he gave the fans one of the best burnouts you will see all NASCAR season.

Ryan Blaney is justifiably optimistic heading into the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series campaign based on his performance over the course of the last two seasons, which has included six combined wins, a championship in 2023 and a runner-up finish behind Penske teammate Joey Logano in 2024.

Ryan Blaney talks about his second-place finish at the 2025 NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. Find out what Blaney had to say!

The NASCAR Cup Series season informally began with the Cook Out Clash exhibition race on Sunday at the quarter-mile Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C., and the best of stock car racing was on display.

Ryan Blaney was in the last-chance qualifier for The Clash at Bowman Gray but was already guaranteed a place in the main event.