Blaney by a Bumper at ‘Dega

Ryan Blaney wins Monday’s rain-delayed Cup Series race at Talladega in a two-lap shootout, beating Ricky Stenhouse Jr. for a 0.007 seconds photo finish.

TALLADEGA – June 22, 2020 – Anthony Holbrook

The NASCAR Cup Series invaded the 2.5 mile Talladega SuperSpeedway, Sunday, June 22, 2020 for the Geico 500.

The Geico 500 would be the second race in which NASCAR allowed generally admitted fan to view the event Live since the COVID-19 pandemic interference in the 2020 NASCAR Cup season schedule. A total of 5,000 spectators were in attendance.

A combination of lightning, high winds, and rain postponed Sunday’s GEICO 500 race at Talladega Superspeedway to Monday afternoon at 3:00 pm.

 Geico 500 – Stage 1

As Qualifying and Practice continued to be dismissed, Race Teams would random draw for Geico 500 starting grid position. It was an all Joe Gibbs Racing front row for the Geico 500 as Martin Truex Jr drew the pole position while Denny Hamlin will complete the front row.

The Monday running was also affected by rain, as storms forced a 58-minute, 18-second delay with 57 laps complete in Stage 1. 20 lead changes involving 8 drivers bump drafting to claim the point. Of the 8 drivers fighting for the stage win, Hendrick Driver No. 8 Tyler Reddick lands Stage 1 win under the caution flag.

Geico 500   – Stage 1 Results:

1. Tyler Reddick
2. Alex Bowman
3. Joey Logano
4. Jimmie Johnson
5. Kyle Bush
6. Ryan Blaney
7. Brad Keselowski
8. Kurt Bush
9. Chase Elliott
10. William Byron

Geico 500 – Stage 2

Team Penske and its Wood Brothers affiliate dominated the middle portions of the race and remained in control of Stage 2.

The fifth caution of the day is called with just six laps left in Stage 2, due to debris on the back straightaway.  Ryan Blaney, Ricky Stenhouse, Brad Keselowski , Kyle Busch and Christopher Bell  lead the field as drivers opt to pit under caution.

On Lap 118 a two-lap shootout would determine the 2^nd  stage champ as the field cycled through the latest caution.  Ricky Stenhouse Jr. emerges to the front while fiercely battling Ryan Blaney for the 2^nd Stage green-and-white checkered flag.

Geico 500 – Stage 2 Results:

1. Ricky Stenhouse J.
2. Ryan Blaney
3. Kyle Bush
4. Brad Keselowski
5. Christopher Bell
6. Joey Logano
7. Bubba Wallace
8. Cole Custer
9. Chris Buescher
10. William Byron

Geico 500 – Final Stage

As 28 circuit’s remains, Bubba Wallace controls the point briefly, but fuel conservation will play a factor for him at this stage of the race. Advancing Joey Logano would side drafted Wallace to regain the lead.  Conserving gas Wallace quickly fell back into the field.

Ten laps to go Tyler Reddick, who won Stage 1 was leading the pack. The major strategy was to conserve gas as many front runners estimated running out before race completion.

The final caution involved Jimmie Johnson who was spun out after being clipped by Kevin Harvick.  Ryan Blaney was in first driver to leave pit after service and resume the point.

Ryan Blaney protected the lead blocking contenders as a final lap aggression resulted in multiple crashes as the checkers fly’s.

Geico 500 –  Final Stage Results

1. Ryan Blaney
2. Ricky Stenhouse Jr
3. Aric Almirola
4. Denny Hamlin
5. Erik Jones
6. Chris Buescher    
7. Alex Bowman
8. John Hunter Nemechek
9. Kurt Busch
10. Kevin Harvick
11. William Byron
12. Ty Dillon
13. Jimmie Johnson
14. Bubba Wallace
15. Ryan Preece
16. Joey Logano
17. Corey LaJoie
18. Michael McDowell
19. Brad Keselowski
20. Tyler Reddick
21. Brendan Gaughan
22. Cole Custer
23. Ryan Newman
24. Martin Truex Jr.
25. Clint Bowyer
26. Matt DiBenedetto
27. Quin Houff
28. Daniel Suarez
29. Christopher Bell
30. Gray Gaulding
31. BJ McLeod
32. Kyle Busch
33. Timmy Hill
34. Garrett Smithley
35. Brennan Pooe
36. JJ Yeley
37. Joey Gase
38. Chase Elliott
39. Austin Dillon
40. Matt Kenseth