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:
- Tyler Reddick
- Alex Bowman
- Joey Logano
- Jimmie Johnson
- Kyle Bush
- Ryan Blaney
- Brad Keselowski
- Kurt Bush
- Chase Elliott
- 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 2nd stage champ as the field cycled through the latest caution. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. emerges to the front while fiercely battling Ryan Blaney for the 2nd Stage green-and-white checkered flag.
Geico 500 – Stage 2 Results:
- Ricky Stenhouse J.
- Ryan Blaney
- Kyle Bush
- Brad Keselowski
- Christopher Bell
- Joey Logano
- Bubba Wallace
- Cole Custer
- Chris Buescher
- 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
- Ryan Blaney
- Ricky Stenhouse Jr
- Aric Almirola
- Denny Hamlin
- Erik Jones
- Chris Buescher
- Alex Bowman
- John Hunter Nemechek
- Kurt Busch
- Kevin Harvick
- William Byron
- Ty Dillon
- Jimmie Johnson
- Bubba Wallace
- Ryan Preece
- Joey Logano
- Corey LaJoie
- Michael McDowell
- Brad Keselowski
- Tyler Reddick
- Brendan Gaughan
- Cole Custer
- Ryan Newman
- Martin Truex Jr.
- Clint Bowyer
- Matt DiBenedetto
- Quin Houff
- Daniel Suarez
- Christopher Bell
- Gray Gaulding
- BJ McLeod
- Kyle Busch
- Timmy Hill
- Garrett Smithley
- Brennan Pooe
- JJ Yeley
- Joey Gase
- Chase Elliott
- Austin Dillon
- Matt Kenseth
| Ryan Blaney checked off his 3rd Career NASCAR Cup victory and his first of the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season. | |
| The NASCAR Cup Series next race weekend is scheduled for a doubleheader, with events scheduled Saturday and Sunday at Pocono Raceway. Pocono Organics 325 in Partnership with Rodale Institute – Saturday, June 27th 2020 @ 3:30 p.m. / Fox / NASCAR Sirius Radio 90 Pocono 350 – Sunday, June 28th @ 4:00 p.m. / FS1 / NASCAR Sirius Radio 90 |