Ryan Blaney’s playoff run derailed when his left-front tire blew early in Sunday’s race, forcing the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion to make a hasty exit. After a hard crash in Las Vegas, Blaney once again finds himself on the wrong side of fortune.
Blaney goes bust in Vegas once again

Key Takeaways:
- Blaney continues to face bad luck in Las Vegas.
- The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion exited early in the Round of 8.
- A left-front tire blowout caused the decisive crash.
- He was the first playoff driver to encounter trouble.
- The crash further solidifies his unwelcome Vegas “snake eyes.”
A History of Misfortune
Las Vegas Motor Speedway has often spelled trouble for Ryan Blaney, and this year’s Round of 8 race proved no exception. Despite entering the weekend as the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion, Blaney’s issues at this track resurfaced.
The Tire Blowout
In a hard-luck moment, Blaney’s left-front tire blew early in Sunday’s race, setting off a chain of events that ultimately ended his afternoon. As soon as the tire failed, his car veered into the wall and sustained enough damage to force him out of contention.
A Harsh Round of 8 Reality
Blaney’s crash came at a crucial stage in the playoffs, making him the first Round of 8 driver to fall by the wayside. It was an especially bitter result for the reigning champion, whose title defense now faces heightened uncertainty.
Continued Vegas Woes
Described as “rolling snake eyes in Las Vegas,” Blaney can’t seem to shake the ill-fated magic of this track. For the champion and his team, the collapse only feeds the narrative of Vegas being their toughest hurdle.