NASCAR Cup Series: Martin Truex Jr Crashes Into Ryan Blaney Jeapordizing Playoff Spot

The Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway witnessed a dramatic start that could significantly impact the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Martin Truex Jr. collided with Ryan Blaney, ending both of their races.

On just the third lap of the race, Martin Truex Jr., currently driving the No. 19 Toyota, was heading around Turn 1 when he slid up the asphalt and made contact with William Byron’s No. 24 Chevrolet.

The collision with Byron’s left-rear tire set off a chain reaction, causing Truex to lose control and crash into the outside barrier. The incident also swept up Ryan Blaney, resulting in both drivers being forced to retire from the race after only three laps.

Truex’s misfortune comes at a precarious time, as he sits 14th in the 16-driver playoff bracket. With a slim margin of only 58 points above the elimination line, Truex’s hopes for staying in the playoff contention now hinge on the performance and, more critically, the errors of his rivals.

Truex announced his retirement from full-time Cup Series competition earlier in June. As the 2017 Cup Champion, he aimed to conclude his NASCAR career on a high note, but this unexpected catastrophe might hinder those plans.

Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota, walks off track after an incident during the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on September 01, 2024 in Darlington,…

Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

Ryan Blaney has spoken to the media following the crash, as quoted by 5 GOATS:

“I was hurt for a little bit, but I think I’ll be OK. I’m alright. I saw Martin get loose, and I thought he was going to spin to the bottom, so I kind of gassed up to get around him, but it was just terrible timing.

“He overcorrected, and we were just right there.”

Truex has taken full responsibility for the crash. He explained to the media, as quoted by NASCAR.com:

“It just took off on me, and that’s obviously on me.

“I hate to make a mistake that early in the race. It’s all my fault. I hate it for Blaney and apologize to his guys. Yeah, it caught me by surprise and it’s just a stupid mistake — inexcusable.

“Can’t change it now, so I’m not going to get too crazy about it, but just really sad for my team.

“They deserve better than that. We had an amazing race car. I felt so good about tonight. Just really sorry I let everybody down.”

At the time of writing, Kyle Larson currently leads the Cook Out Southern 500 followed by pole sitter Bubba Wallace.