As the NASCAR season hits one of its most demanding checkpoints, the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway looms large and heavy, both in prestige and endurance. At 600 miles, it is the longest race on the NASCAR calendar and a true test of physicality and strategy building. But for the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney, preparation for the event does not require reinventing his routine, but just a shift in mindset.

Blaney, known for his cool-headed demeanor and methodical racing style, has grown into one of the sport’s most consistent performers. His success at Charlotte in 2023, where he claimed his first Coca-Cola 600 victory, showcased not just his mastery but also his race-management skills. This is the only crown jewel win he’s managed to snag for far in his NASCAR career, and he would be eager to break this duck after the streak of mishaps and unlucky runs this year. Not to mention the three engine failures that he has suffered.

Back in 2023, he was on a 59-race winless streak, and he had a hard time holding his tears, reflecting how much this win meant to him. “You start to get to feel like you can’t win anymore. We hadn’t won in a while, and that can get hard. I want to thank the 12 (team) for believing in me.” Although he’s not facing a 59-race winless streak like situation, that doesn’t mean he isn’t aiming for a win. Rather, he is prepared to tackle the obstacles that are going to come his way.

Ryan Blaney breaks down his strategy for NASCAR’s toughest night

In an interview with Mike Badgley and Pete Pistone from SiriusXM Radio, Blaney talked about the steadiness that he needs to become an asset while navigating the unpredictability of the 600-mile race. “It’s a long race and, I think what’s different about that race is like, you always have to remind yourself that you’re not out of it. If it’s not going right in the beginning, like you’ve still got a long ways to go, you know, you’re going to get it right,” said Blaney.

Blaney knows that even starting the 600 from the pole dosen’t necessarily lead to a win. Back in 2023, he held off William Byron with a late-race restart just 20 laps to go. Leading race high 163 of 400 laps, the Penske driver waited for the right time to make his move, and it worked out well for him. It is worth noting that the race transitions from a daytime to night under the lights, and conditions also play a huge role that forces the drivers and teams to adapt. Then, there is unpredictable weather that can make or break a driver’s race. Last year, all Christopher Bell needed to do was hang onto his lead, and unfavorable track conditions after rain awarded him the win.

“That’s what I have to really remind myself as opposed to, like these 400 milers… That All-Star race was fairly short. You kind of get to get stuff done right away. But here this weekend, you just, try to be a little bit more patient and continue and put in your head that it’s a long night. You can get it turned around if its great, or if its going great early, you gotta be prepared that it’s gonna change. You have to stay top of everything,” Blaney added.

The crown jewel race doesn’t necessarily reward the best driver as Blaney explained. In 2022, Kyle Larson was on the cusp of the most astonishing comeback after starting the race at the rear of the field. He then had to repair his car, tackle three pit road penalties, and a spin off the Turn 4. But in the regulation time, he was right there on the cusp of the win, but the infamous late race caution foiled his plans for the win. And instead, a double-overtime finish saw Denny Hamlin complete his crown jewel streak, beating Kyle Busch to the line by 0.014 seconds.

So, the Penske driver knows how unpredictable the 5-hour race can turn out to be, and therefore, he is willing to give his all until the very last lap. But, apart from the Coca-Cola 600 glory, the driver of the No. 12 Ford has expressed his desire to go open-wheel racing as well.

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Blaney might be the next NASCAR driver to attempt the Double

As Blaney’s fellow NASCAR Cup Series colleague, Kyle Larson, will be attempting to do the Double Duty this year, not just fans, but even the drivers are hyped and supportive of the latter’s attempt. The Double, being one of the toughest feats achieved by just one driver over decades, Tony Stewart in 2001. Kyle Larson will be attempting to join Smoke, in what will be his second attempt after last year’s disappointment and frustration with the weather.

In an interview with Fox News, Blaney applauded and wished his fellow competitor the best in being able to complete the attempt this year, and also expressed his interest in running the 1,100 miles. “But yeah, it’s something I’ve always considered,” Blaney said. “You never know, maybe down the road if I get a chance. I’m with a great team that has a chance to do it, but we’ll see. You never know, we’ll figure it out.”

Well, ever since Larson had a go at the Double, the likes of Christopher Bell, Kyle Busch, and now Blaney have shown interest in doing the same. The odds are in favor of Blaney, though, as he can arrange a crossover with his team owner not only operates the IndyCar Series but also competes on track with the Team Penske banner.