With a winless streak stretched across the first nine races of the season, the pressure to clinch victory is mounting on Ford drivers. Known for its speed and drafting strength, Ford finds Superspeedways favorable for their performance. Thus, the race at Talladega on Sunday is looked up to as a must-win for the Ford drivers. However, the pressure for the season’s first win is more on Ford’s most consistent driver and reigning series champion, Ryan Blaney.

However, Ryan Blaney, when asked about the pressure on him to win at Talladega, remained unfazed. How did Team Penske Star react?

Ryan Blaney is still in high hopes

Despite being introduced with the new Ford Mustang Dark Horse body that was aimed at providing better performances on-track, Ford has not been able to clinch victory in any of the races this season. Losing to rival manufacturers Chevrolet and Toyota, the Talladega Superspeedway stands as Ford’s greatest opportunity to drive to victory lane. Ahead of their racing schedule, Blaney opened up in an interview, covering major aspects of racing. When asked if the Talladega race could be a win-win situation for Team Ford, the No. 12 Mustang driver blatantly disagreed.

He said, “Yeah, I don’t really think it’s a must-win. I mean, I haven’t really sat around this week thinking of it that way. Um, yeah, it’s a good opportunity for us to win because we’ve been strong at these speedways. And we usually all work really well together on these things to try. To get a blue oval in victory lane. But no, I don’t think it’s a must-win. I mean it would be nice obviously and it would give us a good shot of life you know, for sure.”

“Since you know a Ford hasn’t won this year, but I just think you got to stick to your normal plan. Hey we’re pretty good at these things, let’s just try to do our job again. And see if we can get one at victory lane, but not a must-win. I don’t think.”

Notably, Ryan Blaney emerged victorious on this very track on October 1, 2023, on the occasion of the Yellawood 500. That win significantly contributed to his championship points. This time, Front Row Motorsports star Michael McDowell acquired the pole position, followed by Blaney’s teammate Austin Cindric. Todd Gilliland finished third. Other Ford drivers in the Top 10 include Joey Logano, who finished seventh, and Chris Buescher, who finished eighth. Ryan Blaney finished at 21st, though.

Ford was really close to victory, more than once this season

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Although they were unable to receive the checkered flag, Team Ford was indeed really close this season on some occasions.

Starting from the second race of the season at Atlanta, where there was the memorable three-drivers-wide photo finish, Blaney came in second. He was just millimeters away from the victory, but that was Daniel Suarez‘s day. After that at Las Vegas, Blaney fought hard but had to be satisfied with a P3. Phoenix had three Ford drivers in the Top 5 with Chris Buescher at P2, Brad Keselowski at P4, and Blaney again at P5. JGR’s Christopher Bell snatched the win, though.

Coming to the Bristol race with improved confidence, Keselowski dashed his way to finish at P3. Again at Richmond, two-time Cup champion Joey Logano’s sure-shot victory was snatched by Denny Hamlin. Team Penske’s #22 had to be satisfied with a P2 and was visibly disappointed.

At Martinsville too, Blaney and Logano finished at P5 and P6, displaying massive prowess on the track. In the last race at Texas, Brad Keselowski, known for his aggressive racing style, secured second place. Chase Elliott, who was resolutely aiming for victory, successfully held off Keselowski’s attempts to overtake him. After the race, Keselowski opened up about how Ford had the fastest car on the track yet couldn’t get the checkered flag.

With all three Ford drivers acquiring the pole and the following two positions, there is a genuine chance for a victory this time. Usually, a pole win almost confirms a Stage 1 win. It is hoped that the drivers won’t get themselves entangled in the famous “Dega” wreckage. Other than that, there is nothing that can stop Ford from clinching their opening victory in Talladega.