[autotag]Ryan Blaney[/autotag] was disqualified from the NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway but that only lasted 24 hours. On Monday evening, NASCAR shockingly reversed Blaney’s disqualification due to an issue found with the template used for inspection. It is the first disqualification to be rescinded by NASCAR in the sport’s history.
The Team Penske driver was set to have a 56-point deficit to the playoff cut-line but that is now only 17 points. While it might be tough for Blaney to make the Championship 4 on points, it could be more about the other changes to the playoff standings. The following post from X has the changes in the point standings (new total on the left side, old total on the right side).
I’m not sure that Ryan Blaney will make the Championship 4 on points, even after the reversal, but it does change the cut-line.
2) Byron: +9 (+11)
3) Hamlin: +2 (+4)
4) Truex Jr.: +2 (+3)
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5) Bell: -2 (-3)
6) Reddick: -16 (-15)
7) Blaney: -17 (-56)
8) Buescher: -23— Austin Konenski (@AustinKonenski) October 16, 2023
Christopher Bell appears to be the biggest winner, outside of Blaney, from NASCAR’s decision. Bell closed the gap by one to two points on almost everyone while the rest lost ground. In fact, William Byron and Denny Hamlin each lost two points as they were the biggest losers. Whether Blaney makes the Championship 4 or not, the playoffs are absolutely affected by the error.
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