Ryan Branny feels his “silly decision” has sacrificed him the possibility of his first victory in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series, held in Texas on Sunday.
Penske Driver Blaney was one of the front runners who were interrupted by several caution periods at the end of the 400-mile Texas race.
During a very important reopening at Lap 244, he chose to take the inner line behind Kyle Larson.
This was just one of several cases after reboot periods when Blaney failed to take advantage of his starting position.
Then 2023 Cup Series champion Branny blamed his own error for the victory he felt he had escaped from his hand.
“When I didn’t choose outside, 71 (McDowell) took the lead and couldn’t get it back,” he said.
“The driver just isn’t working on a stupid decision. I’m grateful that 12 cars were fast. There’s nothing we can do now.
Describing his choices in the reboot of Lap 244, Branny added: “The top wasn’t good at all. It was pretty dirty. And there’s a shot to do it at once and don’t do it, the guy (McDowell) gets the lead.
“So I just didn’t do a good job. And then it was tough to get it. I couldn’t get a good push and wander around with them on (turns) 3 and 4.”
Blaney’s podium was still notable given that he started from 24th on the grid at #12 Penske Ford.
He continued his hunt for victory from finish to 10 laps while standing side by side with McDowell’s #71 Spirit Chevrolet.
However, he quickly stopped behind teammate Logano, then passed McDowell on four laps to earn his first victory of the season.
Branny was also able to quickly overtake McDowell, but the latter crash prompted another period of caution and worked overtime in the race.
It was the final resumption that the 31-year-old fell to third place behind Chastain’s #1 Chevrolet.
Describing his climb to third place, Branny said:
“We’re just a passing car, so no, it was good and I thought our car was really good. I couldn’t control the race.
“So, overall, a proud day, a fast car, and hopefully moving forward. We’ve had speed all year round, so it’s good that (Pensuke) got a car in Victory Lane over the last few weeks.
