NASCAR team Penske has been dealt a significant blow ahead of the Kansas playoff race, with all three of their cars set to start from the rear of the field. According to NASCAR, Ryan Blaney, Joey Logano, and Austin Cindric will all be forced to begin the Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway from the back due to various issues.
Blaney, driving the No. 12 Ford, was forced to switch to a backup car after hitting the outside wall during practice due to a deflated tire. Although this may pose a challenge, Blaney has already secured his spot in the Round of 8 following his win at New Hampshire.
Reigning Cup champion Joey Logano also experienced tire problems during practice, with a right-rear tire going flat. While he managed to avoid an accident, the issue likely caused damage to the underbody of the car, resulting in a disappointing 35th-place qualifying result.
The third Penske driver, Austin Cindric, currently sits 19 points below the cutoff line for the playoffs. The decision by NASCAR to send all three Penske cars to the rear will undoubtedly make their task more difficult.
Ryan Blaney has had a successful 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, achieving three wins and 17 top-ten finishes in 30 events. He has led 647 laps and started from the front row twice, with an average finishing position of 14.17.
In a recent interview, Blaney shared his thoughts on a potential 36-race playoff format, stating that he is focused on racing and will adapt to any format. He defended the legitimacy of champions crowned under the playoff system, emphasizing that they are just as valid as those who won under the old format.
The Penske team will need to overcome the setback of starting from the rear to achieve a strong result in the Kansas playoff race. With their skills and experience, they will be looking to make the most of the situation and make their way up the field. The outcome of the race will be crucial in determining the next steps for the team in the playoff standings.
