Multiple drivers took a hit in the Chase for the NASCAR Cup Series championship standings due to brake issues in Sunday's Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway Gateway.
MADISON, Ill. -- Multiple drivers took a hit in the Chase for the NASCAR Cup Series championship standings due to brake issues in Sunday's Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway Gateway.
Ryan Blaney
Entering turn one on lap 155 of 240, Blaney was running sixth when a brake rotor blew and sent him into the wall. The blown rotor, alone, ended his day and sent him to the garage.
"Yep I'm fine. Brakes. Thank you," Blaney said.
Immediately before the incident, Blaney hadn't reported any issues. However, earlier in the race, he reported his brakes were getting soft but not urgently enough to put the team on notice before the crash.
Blaney's day wasn't all for naught. He finished fourth in each stage, earning 14 bonus points that kept him from sinking further in the standings.
Chase Elliott and Chase Briscoe
Entering the exact same turn while racing for the exact same position as Blaney but 59 laps later, Chase Elliott blew a brake rotor and crashed into Chase Briscoe.
The Chases each earned six stage points before the crash took them out of the race.
No Strangers to Brake Issues
Blaney and Elliott weren't the only drivers with brake issues in Sunday's race. In fact, Blaney wasn't even the only Ford driver to crash out of the race with brake issues.
Within 10 laps to go in the second stage, Zane Smith blew a brake rotor right in front of leader Kyle Larson. While Larson avoided hitting him, Smith couldn't avoid a heavy, driver's side impact with the outside wall in turn one.
Smith's team reportedly said he was alert and awake after the crash. However, they weren't making a statement at that time.
Later in the race, on lap 199, Smith's teammate, Noah Gragson, blew a brake rotor. However, he rode the wall and avoided a massive impact like Smith had Sunday and Gragson had in 2023. The 2023 impact sidelined him for a race with a concussion.
Blaney and Elliott weren't even the only Chase drivers with brake issues. Under caution on lap 179, Daniel Suarez reported the brakes were going to the floor.
Bristol Motor Speedway is next. In the spring, Ty Gibbs edged out Blaney for the win after Blaney had the best car in the closing laps of the race. Gibbs and Blaney, along with Kyle Larson, have been the standout drivers at the half-mile short track lately. However, Blaney has never won a Cup race there in his career.
The Bass Pro Shops Bristol Night Race is set for Sept. 19, just after 7:30 p.m. ET on USA Sports and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
