NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. (AP) — Ryan Blaney is hoping to turn a hot streak into history.The 2023 Cup Series champion is hitting his stride with eight straight top 10 finishes, including a win last week at Atlanta. That gives him plenty of momentum heading into Sunday night’s much-hyped historic return to North Wilkesboro Speedway for the track’s first championship points race in 30 years.The .625-mile track sat dormant, covered with overgrown bushes and weeds, for nearly a quarter century before being refurbished to host the NASCAR All-Star Race from 2023-25.“I’ve enjoyed coming here the last few years for the All-Star race and I was excited when they announced that there was going to be a points race here,” said Blaney, who will start on the pole based on metrics after heavy rains washed out qualifying on Saturday. “I feel like this place has done a really good job of revitalizing it, and the facilities. It’s going to be a good show.”Blaney and his No. 12 Ford Mustang were dominant last week leading 171 of 263 laps, capturing all stage points to move into third place in the Cup standings. He is currently just 65 points behind points leader Denny Hamlin.
Blaney came out on a top after a three-wide battle with Bubba Wallace and Christopher Bell on the final lap of overtime in a race that ended after midnight Sunday because of weather.Blaney is favored to win (+500) again this week. That leaves him ahead of Hamlin and Bell (both +500), Kyle Larson (+900) and Tyler Reddick (+1000), according to Las Vegas sportsbooks.
