Ryan Blaney goes off on “absolute f***ing idiot” during Daytona 500

If it wasn’t for some heads-up driving by the entire field, there would have been a massive crash at the end of Stage 1 of the Daytona 500.

AJ Allmendinger was getting caught by the leaders and decided to stay in the middle of the track, despite being slower by about 10-20 mph.

Ryan Blaney, in particular, was irate at Allmendinger for his move. Over his radio, Blaney called Allmendinger “the stupidest race car driver ever,” and an “absolute f***ing idiot.”

Allmendinger is no doubt going to be the most hated driver of the early part of the race, but in his mind, the juice was worth the squeeze. Allmendinger knew that if he remained in contact with the leaders for another lap or two, he would win the free pass and get back on the lead lap. As @nascarman_rr pointed out, Ross Chastain did something similar at the end of Stage 1 at Talladega last year to remain on the lead lap. Chastain wound up winning that race.

Brad Keselowski wound up taking advantage of the bottom lane being held up and won Stage 1. Bubba Wallace, who hit the wall after a bump from Martin Truex Jr., remained a lap down due to Allmendinger’s move.