Ryan Blaney Wins NASCAR Championship at Martinsville

Ryan Blaney secured his spot in the NASCAR Cup Series Championship finale with a victory at Martinsville Speedway, marking his second consecutive win at the venue. Blaney passed Chase Elliott with 15 laps remaining, showcasing a strong performance despite a challenging race. The post-race drama centered around Christopher Bell, whose last-lap pass of William Byron was deemed illegal after a lengthy review, resulting in Byron earning the final championship slot. Blaney expressed his excitement for another title shot, stating, "To have another shot at the championship is really special," as he prepares to compete at Phoenix Raceway. The ruling on Bell's maneuver was crucial for Hendrick Motorsports, ensuring that at least one of their drivers would be in the championship fight. Blaney will compete against Penske teammate Joey Logano, Tyler Reddick, and Byron for the title next week.