Getty
FORT WORTH, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 27: Ryan Blaney participates in a radio interview during Media Day at Texas Motor Speedway on February 27, 2019 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Ryan Blaney, Team Penske driver, has shared his personal ranking of NASCAR’s “Crown Jewel” races. In a SiriusXM NASCAR Radio interview, Blaney placed the Coca-Cola 600 at the top, followed by the Southern 500, Daytona 500, and Brickyard 400.
This unconventional order has sparked debate among fans and analysts. Blaney emphasized that his ranking comes from personal experience and the physical and mental demands of each race.
For him, the Coca-Cola 600 is the ultimate test of endurance and skill, starting in daylight and ending at night, pushing drivers to their limits.
Ryan Blaney’s Personal Crown Jewel List
“To me personally, there are four crown jewels,” Ryan Blaney said. “Daytona, Darlington [Southern 500], Coke 600, and Indy [Brickyard 400]. It has always been in my mind.”
His order differs from traditional fan and media views. Many expect the Daytona 500 to be the top race. But Ryan Blaney sees the Coca-Cola 600 as the toughest challenge.
He explained why the 600-mile race stands out. “It starts in the day and ends at night,” he said. “You are physically exhausted. Your brain is worn out. Winning that race is really tough. When we won it a couple of years ago, it was a major test.”
The length, intensity, and changing conditions make it uniquely grueling.
Blaney’s ranking highlights his perspective as a driver. He experiences these races firsthand. The Southern 500 follows the Coca-Cola 600 in his list. He praised its history and difficulty. “Darlington is just hard. Every lap, every corner, it challenges you,” he said.
Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400
Surprisingly, Blaney ranked the Daytona 500 third. He admitted this could upset fans. “It doesn’t matter if it’s number one, two, three, or four,” he said. “I am going to get flack for it. That is just the way it goes.”
Even though the Daytona 500 is considered NASCAR’s premier event and the season opener, Blaney values the unique challenges of the longer Coca-Cola 600 more.
The Brickyard 400 rounds out his list. Known for its history at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, it’s a must-win for any driver. Blaney acknowledged that all four races are difficult to conquer. “All these races are hard,” he said. “It’s my personal ranking system of races. That’s where I’ve always thought.”
Why These Races Matter
The term “Crown Jewel” refers to NASCAR’s most historic and prestigious events. Traditionally, these include the Daytona 500, Coca-Cola 600, and Southern 500, with the Brickyard 400 also recognized. Winning any of them is a major career milestone.
Blaney’s ranking underscores the physical, mental, and strategic demands of each race. While the Daytona 500 is often celebrated as the “Super Bowl of NASCAR,” the Coca-Cola 600 stands out for its endurance test. It challenges drivers in ways other races cannot.
Blaney’s perspective offers fans a glimpse into the complexities behind these marquee events, showing that driver experience can reshape how we view NASCAR’s most iconic races.
For Ryan Blaney, the ranking of his Crown Jewel isn’t about fan opinion. It’s about effort, skill, and the grueling nature of racing at the highest level.
His top choice, the Coca-Cola 600, demonstrates that stamina, strategy, and resilience define a true “Crown Jewel” in NASCAR.
Dogli Wilberforce Dogli Wilberforce is a sports writer covering football, basketball, MMA, and other trending sports stories for outlets including Total Apex Sports, and Last Word on Sports. He has built a reputation for delivering timely, engaging coverage that blends sharp analysis with accessible storytelling. Wilberforce has covered everything from major football transfers to fight-night drama, bringing readers the insight and context behind the headlines. More about Dogli Wilberforce
More Heavy on NASCAR
Loading more stories