Team Penske Faces Tire Troubles in Kansas NASCAR Cup Practice




Team Penske experienced a challenging practice session for the NASCAR Cup Series at Kansas Speedway, with both Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano encountering tire-related problems. This comes after a dominant showing at New Hampshire, highlighting an unexpected hurdle for the team as they prepare for the upcoming race.
During the practice session, Ryan Blaney's No. 12 Team Penske Ford suffered a tire blowout after completing just four laps, leading to a collision with the Turn 2 outside wall. Although Blaney was unharmed, the incident necessitates a switch to a backup car, meaning he will start the race from the rear of the field. Blaney reported that he received no warning before the tire gave out, suggesting the issue might stem from aggressive air pressures, a known problem at Kansas Speedway earlier in the season.
Further compounding Team Penske's woes, Joey Logano, a three-time and reigning champion, also experienced a flat right-rear tire later in the same practice. Fortunately, Logano was able to slow his vehicle without crashing, attributing the issue to a sudden change in handling. He will proceed with a tire change and vehicle adjustments, hoping for improved performance.
As a safety measure, Austin Cindric, the third driver for Team Penske, did not participate in the rest of the practice session. Despite his caution, Cindric later hit the wall during qualifying, though he still managed to be the highest-qualifying Penske driver in 26th. Logano will start 35th, and Blaney, due to his practice crash and use of a backup car, will begin the race from 37th position.
These repeated tire failures present a significant concern for Team Penske as they navigate the Kansas Speedway event, raising questions about tire strategies and car setups. The team will need to thoroughly analyze the data from practice to prevent further issues and ensure their drivers can compete effectively in the main race.