There’s a new favorite to win the Daytona 500 — and it’s not William Byron. Instead, all eyes are now on Ryan Blaney, who has quietly surged to the top of the odds board heading into the Great American Race.
Blaney’s superspeedway résumé speaks for itself. The Team Penske driver has consistently been one of the most aggressive and strategic racers in the draft, with multiple wins at Daytona and Talladega. His ability to read runs, manage air, and position himself late in the race has made him a perennial threat whenever the Cup Series visits a drafting track.
While Byron remains a strong contender — especially given Hendrick Motorsports’ recent speed — Blaney’s recent performances in the Duel races and preseason testing have turned heads across the garage. Insiders point to the balance and straight-line speed of the No. 12 Ford as a key advantage, particularly in long green-flag runs where track position is everything.
Beyond raw speed, Blaney brings patience and experience, two traits that often determine who survives the late-race chaos at Daytona. With momentum on his side and Penske’s drafting allies lining up behind him, the 2023 Cup champion enters Speedweeks with growing confidence.
If the race comes down to timing and nerve on the final lap, Ryan Blaney may be the man everyone is chasing.
