NASCAR All-Star Race: Ryan Blaney backs much-scrutinized pit crew ahead of Pit Crew Challenge

NASCAR star Ryan Blaney has backed his pit crew to perform at this week's All-Star Race festivities after a tough season.

The No. 12 crew were under the spotlight ten races into the season as the team which had lost by far the most places on pit road, with Blaney consistently having to fight back up through the field and retake those lost spots.

Sweeping personnel changes were suggested externally, but the pit crew remains mostly recognisable from the start of the season as they head into this weekend's festivities.

One of the few times that pit crews have a chance to be center-stage in a Cup season, the Pit Crew Challenge during Saturday's qualifying is not only vital for determining pit stall selection for the All-Star Race, but comes with a $100,000 prize and a trophy.

Blaney backs under-fire crew

Speaking to media including Oval Insider this week, Blaney backed his crew to show out at the Dover event, insisting: “I feel like those guys have made a lot of improvements.

"We made some changes on our group a few weeks ago and they seem to be gelling really well. I feel like they’ve had a really good last few weeks and just getting their confidence to where it needs to be.

"Confidence is a huge thing not only on the racetrack and stuff like that, but those guys too. How do you get them back because I know those guys can be up there with the best."

No extra reps for Blaney pit crew ahead of All-Star Race

"As far as extra reps this week? Not really. Those guys practice the same every week. They’re in there practicing a few days a week and kind of refining their stuff. With the Glen last week of backward pit stops, they have to switch back into normalcy, which they’re very good at and very used to.

"I look forward to seeing what those guys can do. That’s a big part of the qualifying. Obviously, there’s the lap and getting to pit road and leaving pit road, but that’s a big chunk of time is on pit road to where those guys can really shine, so I’m looking forward to seeing what those guys can do.

"They’re really excited for it and for showing everybody else what they can do. I’ve got their back 100 percent of the way, so I can’t wait to see what they’ve got.”

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