Ryan Blaney wasn’t supposed to win that day. Not with two DNFs in the last four races. Not against those two champions. But on a slick June afternoon at Pocono in 2017, the No. 21 Ford refused to quit, and Blaney carved out the first major moment of his Cup career.

• Kyle Busch dominated the day, leading over 100 laps, but Blaney chased him down and passed him with 10 to go.
• Then came Harvick — relentless, experienced, and hungry. Could the 23-year-old keep him behind?
• After two DNFs and four finishes outside the top 30 in a five-race stretch, Blaney had to deliver.
• The win wasn’t just personal — it locked in the first playoff berth in Wood Brothers Racing history.

This wasn’t a fluke. It was grit, timing, and a team working until the very last pit stop to make the car come alive. Blaney didn’t just win, he held off two of the best in the sport to do it. And it kickstarted a run that took him all the way to Penske and eventually, a Cup championship. Where were you when Blaney broke through at Pocono? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

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