Blaney Battles Tires for Top-10 Finish in PASS South Season Opener at Anderson

The #10 was quick in Anderson.

Ryan Blaney worked his way through a strong field of Super Late Models to take the top spot on lap 56 in Saturday night’s PASS South season opening Electric City 150 at Anderson Motor Speedway (SC).  Blaney’s #10 looked to be the car to beat before tire wear issues dethroned him from the lead just before the 100-lap mark and relegated him to a ninth-place finish.

After qualifying fifth and redrawing the ninth starting spot, Blaney worked his way up to the top spot and opened a substantial lead.

“We had a good car in the beginning,” said Blaney.  “I just worked my way up and when we got to the lead I pulled out a good bit.  After the caution came out, I was able to get a good lead on the restart and I tried to take it easy.”

Unfortunately for Blaney, it wasn’t quite easy enough and the treacherous Williamston, South Carolina track did a number on his rubber.  By lap 98 the field had caught Blaney and he fell from the top spot.

“I just burned the right rear tire off of it,” explained Blaney.  “I didn’t think I did.  I thought I was running easy enough to be good.  I really thought I had done enough to keep it under me, but I guess I just ran too hard and burned my stuff up too early.

“My crew chief, Shane, and the guys did a great job all day getting us fast,” said Blaney.  “I can’t thank them enough.  Now we’ll just go one and get them at the next one.”

Next up for Blaney will be the next event of the 2011 PASS South season at Dillon Motor Speedway (SC) on March 26th.