For a driver to win, his pit crew must excel; if not, no matter how good he is on track, things will be tough for him. These words may sound simple, but behind them lies the harsh reality of Ryan Blaney’s No. 12 Team Penske crew. This performance gap has not gone unnoticed, and NASCAR fans and experts alike have been quick to point it out. However, it was Kevin Harvick who recently said the quiet part out loud about Team Penske’s glaring deficit.
Harvick, the 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion, is known for his blunt and honest opinions. In a recent interview, he did not hold back when asked about Team Penske’s struggles this season. He stated, “I think the biggest thing that stands out to me is the fact that the No. 12 car has been really good, and the No. 2 and No. 22 have not been as good as they have been in the past.”
Harvick’s comments may have come as a surprise to some, but they are not unfounded. The No. 12 car, driven by Ryan Blaney, has been the standout performer for Team Penske this season. Blaney has two wins and is currently sitting in fourth place in the points standings. On the other hand, the No. 2 car, driven by Brad Keselowski, and the No. 22 car, driven by Joey Logano, have yet to find victory lane and are sitting in seventh and ninth place respectively.
So, what is causing this performance gap within Team Penske? Harvick believes it comes down to the pit crew. He stated, “I think the pit crew has been the biggest difference in the performance of those three cars. When you look at the No. 12 car, they have been really solid on pit road. The No. 2 and No. 22 have not been as good.”
Harvick’s comments may seem harsh, but they are not meant to criticize the pit crew members themselves. Pit stops are a team effort, and any mistake or miscommunication can have a significant impact on a driver’s race. It is clear that the pit crews for the No. 2 and No. 22 cars have not been performing at the same level as the No. 12 crew, and it is affecting the overall performance of the team.
However, it is not all doom and gloom for Team Penske. They have a history of success in NASCAR, with multiple championships and race wins under their belt. They also have a strong driver lineup, with all three drivers being previous champions. This performance gap is not a reflection of their talent or dedication, but rather an area that needs improvement.
Team Penske has acknowledged the issue and is working towards a solution. In a recent statement, they said, “We are aware of the performance gap between the No. 12 and the No. 2 and No. 22 teams. We are working closely with all three teams to identify the areas of improvement and make the necessary changes to close the gap.”
It is clear that Team Penske is not taking this performance gap lightly. They are a competitive team, and they will do whatever it takes to get back to their winning ways. This is a team that has faced challenges before and has come out on top. They have the resources, the talent, and the determination to overcome this hurdle.
As for Ryan Blaney, he is not letting the performance gap affect his own performance on the track. He has been consistently running up front and contending for wins. He knows that his pit crew has been performing at a high level, and he trusts them to continue doing so. Blaney is focused on his own race and is not letting the struggles of his teammates affect him.
In conclusion, Kevin Harvick may have said the quiet part out loud about Team Penske’s glaring deficit, but it is a reality that the team is aware of and working to fix. The pit crew is a crucial part of a driver’s success, and Team Penske knows that they need to excel in order for their drivers to win. With their determination and drive, it is only a matter of time before Team Penske is back on top.