Ryan Blaney Reaches High Mark in NextGen Era of NASCAR Cup Series

BRISTOL, Tenn. — Ryan Blaney became the fourth driver to reach 1,000 laps led in a single NASCAR Cup Series season in the NextGen era, dating back to 2022. Despite the race not ending the way he wanted it to, even after the checkered flag flew, Blaney led 202 laps Saturday night at Bristol Motor Speedway to amass 1,031 laps led this season. Blaney is the first driver to eclipse 1,000 laps led in the 2026 season. In the first season of the NextGen car, 2022, no one reached 1,000 l