Ryan Blaney faces major Chase points gap despite rebound at Kansas

Ryan Blaney produced one of the strongest drives through the field Sunday, climbing from 25th to fifth at Kansas Speedway. With qualifying canceled because of weather, Blaney was forced to begin deep in the field despite entering Kansas firmly in the championship conversation.

The Team Penske driver reached 10th by the end of Stage 1 and improved to seventh in Stage 2. Blaney continued advancing throughout the final portion of the race and took the checkered flag fifth, gaining 20 positions from his starting spot while completing all 267 laps.

Blaney collected 37 points but lost ground to Larson in the championship because of the No. 5 team’s dominant afternoon. He leaves Kansas fifth in the Chase standings with 2,191 points, 91 behind Larson. The top-five finish kept Blaney among the leading championship contenders, although the deficit has grown considerably with six races left.

This article originally appeared on Motorsports Wire: Ryan Blaney faces major Chase points gap despite rebound at Kansas