Column: Blaney steps into leadership role at Team Penske
Ryan Blaney nears the finish line and the checkered flag, winng the NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/David Graham)

Ryan Blaney nears the finish line and the checkered flag, winng the NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/David Graham)

Aug. 28, 2021 11:33 PM EDT
Ryan Blaney stands by the trophy after winning the NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Ryan Blaney stands by the trophy after winning the NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Aug. 28, 2021 11:58 PM EDT
Ryan Blaney celebrates his win after the NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Michigan International Speedway, Sunday, Aug. 22, 2021, in Brooklyn, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Ryan Blaney celebrates his win after the NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Michigan International Speedway, Sunday, Aug. 22, 2021, in Brooklyn, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Aug. 22, 2021 06:35 PM EDT
Ryan Blaney stands next to the winner's trophy after the NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Michigan International Speedway, Sunday, Aug. 22, 2021, in Brooklyn, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Ryan Blaney stands next to the winner's trophy after the NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Michigan International Speedway, Sunday, Aug. 22, 2021, in Brooklyn, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Aug. 22, 2021 06:33 PM EDT
Ryan Blaney, left, celebrates in Victory Lane with crew members after winning the NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Ryan Blaney, left, celebrates in Victory Lane with crew members after winning the NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Aug. 28, 2021 11:33 PM EDT