RIDING WITH … Dave Blaney

By David Skolnick, Chuck Housteau, Ed Runyan, John Kovach, Jordan Cohen | May 3, 2008 at 12:00a.m.

Friday night: The Hartford native will be back in the car for a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. After failing to qualify, Blaney will start in 17th position for the Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400, which is tonight in Richmond, Va. His qualifying continues what has been a streak of strong runs at this track for Blaney; in his last six races he has an average finish of 21.5.

Next: The Sprint Cup Series heads to Darlington, S.C., for the Dodge Challenger 500 May 10.