RIDING WITH … Dave Blaney

Sunday: The Hartford native had a disappointing day at Atlanta Motor Speedway, finishing 41st in the Pep Boys Auto 500. Blaney got as high as 22nd place before he got was collected in a five-car accident in Turn 3 of lap 304.

Year to date: Despite Sunday’s low finish, Blaney remained in 31st place in the Sprint Cup Series standings. He’s 28 points behind Reed Sorenson.

Next: NASCAR’s top series heads to Fort Worth, Texas, for the Dickies 500 next Sunday. There’s just three races remaining in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship. The green flag is scheduled to drop at Texas Motor Speedway at 3:30 p.m.

Staff report