RIDING WITH … Dave Blaney

Last race: The Buckeye Bullet started 26th in the Crown Royal 400 at Richmond last Saturday but managed to run just eight laps before an accident finished his day and he finished in last place. Blaney took a family vacation for the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway and is expected back in the No. 66 Toyota today.

Season to date: The Hartford native sits in 45th place in the NASCAR Sprint Cup standings.

This weekend: Blaney, as usual, must attempt to qualify on time because his owner, Phil Parsons, isn’t in the top 35 in owner standings. Qualifying for the Southern 500 in Darlington (S.C.) is today at 5 p.m.

Staff report