RIDING WITH … Dave Blaney

Sunday: The Hartford native started 41st (qualifying based on owners’ points because he didn’t qualify on time) and finished 35th at the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard in Indianapolis Sunday. Blaney did earn five bonus points for leading one lap during the race and finished on the lead lap.

Season to date: Blaney moved up one spot in the Sprint Cup standings, to 30th, overtaking Reed Sorenson. Blaney is just 10 points behind Robby Gordon for 29th spot.

Up next: NASCAR’s top series returns to Long Pond, Pa., for the Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway, Aug. 3. Television coverage on ESPN begins at 1 p.m. with the green flag scheduled to drop at 2.

The Vindicator, NASCAR.com