The No. 12 Team Penske Ford has undeniable speed, but a recurring pit road problem is threatening to derail Ryan Blaney's championship aspirations. Despite consistently fielding one of the fastest cars this season, Blaney's crew has hemorrhaged track position, losing nearly 100 combined spots on pit road in 2025 alone.

This issue was glaringly evident at Bristol Motor Speedway. Blaney, showcasing his car's raw pace, drove back to the front repeatedly after losing spots on every stop. He held the late-race lead until a caution created a no-win scenario for crew chief Jonathan Hassler. The decision to pit from the lead ultimately allowed Ty Gibbs to seize his first career Cup Series victory.

While Hassler publicly supports his over-the-wall crew, stating they "have a lot of potential" and "followed through" under pressure, a voice from within the Penske family suggests deeper concerns. Former No. 12 tire changer Ryan Flores, speaking on the Stacking Pennies podcast, offered a blunt assessment: "Now look, they have zero confidence... It’s gotta get better. We can’t hide."

For a driver and team of this caliber, contending for wins requires excellence in every facet—from the driver's suit to the final lug nut. The current pit road performance is a glaring weakness that even Blaney's exceptional talent behind the wheel can't always overcome. As the season progresses, the pressure mounts for the No. 12 crew to find the consistency and confidence needed to convert their car's speed into trophies.