Blaney and Wood Brothers return to Pocono with "more confidence"

But there remains plenty of work at his current home, the Wood Brothers.

Blaney, with a victory last month at Pocono Raceway, has already secured a spot in the 2017 playoffs and a return trip this weekend offers a golden opportunity to improve his championship position.

“It’s been special to be with two of the most iconic teams and owners in NASCAR. That’s been pretty great to be a part of and get to know the history of each team, from the Wood Brothers to the Penske side,” Blaney said.

“I’ve been really lucky to drive for two great teams and get to know some great families and great people along the way. Kind of growing up in the sport, I looked up to teams like this: the Wood Brothers and the Penske organization.

“To drive for them is definitely something that I would always want to do as a kid. It’s really nice to be able to be in a spot to do that.”

A victory in Sunday’s race would be the 100th Cup series win for the Wood Brothers and the first season-sweep of the track since Dale Earnhardt Jr. won both Pocono races in the 2014 season. Blaney could also become the first Ford driver to accomplish the feat since Bill Elliott in 1985.

“I don’t feel any different going into this race than last time. Just another race track,” he said. “Maybe we have a little more confidence and brings back a lot of memories.” 

In his June victory, Blaney took the lead with 10 of 160 laps remaining after passing Kyle Busch and then had to hold off a charge from veteran Kevin Harvick to secure the win.

Blaney’s crew chief, Jeremy Bullins, knows success in June doesn’t necessarily mean anything in July.

“Having won there in June, we have a pretty good notebook on Pocono. But every race is different and tracks change during the course of a race due to weather conditions and rubber buildup, so you’re always seeing new situations and adding to the notebook,” he said.

“There are, however, some constants at Pocono. They are the three different corners that make set-up a challenge and the fact that fuel mileage and pit strategy are critical to a good result. We did alright back in June and came away with a win.

“We’ll need to do it again this weekend.”