Ryan Blaney: From Misjudging Destiny to Stock Car Dominance
In a jaw-dropping turn of events, Ryan Blaney, the powerhouse behind Team Penske’s 2022 victory streak, has revealed a shocking revelation about a critical moment in his career that almost derailed his destiny. Hailing from Mooresville, North Carolina, Blaney and Team Penske were recently hailed by their town for their extraordinary success in American stock car racing. However, amidst the celebrations, Blaney took a trip down memory lane to a fateful day at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway that left him fearing the worst.
Back in 2015, a young Blaney was behind the wheel of the #22 Ford for Team Penske in the Xfinity Series when he delivered a stellar performance, clinching second place at the Pennzoil 250. Despite his impressive feat, the future Cup Series champion was consumed by dread, believing that falling short of victory that day would cost him his shot at a long-term partnership with Team Penske. In a candid confession, Blaney admitted, “I blew a race at Indy, a Nationwide race in 2015. Last lap, Kyle Busch goes on, wins the race and I’m like ‘Oh my god, I just lost at Indy for Roger, like I’m canned, I’m done.'”
However, what followed shattered Blaney’s misconceptions as he received an unexpected call from Team Penske’s owner, Roger Penske, who offered words of encouragement and support. “He called me that night and was like a pretty cool moment of just like reassurance, like you know, ‘We believe in you. You’re gonna make mistakes, that’s how you learn,’ things like that,” Blaney recounted. This pivotal moment not only salvaged Blaney’s career but propelled him towards an illustrious journey with Team Penske.
Since joining Team Penske’s elite Cup Series roster, Blaney has clinched an impressive 12 race wins and a coveted Cup Series title in the #12 Ford. While narrowly missing out on defending his title last season to teammate Joey Logano, Blaney has continued to showcase his prowess on the track, currently holding the fifth spot in the driver standings for this season. With notable finishes at Texas and Kansas, where he secured third place in both races, Blaney’s tenacity and skill are undeniable.
Amidst the racing fervor, Blaney also weighed in on the prospect of NASCAR hosting a points race at the historic North Wilkesboro track, following the buzz around the recent All-Star Race held at the venue. Expressing his openness to the idea, Blaney stated, “I know people have been talking about wanting to make it a points race, um, and me, I could—I’m cool with it either way, you know. If you want to put it on the schedule for a points race, great. If you want to keep it this that’s awesome too.” Embracing the nostalgia and significance of racing at North Wilkesboro, Blaney’s adaptable stance reflects his respect for the sport’s heritage.
As anticipation mounts for the upcoming Coke 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, NASCAR enthusiasts are gearing up for a thrilling showdown on May 25th at 6 PM ET. With Blaney’s meteoric rise and unwavering determination, the racing world is undoubtedly in for a riveting ride as the season unfolds.