Ryan Blaney, the rising star in the NASCAR Cup Series, is on a mission to turn his dreams into reality at the prestigious Indianapolis Motor Speedway alongside the legendary Roger Penske. After securing his first NASCAR Cup Series Championship in 2023 with Team Penske, Blaney expressed his eagerness to celebrate a potential victory at Indianapolis, a moment he describes as a “dream come true.”
In a recent interview with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Blaney highlighted the significance of sharing the iconic “kissing the bricks” tradition with none other than Roger Penske himself. The young driver’s list of achievements is impressive, with multiple wins in a single year, a remarkable victory at the Coca-Cola 600 in 2023, and consistent performances that have seen him qualify for the playoffs and the Championship 4 in consecutive years.
Blaney’s success on the track is undeniable, boasting 14 or more top-10 finishes each season since 2017 and leading thousands of laps. His triumphs at various NASCAR tracks, including Iowa Speedway, Pocono Raceway, Talladega Superspeedway, and Martinsville Speedway, solidify his position as a formidable contender in the sport.
Amidst his pursuit of glory, Blaney addressed critics who undermine championships won under the current playoff format, labeling them as “Mickey Mouse” titles. Defending the integrity of the playoff system, the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Champion emphasized that all drivers start on a level playing field at the beginning of the season, dismissing claims of diminished significance.
In response to comparisons with the old full-season points format, Blaney dismissed the relevance of such debates, pointing out that NASCAR has evolved, and the current playoff system has been in place for over two decades. His determination to succeed and his unwavering belief in the legitimacy of his achievements make Ryan Blaney a force to be reckoned with on the NASCAR circuit.
