NASCAR drivers know that racing isn’t just about raw skill—it’s also about a little bit of luck. In a sport as dangerous and unpredictable as NASCAR, drivers often turn to superstitions and rituals to give them an edge and keep them grounded before heading out onto the track. For Ryan Blaney, the 2023 Cup Series champion, his pre-race routine is a personal ritual that he sticks to religiously. The question is: does this ritual truly give him an advantage, or is it just another superstition?
Blaney, known for his laid-back yet competitive demeanor, shared his ritual in an interview with Chipotle, revealing the intricate steps he takes before each race: “I have to get in the car the same way every time. So, ear buds, helmet, get in, line belt, left shoulder, right shoulder, crotch belt, gloves on, steering wheel on, ready to go.” He also mentioned a curious superstition: “$50 bills are bad luck in racing. I don’t know why, I was just told this by Richard Petty.”
Superstitions and Racing: A Long-Standing Tradition
Blaney’s ritual isn’t just about habit—it’s rooted in NASCAR’s rich history of superstitions. From the “lucky” green color to the myth surrounding peanut shells in the garage, NASCAR drivers have long relied on quirky beliefs to help them feel in control of their fate. Interestingly, the green color, once considered a bad omen due to Gaston Chevrolet’s tragic accident, has been embraced by several modern drivers like Darrell Waltrip, Kyle Busch, and Tyler Reddick, who have all turned it into a symbol of good fortune after achieving big wins.
As for Blaney, his steadfast adherence to the $50 bill superstition may seem odd to outsiders, but it’s part of the ritual that helps him stay focused. It’s a psychological tool as much as it is a superstition, creating a sense of control and consistency in a sport filled with chaos. “I like to think that it helps me stay grounded,” Blaney has said. “The ritual is my way of controlling what I can control.”
Blaney’s Momentum Heading into 2025
Blaney’s 7th-place finish in the 2025 Daytona 500, after a strong performance and leading the first two stages, shows that his ritual might not be too far off the mark. While many expected him to challenge for the win, the unpredictable nature of the Daytona 500 left him with a result that, while not a victory, still gives him momentum heading into the next race. For Blaney, the disappointment of not winning could have been worse, and his solid performance at the “Great American Race” sets the stage for a promising season ahead.
Looking ahead to the Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Blaney has all the tools to be a favorite for the win. Last season, he was involved in a thrilling battle for the win at Atlanta, narrowly missing out to Daniel Suarez in a dramatic 3-wide finish. With a strong team behind him at Team Penske, where Blaney and teammate Joey Logano have dominated over the years, the odds are looking good for the #12 driver to add another victory to his collection.
Does Ryan Blaney’s Ritual Give Him an Edge?
So, do Blaney’s rituals give him an edge, or is it all just superstition? It’s hard to say definitively, but there’s something to be said for a driver who has found a way to mentally prepare himself for the intense challenges of NASCAR racing. Whether it’s his attention to detail in his pre-race routine or his reliance on certain superstitions, Blaney’s consistency and focus on controlling the controllable have proven successful.
As the 2025 season unfolds, fans and competitors alike will be keeping an eye on whether Blaney can continue to build on his momentum from Daytona and claim another victory. His ritual might just be the key to unlocking his full potential—though, as NASCAR has proven time and time again, anything can happen when you’re racing at over 200 mph.
