Ryan Blaney Homecoming: Eau Claire was transformed into a city of champions as the reigning NASCAR Cup Series titleholder, Ryan Blaney, brought his championship tour to the Pablo Center on Thursday night.
In a free event held at the Pablo Center, a celebratory gathering was organized to honor Ryan Blaney’s remarkable achievement in clinching the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series championship. Enthusiastic fans flocked to the venue, eager to meet Blaney and his Menards Racing teammates, Austin Cindric, Brandon Jones, and Matt Crafton. Attendees seized the opportunity to snap photos, secure autographs, and marvel at Blaney’s championship-winning car, alongside the Cup Series championship trophy displayed for all to admire.
Blaney, sponsored primarily by Menards, secured his inaugural Cup Series title at Phoenix Raceway last week, marking a historic milestone for Menards as a primary sponsor.
Notably absent from the Cup Series circuit in Wisconsin, both fans and Blaney reveled in the chance to celebrate within the town’s confines.
“It’s really cool to see someone coming to Wisconsin like this, it’s really cool,” remarked Justin Getschel, a native of Balsam Lake, expressing his excitement.
“We’ve traveled so many places to see [NASCAR races],” shared Kaylee Wait, hailing from Strum. “To have them be home is really cool.”
Blaney, expressing his gratitude, commended the area’s relaxed atmosphere and the warmth of its residents. “They do so much for us, so it’s nice to give back,” he remarked.
Embarking on an exhaustive 11-day tour across the United States following his championship victory, Blaney prioritized visiting Eau Claire this week, recognizing the pivotal role of the community in supporting his racing endeavors.
“When you bring them a Cup championship, it takes everybody,” acknowledged Blaney. “It takes every single person that works here at Menards and across the country. They all have a part of it. So you try to show that back and pay respects back. You want to thank people for getting you where you are.”
Blaney also shared an intimate celebration with Menards employees earlier in the day, acknowledging their contribution to his success.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Are William Byron and Erin Blaney still together?
Erin and William have been an item since February 2020, and the trio is at ease with the arrangement. They even find humor in it, as evidenced by Byron’s recent quip on the NBC broadcast after Blaney’s victory at Martinsville: “Congrats to Ryan. Really happy for him, brother-in-law.”
What is Ryan Blaney’s annual salary?
Ryan Blaney’s estimated annual salary is a whopping $2 million. In terms of career victories, as of 2023, he has secured an impressive 7 wins in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Where did Ryan Blaney go to school?
NASCAR has announced that Ryan Blaney’s car failed post-race inspection, resulting in disqualification from the race. Despite crossing the finish line in sixth place, Blaney will now be credited with a last-place finish and only one point. Additionally, the eight stage points he earned on Sunday will be forfeited.