In a time when NASCAR drivers are increasingly connecting with their fanbase via personal YouTube channels, Ryan Blaney has made it clear why he chooses a different path. Speaking at Talladega shortly after qualifying, the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion shared that building genuine, in-person relationships with fans is more important to him than producing online content, noting, “I signed at the fence for an hour after qualifying… Just try to focus all my energy on that and not have to do skits, yeah.”
Blaney’s stance comes as social media continues to shape the careers and popularity of professional athletes, especially in motorsports. Drivers like Kenny Wallace and Kyle Petty have found a second wind online, using YouTube to share insight and opinions with a vast digital audience. The rise of figures like Cleetus McFarland, who transitioned from YouTube prominence to the motorsports stage, has further blurred the lines between racer and content creator. Still, Ryan Blaney finds the idea unappealing, explaining that while he respects others who take this route, it simply isn’t for him.
“Other guys do it differently and that’s the way they are,” Blaney noted, acknowledging the various paths drivers now take to reach their supporters. For some fans, there might be disappointment in knowing they won’t see regular video updates or behind-the-scenes skits from Blaney like other personalities provide, but he believes that authenticity and personal interaction far outweigh digital fame. Instead of focusing on editing videos or constantly recording his daily life, Blaney prefers to connect directly by speaking, signing, and sharing moments with those who make the effort to come to the races in person.
That sense of connection was evident at Talladega, where Blaney greeted fans for an extended period after qualifying. He described his relationship with social media as “love-hate,” emphasizing a desire to energize those at the track rather than those watching from afar. For Blaney, offering a real experience to those who show up matters more than curating one for the camera. “I’d rather sign for fans than film myself,” he said, summing up his philosophy in a single line.
Recent weeks have been particularly challenging for Ryan Blaney and his No. 12 Team Penske crew, as the start of the 2025 season has brought four DNFs in just ten races. At Talladega, his day ended abruptly after a collision involving Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski on Lap 43. Despite these setbacks, Blaney has demonstrated resilience, picking up four top-10 finishes and three top-fives in the races he’s completed. He admitted, “Another DNF is no fun… we have just been riddled with those this year. Hopefully, we can get it sorted out.”
Looking ahead to the upcoming race at Texas Motor Speedway, optimism remains within the team. With arguably the quickest car in the field this season, Blaney’s focus is fixed on returning to Victory Lane. While some may wonder if he’ll reconsider joining the YouTube conversation, his commitment to engaging with fans in person over pixels is unwavering, reinforcing the importance of genuine interaction in an era increasingly dominated by screens and social media personas.
