Ryan Blaney, former Cup Series champion, believes modern NASCAR fans demand more than just watching races on weekends. Speaking with Mike Bagley and Todd Gordon on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Blaney emphasized that today’s fans crave insights into the lives and challenges of drivers, a perspective brought to life through the “NASCAR: Full Speed” docuseries. Season 2 premiered on Netflix on May 7, inviting a closer look into the world behind the roar of engines.
Blaney explained that the average fan rarely glimpses the immense effort that goes into preparing for and competing in each race. For him, “NASCAR: Full Speed” does more than showcase high-speed drama—it offers viewers a genuine connection to the sport’s personalities and their families. The latest season features not only Blaney but also the wives and fiancées of drivers like Daniel Suárez, Joey Logano, Harrison Burton, Chase Briscoe, and Christopher Bell, enriching the series with personal stories that resonate beyond the race track.
As drivers gear up for a pivotal weekend at Kansas Motor Speedway, a 1.5-mile tri-oval that’s hosted major events since 2001, the spotlight remains sharply focused on individual stories. Recently, Ryan Blaney’s performance was analyzed by NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the Dale Jr. Download podcast. Earnhardt reflected on Blaney’s strategic lane choice at Texas Motor Speedway, which resulted in a third-place finish.
“Ryan Blaney was left with a P3 finish, which by itself is quite impressive. However, that is not going to put him in the playoffs,”
Earnhardt noted, highlighting the thin margins separating success and disappointment in racing. At present, Blaney is the only Penske driver yet to secure a postseason berth, despite his strong showing.
After eleven races this season, Ryan Blaney sits seventh in the standings with 313 points, still vying for a critical victory in the AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway. Fans can catch the action on Fox Sports 1 or tune in through MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio for live updates. Beyond the competition, Blaney’s candor and the popularity of “NASCAR: Full Speed” signal a shift in what fans value, suggesting that understanding the sport now requires appreciating both its on-track intensity and its off-track realities.
The evolution of NASCAR fandom, as revealed by Ryan Blaney and echoed by rising interest in the docuseries, marks a turning point for the sport. As fans seek richer, more immersive experiences, both the races and the stories behind them are poised to shape NASCAR’s future. With anticipation building for each new episode and weekend event, the intersection of personal narrative and high-speed drama keeps the excitement alive and the community engaged.
