Ryan Blaney, an established competitor in stock car racing, applauded Team Penske after securing a third-place finish at Kansas Speedway, reinforcing the squad’s upward momentum in the NASCAR Cup Series. The 31-year-old driver found himself just behind Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell, making this his second consecutive podium result, and moving him up to fifth in the Series standings with 362 points, as the intensity of the summer schedule approaches.
Team Penske’s consistent progress has become a key talking point this season, especially as Blaney continues to build on early challenges. After 13 races in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series, he has achieved two back-to-back third-place results, with four top-five finishes in his last five outings, showcasing the team’s unwavering commitment to improvement. While Team Penske’s other drivers have found victory lane this season, Blaney remains determined, as increasing speed and strong performances suggest a breakthrough could soon be in sight.
“Extremely proud of the improvements our team has been showing each week,”
Blaney shared on X, expressing his satisfaction with Team Penske’s resilience. He credited the final surge made by his No. 12 car at Kansas, an effort that reflects the squad’s sharpening strategy and adaptability on the track. These back-to-back strong performances have caught the attention of fans and analysts across the motorsports world, further reinforcing Team Penske’s reputation for steady development.
Blaney’s ascent in the standings is a testament not only to his personal growth but also to Team Penske’s unified strength and shared ambition. With his Cup Series career beginning in 2014 and marked by major milestones—including a championship win in 2023 and Team Penske’s historic 1-2 finish in the 2024 title race—Blaney’s journey symbolizes the progress and potential that define Team Penske’s role in NASCAR’s top competition.
Beyond the racetrack, Blaney recently expressed pride in another achievement: becoming co-owner of Sharon Speedway with his father, Dave Blaney, and Will Thomas III. This 3/8-mile dirt track in Hartford, Ohio, holds deep family ties, tracing back to Blaney’s late grandfather, Lou Blaney. Discussing the plan in a SiriusXM NASCAR Radio interview, Ryan Blaney described Sharon Speedway as a “Blaney staple,” and outlined intentions to modernize its facilities and attract younger fans, mirroring his passion for racing and preserving its legacy.
As the season heads into its most challenging stretch, Team Penske’s consistent progress in the NASCAR Cup Series stands as a model of perseverance and teamwork. With continued improvements and growing confidence, both Blaney and his teammates are well-positioned to shape the unfolding championship narrative, energizing fans and setting high expectations for the races ahead.
