Ryan Blaney’s journey from doubt to Team Penske champion features a pivotal moment that nearly changed everything for the talented driver from Mooresville, North Carolina. In 2015, after a strong showing at the Pennzoil 250 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Blaney was gripped with worry that falling short of victory might cost him his future with Team Penske’s elite racing squad.
Despite his impressive second-place finish behind the wheel of the #22 Ford in the Xfinity Series, Blaney felt immense pressure as a young driver striving to impress both the team and fans. Reflecting on that moment years later, Blaney openly shared the self-doubt he faced after the race.
“I blew a race at Indy, a Nationwide race in 2015. Last lap, Kyle Busch goes on, wins the race and I’m like ‘Oh my god, I just lost at Indy for Roger, like I’m canned, I’m done.’” -Ryan Blaney, Team Penske Driver
Instead of disappointment, Blaney received a life-changing phone call from Team Penske’s owner. Roger Penske reassured him that mistakes were part of racing and growth.
“He called me that night and was like a pretty cool moment of just like reassurance, like you know, ‘We believe in you. You’re gonna make mistakes, that’s how you learn,’ things like that.” – Ryan Blaney, Team Penske Driver
This message transformed Blaney’s outlook, solidifying his place with Team Penske and motivating him to achieve racing greatness rather than dwell on a single setback.
Blaney’s perseverance after that turning point resulted in an impressive record. As a staple of Team Penske’s top-level Cup Series team, he has amassed 12 race wins and secured a Cup Series championship driving the #12 Ford. While he narrowly missed back-to-back championships when teammate Joey Logano edged him out last season, Blaney’s performance has remained consistently strong. He is currently ranked fifth in the driver standings, with strong recent finishes in Texas and Kansas—both third place—proving his ongoing skill and dedication on the track.
Blaney’s impact extends beyond his own team. His career growth has inspired American racing fans and the community in Mooresville, who recently celebrated both Blaney and Team Penske for their outstanding achievements in stock car racing.
In addition to his on-track accomplishments, Blaney remains engaged with NASCAR’s evolving traditions. Recently, he discussed the excitement around the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro and the possibility of the venue hosting a points race in the future.
“I know people have been talking about wanting to make it a points race, um, and me, I could—I’m cool with it either way, you know. If you want to put it on the schedule for a points race, great. If you want to keep it this that’s awesome too.” – Ryan Blaney, Team Penske Driver
Blaney’s appreciation for NASCAR’s legacy reflects both his passion for the sport and his adaptable attitude, showing respect for the histories of iconic tracks like North Wilkesboro as well as current innovations.
As anticipation builds ahead of the Coke 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Ryan Blaney stands poised to continue his impressive legacy in American stock car racing. The upcoming race on May 25th promises another high-stakes challenge, with Blaney and other top drivers like Kyle Busch and Joey Logano expected to compete fiercely for victory.
Blaney’s journey from moments of doubt at Indianapolis to his current championship-caliber status with Team Penske serves as an uplifting reminder of resilience in sports. His openness about setbacks and growth, coupled with unwavering support from leadership figures like Roger Penske, resonates with fans, enthusiasts, and the wider NASCAR community. As the season unfolds, Blaney’s story will likely continue to inspire both new and longtime followers of the sport.
