How winning a NASCAR Cup title changed Ryan Blaney became clear as he reflected on his journey after clinching the championship at the close of his eighth full-time season. The lasting effects of such a victory were also echoed by Justin Allgaier, whose own achievement in the NASCAR Xfinity Series came after 14 full seasons and 471 races, leaving both drivers facing new pressures and responsibilities as champions.
Adjusting to Life as a Champion
Both Blaney and Allgaier, now pillars in their respective series, discussed their evolving roles on a recent episode of Stacking Pennies. Allgaier revealed that winning a championship fundamentally shifted how he approaches each race, stating,
“I would say one of the things that’s changed for me is like I just approach the races different.”
—Justin Allgaier, NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion. Becoming a titleholder not only changed his internal mindset but also altered how others see and interact with him in the racing community.
During his season, an incident at Martinsville illustrated this change in dynamic, when Allgaier was personally contacted by a NASCAR representative with questions about problem-solving within the sport. Confronted with new expectations, he admitted to moments of uncertainty, saying,
“Like I don’t know how to fix it.”
—Justin Allgaier, NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion. He expanded on the daunting influence of the championship title, explaining,
“I don’t have that kind of power, right? But then you start talking to people and they’re like, Oh man, like now that you’re the champion, people expect you to have these things and that’s a hard spot to be in.”
—Justin Allgaier, NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion.
Maintaining the Drive After Victory
Despite his hard-earned success, Allgaier emphasized that his competitive spirit remains as strong as ever, motivating him to approach every race with the same energy as before. Similarly, Ryan Blaney, who races with Team Penske in the Cup Series, has noticed greater attention and expectations since ascending to champion status. But through the transition, Blaney insists his core values remain unchanged:
“I’m still the same guy. Like I still have the same opinions.”
—Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series Champion.
For Blaney, the experience of winning only intensified his desire for further triumphs, as he shared,
“Honestly, I feel like I’m like it makes you hungrier for a second one… Because you want to go through that whole experience again.”
—Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series Champion. He now reassesses his daily choices and actions, acutely aware of the responsibility that comes with being in the national spotlight.
Setting the Standard for Future Generations
Championship status brings additional scrutiny, especially from younger fans who look to their racing heroes for guidance. Blaney acknowledges that the legacy of champions like Tony Stewart and Jimmie Johnson guides his approach, motivating him to become a positive influence for up-and-coming drivers. His journey from a child watching races on television to now becoming a role model himself underscores the continuous evolution and purpose that comes with earning a top spot in NASCAR competition.
The stories of Ryan Blaney and Justin Allgaier show that claiming a NASCAR title changes not only public perception but every aspect of a driver’s racing life. The climb to the championship serves as both a culmination and a new beginning, fueling champions to keep chasing victories and inspiring the next generation of contenders. As new seasons unfold, how these drivers carry their champion status may shape the expectations, traditions, and aspirations across the NASCAR community.
