Ryan Blaney, reflecting on his maiden Cup win with Wood Brothers Racing, shared how a special victory lane moment with Brad Keselowski marked a significant chapter in his NASCAR career. Speaking on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Blaney recounted both his path to the top level of stock car racing and the deep connections that made that first win memorable.
Early NASCAR Career and Wood Brothers Racing Breakthrough
Ryan Blaney started his professional racing journey in the Camping World Truck Series, joining Brad Keselowski Racing in 2012. He remained with Keselowski’s team until 2015, gaining experience and forging a relationship with the former NASCAR Cup Series champion. That same year, Blaney was selected to drive the iconic #21 Ford for Wood Brothers Racing, entering a new phase in his career.
It was with Wood Brothers Racing that Blaney achieved his first Cup Series victory, claiming a memorable win at Pocono Raceway. Not only did that triumph represent Blaney’s own breakthrough, but it also secured the organization’s ninety-ninth win, a proud milestone before his transition to Team Penske the following season. The dramatic climb through ranks and eventual victory placed Blaney in elite company, establishing his presence on the Cup stage.
Interviewing Brad Keselowski and the Poignant Victory Lane Exchange
Prior to his landmark Cup win, Blaney had a unique opportunity to act as a pit road reporter in 2017, covering races as well as interviewing his former boss, Brad Keselowski, after Keselowski’s Xfinity Series victory. The next day at Pocono, the roles reversed. When Blaney emerged as the Cup Series winner, Keselowski took on the reporter role, greeting his former protégé in victory lane. The unexpected meeting captured a full-circle moment for Blaney, who later shared his appreciation for Keselowski’s influence and support.
“Oh, this is cool. You know, I get to interview my teammate, and, you know, my former boss in victory lane, all that stuff. And then it was so cool the next day when I won my first cup race. You know, Brad did a lot for me. And he wasn’t; he came to victory lane and did the interview. He was, he was the TV interview guy. So Brad was one of the first people I saw when I got out of the car. So that was, like, a cool, full-circle moment,”
the 2023 Cup Series driver stated. —Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series driver
“I interviewed him at Victory Lane the day before he got me on my first Cup win. And Brad did so much for me, you know, trucks and getting me over to Penn State. That was just really cool that he wanted to do that. He was excited, and he was like,”
Yeah, give me the belt and the microphone and headphones, and I’m gonna interview Ryan,” he added. —Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series driver
Sustaining Momentum with Team Penske
After his celebrated first win, Blaney’s trajectory continued upward with Team Penske. His performance included a commanding victory in the 2022 All-Star Race and a win at the celebrated 2023 Coca-Cola 600. The pinnacle of this period came when he secured the 2023 Cup Series championship title, affirming his status among the sport’s premier drivers.
Reflecting on Challenges and Progress in Recent Races
In May 2025, Blaney faced a challenging start at the Wurth 400, held at Texas Motor Speedway. Despite qualifying deep in the field, outside the top 20, he executed a powerful strategy to surge forward, ultimately finishing third after gaining twenty-one positions during the race. Yet, a tactical misstep under the caution period, involving lane choice as Michael McDowell led the field, denied him an opportunity to contend for the victory.
Blaney discussed this pivotal moment, acknowledging the impact of personal decisions on race outcomes:
“The one time I didn’t pick the outside, the 71 (of McDowell) gets the lead, and then I couldn’t get it back. Just driver making dumb decisions and not doing his job. I appreciate the 12 car was a fast car. Just can’t do nothing right currently, so hopefully it will work itself out.”
—Ryan Blaney, Team Penske driver
Season Standings and Recent Results
The Hartford, Ohio native currently finds himself ranked seventh in the NASCAR Cup Series points table, with 427 points accrued. His campaign has already included a maiden victory for the 2025 season at Nashville Superspeedway, complemented by six top-five and seven top-ten finishes from fifteen starts. With an average finish of 17.6, Blaney’s consistent performance keeps him in contention among the top drivers in the field.
Lasting Influence and Next Steps
Blaney’s journey from the early days at Brad Keselowski Racing, through a milestone victory lane moment with Wood Brothers Racing, to his rising profile with Team Penske, highlights the powerful currents of mentorship and opportunity in NASCAR. As he continues to stack accomplishments and reflect on the pivotal events that shaped him, the impact of those full-circle moments with influential figures like Brad Keselowski looms large. With the season underway and momentum on his side, Ryan Blaney remains a driver to watch as the Cup Series action continues.
