Ryan Blaney defends radio outbursts following criticism from NASCAR fans, explaining that his emotional reactions during races are a natural way for him to release frustration. The Team Penske driver and 2023 Cup Series champion discussed the reasons behind his heated communications, emphasizing that they help him cope with tense moments on the track.
Known for his intensely competitive spirit, Blaney has drawn attention over his outspoken comments on team radio during several high-pressure incidents throughout his NASCAR career. Notable examples include the Indianapolis Brickyard 400, where a chaotic race restart led Blaney to vent his anger on the radio, as well as an Atlanta event in September, where his race ended in disappointment following a collision with Chris Buescher, whom he openly criticized post-race.
Blaney Addresses Fan Reactions to His Radio Emotions
Recently, Blaney spoke candidly about his radio outbursts and the backlash they have sparked among fans. He clarified that such moments are brief, and he uses his radio only as an outlet for tension, not as a sign of losing control. The seasoned driver suggested that those who criticize him may not fully understand the fast-paced and high-stress environment in which drivers compete.
“I do it to myself a little bit, but if I have a little thing on the radio and I get frustrated, people are like,
“Oh, he’s losing his mind. That’s not the case. I have my 10 seconds of frustration, and I just have to let it out. Listen to other guys, man. There are guys way worse than me. If I don’t get it out, it just bundles up. It’s weird because I’m not like that out of the car. Like at home I don’t ever get to that point,”
—Ryan Blaney, Team Penske driver, speaking with Jeff Gluck, The Athletic
Blaney maintains that expressing himself over the radio helps prevent his frustration from building up, and he distinguishes his on-track emotions from his behavior off the track, describing himself as calm at home.
Competing at the Top Tier Despite Intense Pressure
This season, Blaney holds sixth place in the NASCAR Cup Series standings, continuing to perform at a high level despite challenging moments. His recent third-place finish at the Great American Getaway 400 demonstrates his ability to remain competitive even under scrutiny. The intense atmosphere of the Cup Series, with its unpredictable incidents and fierce competition between drivers like Chris Buescher and teams like Team Penske, often leads to heightened emotions and can prompt outbursts over team communications.
Recounting a Difficult Race: Blaney’s Struggles at Phoenix
In a discussion about his most difficult experience in racing, Blaney recounted a particularly miserable day at the 2019 Phoenix Fall Race. Competing in the Round of 8 and needing a win to advance to the Homestead event, Blaney raced to a third-place finish despite feeling extremely ill and physically uncomfortable throughout the event.
“Phoenix Fall Race, 2019. We were in the Round of 8, trying to get to Homestead. Essentially had to win. We ran third, but I had the flu, and obviously, I didn’t feel good at all. I was hydrating all day, but then in the car, I didn’t sweat anything out, so I had to pee really badly. I thought my bladder was going to burst and I felt like crap,”
—Ryan Blaney, Team Penske driver, via The Athletic
Blaney described the struggles of managing his health and discomfort while racing at high speeds for several laps, underlining that the pressures of elite NASCAR competition can be both mentally and physically taxing on drivers.
Ryan Blaney’s frank conversations about his emotional outbursts and difficult race experiences provide insight into the reality faced by competitors at the top of NASCAR. As the season continues, fans and fellow drivers alike will be watching closely to see how Blaney’s approach and transparency influence his performance and relationships within the sport.
