Ryan Blaney’s NASCAR Cup Series season with Roger Penske’s team took a dramatic turn in 2022 when a crucial team decision forced him to give up a likely win for the benefit of his teammate, highlighting the intense dynamics and high stakes involved in the world of NASCAR racing. The aftermath of this call set the stage for significant achievements and conversations about transparency within motorsport teams.
Blaney’s Challenging 2022: Near Misses and Sacrifices
In his eighth year competing with Team Penske, Ryan Blaney established himself as one of NASCAR’s leading drivers. Despite his reputation and determination, the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season brought frustration. Blaney finished the year without a single points-paying race victory, even as a record 19 competitors found the winner’s circle that season.
Although Blaney could celebrate his triumph at the NASCAR All-Star Race, that victory did not translate into points toward the championship. One of the closest moments came at Phoenix Raceway, where Blaney was running in second, consistently posting faster laps than teammate Joey Logano, who was racing for his second championship title. Despite his speed, Blaney found himself unable to overtake Logano, as team strategy dictated he play a supporting role to secure a collective outcome.
“I think I told him on the radio with about 10 to go, ‘You’re his wingman’. I think we were fine the way we were.” —Roger Penske, Team Owner
This pivotal decision ensured Logano’s championship win, but it dashed Blaney’s hopes for a season-ending victory. The team’s focus was also influenced by the presence of Ross Chastain, who was running third and remained a contender for the title, leading Penske’s organization to prioritize defending their points leader rather than letting Blaney challenge for the win.
Redemption in 2023: Blaney’s Cup Series Comeback
The disappointment of 2022 was short-lived. The following year, Ryan Blaney rebounded with remarkable form, clinching three victories throughout the season. Among these was a career highlight: winning the Coke-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, one of NASCAR’s most celebrated races. These triumphs culminated with Blaney and Team Penske securing the NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2023, a testament to resilience and effective teamwork.
Calls for Honesty in Motorsports Leadership
In a related episode highlighting internal dynamics within top racing organizations, Zak Brown—CEO of McLaren—met Roger Penske in Detroit during a rare visit to the United States. Brown, well-regarded for his candid approach, addressed issues of communication among IndyCar team owners. He observed that while some owners candidly share critical opinions of the sport privately or with media, they offer more positive feedback when speaking directly to Penske, leading to potential misunderstandings at organizational leadership levels.
“I had a good meeting this morning with ‘The Captain’. We spoke about everything, and it was very productive.” —Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren
“But I am disappointed in some of the team owners that when ‘The Captain’ is not around, they say another thing. And I think that does a disservice, actually, to Roger, because he probably gets conflicting information when he’s not around the teams, and when he’s around, it’s like, ‘Hey, everything’s great’. I was like, ‘That’s not what you said 20 minutes ago’,” —Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren
Brown emphasized the necessity of forthright dialogue, arguing that transparency is essential to elevate the global profile of IndyCar and improve communication within the organization. His remarks pointed toward a broader theme in motorsports: that honest feedback from drivers, owners, and executives is vital for sustained growth and success.
Long-term Impact of Team Strategy and Leadership Decisions
The difficult team orders that cost Ryan Blaney a victory in 2022 reflect the complex decision-making environments that shape careers and championships, both in NASCAR and across motorsport. Ultimately, such moments can test both athletes and leaders, with the hope that lessons learned lead to greater collective success. As the Ryan Blaney NASCAR Cup Series season evolved, it not only defined individual achievements but also underscored the value of teamwork, resilience, and honest leadership within the sport. The ongoing discussions initiated by leaders like Zak Brown and Roger Penske are likely to influence how teams operate and communicate, shaping the future of racing.
