Ryan Blaney expecting first child will define his 2025 NASCAR Cup Series offseason, as Blaney and his wife Gianna revealed this week that they are preparing to welcome their first child together. The couple, who exchanged vows last December, have timed this significant family event to occur during the racing break, allowing Blaney to focus on both his professional and personal roles away from the racetrack.
Couple’s Milestones Planned Around NASCAR Calendar
Blaney and Gianna’s relationship milestones have intentionally avoided conflicts with the busy NASCAR schedule. Their engagement and wedding both took place in December, and the baby is also expected to arrive after the racing season concludes. This mindful timing was not completely orchestrated, but the couple is grateful it worked out to minimize stress for the new parents-to-be.
“We’re in the winter, so that takes a lot of stress off,”
—Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series driver
Blaney discussed this fortuitous timing before practice and qualifying for the Chicago Street Race, noting that it will help his family adjust without the added pressure of race weekends.
“I can’t say we necessarily drew it up that way. Just kind of got fortunate on the timing of it. So hopefully, fingers crossed, it all goes to plan, and we can be kind of settled into the offseason by the time that the little one comes.”
—Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series driver
Bubba Wallace Offers Support and Advice on Parenthood
To prepare for parenthood, Blaney plans to seek guidance from Bubba Wallace, a close friend and fellow NASCAR driver, who became a father in September when he and his wife Amanda welcomed their son, Becks Hayden Wallace. Blaney regularly checks in with Wallace to learn about the challenges and joys of raising a newborn, drawing from the Wallaces’ recent experiences.
“I ask him all the time, and I see it firsthand, being over at his place and flying together and stuff like that. You know, seeing Becks around and watching Becks grow up and stuff like that has been kind of neat. So yeah, I ask him all the time for advice, what are some goods and what are the struggles of a newborn and things like that. So it’s been nice to have him right there and kind of go through the same thing.”
—Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series driver
Wallace expressed enthusiasm for the Blaneys as they prepare for their new arrival.
“I’ve known for a while, obviously, and just hearing how excited they’ve been. Gianna has been going through a little rough patch just from the sickness and stuff. It’s crazy how everybody’s different through their pregnancies and everything. Amanda was, for the most part, OK, and Gianna’s been taking it all in stride, but excited to see them become parents.”
—Bubba Wallace, NASCAR Cup Series driver
Family Excitement on Both Sides
The upcoming addition is anticipated not only by Ryan Blaney and Gianna but by both families. Blaney’s parents, Lisa and former NASCAR driver Dave, are already grandparents through Blaney’s sister Emma, who has two young sons. However, the forthcoming child will be the first grandchild for Gianna’s parents, making it a particularly special occasion on her side of the family.
“My older sister has a couple kids, but it was Gianna’s parents’ first grandchild, so that’s pretty exciting for them,”
—Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series driver
“And so yeah, my parents were excited, and yes, it’s pretty cool. That’s like another level of pride as a parent, I feel like, and as a kid, too, giving your parents a grandchild and stuff like that. So my parents were excited, and her parents were extra excited, like I said, because it’s going to be their first grandchild.”
—Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series driver
What Blaney’s News Means for Family and Racing
With the birth of their first child timed for the NASCAR offseason, Ryan Blaney and Gianna can look forward to transitioning into parenthood without the demands of active race weekends. The support from family members, as well as insights from Bubba Wallace, adds a layer of comfort as they enter this new chapter. As a past series champ and a driver accustomed to high-pressure events like the Chicago Street Race and Daytona 500, Blaney’s next challenge will be just as life-changing and meaningful as any he’s experienced on the track.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Ryan Blaney ever won Talladega?
A. Blaney secured eighth place at the Charlotte Roval, moving to the Round of 12. He later narrowly won the Talladega fall race against Ryan Newman by 0.007 seconds. This win allowed him to advance to the Round of 8, even though he had spun onto pit road earlier in the race.
Q. Has Ryan Blaney won at Talladega?
A. Blaney won the fall race at Talladega by narrowly beating Ryan Newman with a 0.007-second margin. Despite an early spin onto pit road, this victory moved him into the Round of 8.
