Gianna Tulio recently discussed her personal journey with NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Blaney, providing insights into the Ryan Blaney and Gianna Tulio relationship during her guest appearance on Haley Dillon’s Believe in the Good podcast. Tulio shared details about how their romance began at a Hooters event in Las Vegas and addressed public speculation about her recent absence from NASCAR races.
Their first encounter happened at the Losers Bar in the MGM Grand during a NASCAR race weekend around 2017, when Tulio was present as part of her modeling commitments with Hooters, then sponsoring Chase Elliott. Despite being at a major racing event, Tulio admitted her knowledge of the sport at the time was nonexistent. Ryan Blaney stood out as just another person at the meet-up, and Tulio’s focus remained on her job and previous relationship.
“I had no idea what NASCAR even was or any nothing about it. It was totally new to me.” Gianna shared. [29:33] —Gianna Tulio, Model
Initially, Tulio dismissed the idea of dating, citing her then-current relationship status and skepticism about long-distance romances with athletes. Her friendship with Blaney remained strictly platonic, and although Blaney continued to reach out occasionally, Tulio always turned down offers to attend races or go out for dinner. She explained that concerns about the reputation of athletes influenced her reluctance to pursue anything romantic.
“I didn’t want to make long-distance work with an athlete because that was kind of intimidating. You hear all these bad things about athletes and I’m like ‘I don’t want anything to do with that’.” —Gianna Tulio, Model
Their slow-burning friendship continued for over a year. The dynamic changed in 2019 during the Miami Homestead race, where Tulio was bartending at the track. Blaney invited her onto his bus, and the two ended up having a three-hour conversation. Even after that extended talk, Tulio remained cautious, only opening up to a possible relationship when the COVID-19 pandemic began. The lockdowns presented a unique opportunity, giving them both a chance to re-evaluate their priorities. Tulio reached out to Blaney, and after spending a weekend together, the two formally started dating. Their relationship continued to grow, leading to their engagement following Blaney’s Cup Series title win in 2023 and marriage in Aspen in December 2024.
Gianna Tulio Explains Her Recent Absence From Races
On the podcast, Tulio addressed growing curiosity about why she has not been spotted at recent NASCAR events. With her usual visibility at Blaney’s races, her absence fueled speculation on social media and even among those involved directly in the sport. Rumors grew, with various theories circulating—some wondered if she and Blaney were facing difficulties, while others guessed that she might be expecting a child. Tulio stepped in to clarify that her time away from the tracks was connected to her pregnancy. She emphasized there were no issues between her and Blaney, and her absence simply resulted from pregnancy-related sickness.
“There’s a lot of speculation going around,” Tulio said. “Everyone either thinks I’m pregnant, or they’re like, ‘Gianna and Ryan are having issues. She’s not at the track.’ And I’m like, ‘I’m just pregnant.’ I’m just pregnant and sick, don’t worry.” —Gianna Tulio, Model
The curiosity extended to the NASCAR inner circle, with spotters and team members speculating about her absence during each race weekend. Tulio recounted how she had to keep the real reason private, even though she was aware of the ongoing rumors.
“I just had to sit there and act like I don’t know what’s going on,” she said, laughing. “Everyone’s so nosy.” —Gianna Tulio, Model
During the podcast conversation, Tulio also announced that she and Blaney are expecting a baby boy. The due date is December 6, just days before their first wedding anniversary. The couple marked their marriage in Aspen in December 2024, following a period of rapid life changes after Blaney’s Cup Series championship.
The story of Ryan Blaney and Gianna Tulio’s relationship highlights how unexpected connections can grow slowly, even in the public eye. Despite the intense speculation and scrutiny that can come with being associated with NASCAR and its online community, Tulio’s openness provides clarity. As they await the arrival of their baby boy, their relationship and growing family remain at the forefront of fans’ interest and NASCAR headlines.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Ryan Blaney ever won Talladega?
A. Blaney came in eighth at the Charlotte Roval, moving forward to the Round of 12.
He won the fall race at Talladega by just 0.007 seconds in a close finish against Ryan Newman.
Despite an early spin onto the pit road, this victory allowed him to advance to the Round of 8.
Q. Has Ryan Blaney won at Talladega?
A. Blaney triumphed in the Talladega fall race, barely beating Ryan Newman by 0.007 seconds in a photo finish. Despite spinning onto pit road early in the race, he moved ahead to the Round of 8.
