Ryan Blaney marriage story took a remarkable turn last December when Blaney and Gianna Tulio celebrated their wedding, setting the stage for their transition into family life, with a baby boy expected in December. Although many fans recognize their relationship milestone in 2020, the remarkable beginnings of their romance trace back to an unanticipated meeting in Las Vegas years earlier.
A Fortuitous Encounter at the MGM Grand
Back in 2018, Ryan Blaney was in Las Vegas participating in a NASCAR event, while Gianna Tulio was there representing Hooters on a modeling job. The pair first found themselves in the same place—the Losers Bar at the MGM Grand. Though surrounded by friends, their paths crossed in that vibrant Las Vegas atmosphere, yet romantic sparks were absent at first sight. The backstory of their first conversation only recently came to light when Tulio recounted the details during her appearance on Haley Dillon’s Believe in the Good podcast.
“Ryan was there with a few of his friends… Ryan and I met kind of through the Hooters World. So it was actually Vegas. It was my first time ever being at a NASCAR race. I had no idea what NASCAR even was or any nothing about it. It was totally new to me. And we obviously sponsored Chase at the time. Chase was our driver.”
—Gianna Tulio, Model
A Year of Friendship and Missed Connections
Tulio told listeners that, although their initial connection was genuine, their relationship developed as friends. At the time, she was already in a relationship and focused on her career, which shaped her perspective on Blaney when they first met.
“So, we got to meet Chase all that and a few of the other girls met up with Chase and Ryan at this bar called The Losers at the MGM. And honestly, Ryan and I started off like really good friends… I was actually with someone else at the time. I was dating someone else… I got home.”
—Gianna Tulio, Model
Over the following eighteen months, Blaney remained persistent, reaching out to Tulio through messages and casual invites, hoping for future opportunities. Yet Tulio’s priorities didn’t revolve around romance during that period.
“I was just so focused on my career at the time, and I was younger, that I was like, ‘No thanks.’ I really didn’t look at him that way.”
—Gianna Tulio, Model
Turning Point at Homestead-Miami Speedway
The significant change in their relationship occurred in 2019 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Blaney invited Tulio onto his bus, leading to hours of heartfelt conversation. After that pivotal night in Miami, everything shifted. When Blaney reached out once more asking for a date, Tulio agreed, noting that both were finally ready for the next step.
While the long-distance reality presented a challenge, Tulio’s concerns were soon alleviated when Blaney made the effort to fly to Florida to spend a weekend together, demonstrating his commitment. After that weekend, their relationship gained momentum and the distance no longer posed an obstacle.
A Relationship Built on Growth and Milestones
By July 2021, Blaney and Tulio’s relationship reached a significant milestone, as they publicly marked one year together. Tulio expressed her happiness about their journey through a social media post.
“A whole year of unconditional love, pure happiness, and new experiences/adventures for the both of us.”
—Gianna Tulio, Model
From casual acquaintances in Las Vegas to celebrated couple on the NASCAR scene, Ryan Blaney and Gianna Tulio’s journey highlights how patience and timing can nurture a deep, lasting partnership. With their family now expanding and Blaney holding the 2023 NASCAR Cup Champion title, the pair’s story continues to inspire fans as they look forward to new adventures and parenthood together.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Ryan Blaney ever won Talladega?
A. At the Charlotte Roval, Blaney secured eighth place, which helped him move on to the Round of 12. Blaney achieved victory at the Talladega fall race with a very close finish, beating Ryan Newman by just 0.007 seconds. Despite spinning early onto pit road, this win allowed Blaney to progress to the Round of 8.
Q. Has Ryan Blaney won at Talladega?
A. Blaney secured victory at the Talladega fall race, finishing just 0.007 seconds ahead of Ryan Newman. This win moved him into the Round of 8, even though he had an early spin entering pit road.
