NASCAR fans were sent into fits of laughter after a new twist in garage traditions emerged when Josef Newgarden wore an “I ❤️ Ryan Blaney” shirt, igniting a storm of playful banter and sparking the now trending Ryan Blaney Newgarden t-shirt prank during the Honda Indy Toronto weekend. This spirited episode not only drew widespread attention to Team Penske‘s camaraderie but also underscored the enduring legacy of practical jokes and lighthearted rivalries among racing’s best-known personalities.
Playful Pranks: A NASCAR Tradition Continues
NASCAR’s rigorous competition on the track is often matched by drivers’ penchant for off-track jokes and antics, as far back as Tony Stewart’s infamous prank in 2009. Stewart transformed Ryan Newman’s firesuit into a pink “Princess” ensemble, complete with specially stitched wording, all for a laugh at Newman’s expense. These actions helped Stewart earn a reputation as one of the garage’s legendary jokesters and established a tradition that would endure for years among racing’s elite.
This culture of humor persisted over the next decade, with moments like Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s “Will Work for Beer” shirt in 2016 at a pre-season event. Earnhardt Jr. poked fun at his own blue-collar roots, blending relatability with clever showmanship. As years passed, new pranksters took the spotlight—Kyle Busch, for example, used the uproar over a heated radio comment in 2019 to create “KFB” shirts, skillfully turning negative attention into a tongue-in-cheek celebration of his spirited personality.
Not to be outdone, Joey Logano and Kevin Harvick famously orchestrated a prank on Jeff Gordon in 2014. The duo “borrowed” Gordon’s golf cart during the All-Star Race weekend, customizing it with wacky decorations and pool noodles, before enjoying Gordon’s stunned reaction—a reminder of the joys of harmless mischief within the circuit.
Bubba Wallace added his own flavor to this legacy in 2020, showing up to a press day in a “Tears for My Haters” shirt during a turbulent season, cleverly disarming critics and charming fans with humor and self-awareness.
Josef Newgarden’s Bold Gesture Sets Social Media Abuzz
Most recently, Penske’s Josef Newgarden pushed the playful tradition further in Toronto by donning a custom shirt with the message “I ❤️ Ryan Blaney.” This unexpected sighting joined the group of unforgettable prank moments and sent waves of excitement across fan communities. Newgarden made sure to share the occasion on his X account, fueling reactions that reverberated well beyond the paddock and providing more fodder for Team Penske’s dynamic friendships.
Reaction to Newgarden’s shirt was both immediate and spirited. Fans quickly seized on the moment, crafting witty responses and stoking friendly competition between the NASCAR and IndyCar drivers. The bonds between drivers like Newgarden and Blaney, often referenced in crossover media and social posts, were on full display and became the centerpiece of online conversations.
Fans Weigh In With Imaginative Commentary
The playful energy unleashed by Newgarden’s shirt choice did not go unnoticed by social media audiences. One user teased Blaney’s girlfriend, Gianna Tulio—a frequent and enthusiastic supporter of Blaney’s racing achievements in her own right. The fan commented,
“Gianna gonna have to step up her game.”
—Anonymous Fan. This lighthearted remark playfully nudged Tulio to match Newgarden’s spirited expression of support, reinforcing the friendly competition within Blaney’s inner circle.
As the buzz grew, fans found themselves wishing they could own a piece of the joke. The question “Where can I buy this?” reflected the mounting curiosity and desire for quirky, driver-focused merchandise. Though such shirts are not yet on sale via Blaney’s official store or Team Penske’s shop, the demand for fun, meme-inspired fan gear is unmistakable. It remains to be seen whether Blaney or the team will seize the opportunity to turn Newgarden’s spontaneous statement into an official collector’s item.
A third contribution from the fanbase added a familial twist to the narrative.
“the Moms for Blaney approve and want one.”
—Anonymous Fan, captured the wide-reaching appeal of Blaney’s friendly image. Over the years, his blend of approachability, retro style, and sportsmanship has earned him admirers of all ages, particularly among older fans who find his wholesome persona endearing.
Recollections of Blaney’s past appearances and racing superstitions also surged, with mentions of “Playoff Beard Blaney.” This term, popular among the NASCAR faithful, refers to Blaney’s habit of growing facial hair during high-stakes playoff seasons. The sight of Newgarden’s T-shirt tribute in Toronto rekindled memories of Blaney’s gritty postseason looks, further solidifying the shirt as a symbol of fan culture and nostalgia.
Other fans wondered about the deeper story behind the display of camaraderie:
“Love this and would love to know story behind it.”
—Anonymous Fan. Their curiosity is well-founded, as Blaney and Newgarden share not only a team through Team Penske but also a genuine friendship, frequently documented in videos, social gatherings, and at races. The lighthearted T-shirt moment, then, becomes another chapter in a joyful partnership that has become a fixture in both NASCAR and IndyCar scenes.
Media Insiders and Fellow Drivers Join the Fun
The impact of Newgarden’s t-shirt joke extended even to industry professionals. FOX Sports reporter and NASCAR veteran Jamie Little helped spread the laughter further by sharing the now-famous shirt photo, complete with a direct nod to Blaney and playful heart emojis. Even those covering the sport professionally could not resist joining in the entertainment, underscoring the easygoing and connected nature of the racing community.
The episode drew parallels across years of NASCAR prank culture, with many fans and commentators now asking: from Stewart’s “Princess” suit to Blaney’s loving tribute, which garage gag deserves the top honor? Each story amplifies how drivers like Tony Stewart, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Bubba Wallace have woven humor and unity into the fabric of their sport.
Why This T-Shirt Prank Resonates Today
The eruption of online humor and community response surrounding the Ryan Blaney Newgarden t-shirt prank is testament to NASCAR’s enduring culture of camaraderie. These playful moments serve as vital reminders that, beneath intense rivalries, athletes share strong friendships and a willingness to bring levity to high-pressure environments. Team Penske, with its history of talented athletes like Newgarden and Blaney, continues to embody that balance between competition and kinship.
The immediate, widespread fan engagement highlights how the NASCAR and IndyCar worlds overlap more deeply than the race schedule alone. Moments of genuine friendliness and creative mischief create lasting memories, bridging generational divides and deepening fans’ emotional investment in their favorite drivers. Whether Newgarden’s shirt someday inspires official merchandise or simply remains a beloved fan memory, it is clear that these spontaneous gestures keep enthusiasm for the sport thriving—and set the tone for future pranks in NASCAR’s ever-evolving garage culture.
