Ryan Blaney prioritizes NASCAR fans by placing their happiness above his own ambitions, standing out in a sport where self-promotion often sets the tone. At just 24, Blaney, then a newcomer with Team Penske, made it clear his focus was on creating meaningful experiences for NASCAR supporters, both during and outside race events.
Blaney spoke candidly during the NASCAR Media Tour at Charlotte Motor Speedway in January 2018, outlining his core principles for engaging with the crowd and those who follow racing closely. He expressed,
“I would rather make other people happy than myself. If I’ve to sacrifice time, it’s just time. It really doesn’t mean much to me personally. I’d rather do something meaningful for the sport, than to go sit on my couch. I don’t feel like I am doing anything then and feel I could be more useful somewhere else.”
The 2018 season was transformative for Blaney, as he transitioned from a promising part-time Cup Series run with Wood Brothers to a full-time position at Team Penske, one of NASCAR’s premier organizations. Rather than using his increased visibility strictly for personal gain, Blaney leaned into opportunities that could broaden the sport’s appeal and reach new fans. His efforts included a cameo on NBC’s Taken filmed in Toronto, voicing the character Ryan Laney in Cars 3, and appearing as a pizza delivery boy in the movie Logan Lucky—all designed to boost NASCAR’s presence in popular culture. Even as he took on these roles, Blaney consistently ensured his off-track projects did not interfere with his responsibilities as a Cup driver.
Throughout that pivotal year, Blaney demonstrated that public appearances were not just obligations, but opportunities to give back. He explained,
“Very rarely do I say no to things just to sit on my couch. I can do that at night, and I can do that when I retire. I want to do as much as I can right now to make it work and make other people happy and make this thing the best it can,” he added.
Blaney’s generosity extended to extraordinary gestures at the track. Following his victory in the fall Xfinity Series race at Dover, he handed over the checkered flag to a young fan and welcomed the child and his mother to Victory Lane, highlighting a tradition of sharing memorable moments with supporters. Reflecting on the experience, Blaney remarked,
“That was a pretty cool moment. Hopefully, there are many more like that,” Blaney recalled.
His sincerity was evident through consistent actions, rather than just words, cementing his reputation as a driver truly connected with his fan base.
Making Memories with Fans Beyond Racing
Blaney’s knack for delivering on promises to NASCAR fans extended into real-world encounters outside of official race weekends. His brief role as a pizza delivery boy in Logan Lucky became reality in early 2018 during a winter tire test at Texas Motor Speedway. There, he committed to joining fans for lunch, an invitation that he honored despite rigorous preparations for his upcoming full-time season in the No. 12 Team Penske ford/”>Ford.
Organized by Texas Motor Speedway president Eddie Gossage, the casual afternoon drew a considerable crowd eager to interact with a driver steadily gaining recognition for his down-to-earth nature. With his signature moustache, Blaney bridged the gap between racing’s seasoned stars and a rising generation known for their accessibility. He posted on social media later,
“Thanks to the people who spent some time in the cold to come out and watch the test and hang out for lunch!”
Blaney’s effortless interactions, whether sharing lunch with dedicated fans or responding to children on social platforms, were all part of supporting a culture where fandom felt genuine and not merely transactional.
Impact on NASCAR’s Relationship with Its Audience
In his first full year racing for Team Penske, Blaney not only established himself as a reliable contender—winning the inaugural Cup event on the innovative Charlotte Roval course and finishing 10th in the final standings—but he also set an example for how NASCAR can engage with its base. The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion’s approach highlighted the role drivers play in broadening the appeal of the sport and ensuring interactions with fans remain a top priority.
Blaney’s actions throughout 2018 conveyed to veteran followers and new spectators alike the importance of maintaining authentic, accessible relationships between NASCAR personalities and the crowd. This approach, consistently reflected in his behavior and public statements, offered a reminder of what the NASCAR experience can represent at its best: a shared community where drivers value the people cheering from the stands as much as they value their own victories.
