Ryan Blaney’s recent win at Daytona not only secured his spot in the NASCAR playoffs but also ensured Alex Bowman’s playoff hopes remained alive, spotlighting the comradery and gratitude between drivers. In light of these dramatic developments, Blaney announced the launch of his new bourbon whiskey brand, adding an extra layer of celebration and humor to the post-race aftermath—a moment that ties directly to the phrase
“Alex Bowman NASCAR playoff thanks Blaney.”
This week, Ryan Blaney revealed the release of Ten Runner, a bourbon whiskey brand he has been developing for two years, coinciding with his crucial victory at Daytona last Saturday. Blaney’s win was pivotal: had a different driver taken first place, Bowman from Hendrick Motorsports would have been knocked out of the playoff picture. Instead, Bowman enthusiastically expressed his gratitude by joking during his post-race interview that he owed Blaney “seven million beers.”
The lighthearted exchange continued when Blaney responded, offering to “save Bowman some money” and accept just “five million beers.” This playful back-and-forth quickly gained traction online, with fans jumping in under Blaney’s Ten Runner announcement on X, amplifying both the camaraderie and celebration among the drivers as the postseason approached.
Blaney’s Legacy and the Ten Runner Bourbon Announcement
Blaney’s rollout of Ten Runner bourbon comes as more than just a commercial endeavor; it serves as a tribute to his family’s legacy in stock car racing. The Team Penske superstar paid homage to both his family’s history with the No. 10 car and the moonshine runners who helped shape the sport’s roots. As Blaney explained,
“I’m excited to share a personal project that I’ve been working on for the past two years: @tenrunner bourbon whiskey. It’s a celebration of legacy. A toast to my family’s history in the No.10 and the runners that shaped racing as we know it today.
It’s been so fun to blend my…” —Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Driver
The sentiment resonated in the racing community and among fans, who responded with both jokes and congratulations. One fan remarked that Alex Bowman “should be your largest order,” recognizing the tongue-in-cheek tab Bowman ran up during the beer exchange. Another added appreciation for the project’s craftsmanship, and a third praised the homage to racing history and family tradition, all while playfully suggesting ways the bourbon might be incorporated into race day rituals—including using
“a few cases in the back of your race car for ballast.”
How Blaney’s Daytona Victory Impacted the Playoffs
Blaney’s journey to victory lane at Daytona was not a straightforward one. Facing off against multiple drivers who had yet to secure a win this season, the outcome was anything but predictable. Had any of those drivers finished first, it would have spelled the end of Alex Bowman’s playoff hopes. The air was thick with tension as Blaney moved from 13th to 1st in the final two laps, drafting with Cole Custer before surging to the lead while Custer, Justin Haley, and Daniel Suarez found themselves locked in a three-wide battle just behind. Blaney’s dramatic finish clinched his second victory of the season and paved the way for Bowman’s postseason berth.
The significance of Blaney’s actions was not lost on Bowman, fans, or the NASCAR community. In a televised post-race response, as reported by Bob Pockrass, Blaney quipped about the “seven million beers” and also reflected on the high level of competitive but clean racing among those vying for a spot in the playoffs. The episode underscored the intensity of the final race and the thin margin that separates playoff contenders from those left behind.
The Road Ahead for Bowman, Blaney, and Ten Runner
Blaney’s Daytona win and simultaneous bourbon launch intertwine the sport’s present and past, connecting high-stakes competition with NASCAR’s enduring tradition and its links to the storied moonshine runs. For Bowman, the outcome means another shot at the championship, a debt of gratitude humorously measured in millions of beers, and perhaps a new appreciation for Blaney’s entrepreneurial spirit.
As the playoffs advance, both drivers—Bowman of Hendrick Motorsports and Blaney of Team Penske—face new pressures and opportunities, their bond cemented by this memorable exchange and the ongoing evolution of their careers. The launch of Ten Runner signals another chapter in the Blaney family’s history, while the playoff picture remains a testament to the unpredictable nature of racing, where every lap and every relationship can shape a season.
