Ryan Blaney has shared his hope of one day being regarded as a Tony Stewart NASCAR inspiration for drivers, aiming to become a role model for future racers just as Stewart and Jeff Gordon were for him. As he continues making his mark in the Cup Series, Blaney reflects on his heroes’ influence and expresses his aspirations for the next generation of NASCAR stars.
Blaney Looks Back on Racing Against His Childhood Idols
In a recent interview, Ryan Blaney described what it meant to compete alongside legendary NASCAR champions Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart, drivers whom he admired while growing up. He spoke of the profound impact these figures had on his development as a professional, highlighting the significance of sharing the track with them near the end of their illustrious careers. The experience was both unforgettable and inspiring for Blaney, fueling his determination to reach similar heights in his own journey.
Looking ahead, Blaney hoped that his story might similarly motivate upcoming talents, saying that he wants young racers to look to him in the same way he once looked to his heroes.
“I loved Jeff Gordon growing up. I loved Tony. It was really special to get out there and run with those guys. Hopefully, 10 years down the road, you’ve got somebody who feels that way about me like I felt about Jeff and Tony,”
he shared as reported by Motorsport on X. —Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Achieving Milestones and Leading Team Penske’s Success
Ryan Blaney’s progress as an inspiration for drivers is underscored by his major accomplishments on the track. In 2023, he captured his first career Cup Series championship after a standout playoff stretch, claiming three wins including a victory in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Blaney’s championship not only marked a personal milestone but also helped Team Penske reach back-to-back Cup Series titles for the first time in their history.
Beginning the 2025 season, Blaney continued his strong performance with a seventh-place finish at the Daytona 500 and a consistent string of top-10 results leading up to the playoffs. While the season included some challenging moments and seven DNFs, his determination and form were evident, culminating in six straight top-10 finishes and a triumphant win at Daytona.
Confidence and Concerns Heading Into the Playoffs
This season, Blaney has remained upbeat and motivated, expressing trust in Team Penske’s capabilities as they enter the NASCAR playoffs. He has highlighted his excitement for specific playoff tracks—especially Gateway—and credited the collective teamwork that led to their strong position despite setbacks during the regular season.
He addressed both his optimism and the unpredictability of certain playoff venues, revealing his thoughts to Kevin Harvick:
“The only tracks I’d be worried about is, if you get to Talladega in the round of 8, that’s obviously a toss up. You never know what can happen at the ROVAL in the round of 12. You never know what can happen anywhere. I mean, you can go have a bad week anywhere you go. But I think all the tracks we’ve really done well at, I think our road course program has gotten way better… Honestly, it’s just a matter of going and doing our job and just executing the way that I know this team can do it. And hopefully it’s great to have all of our cars in it.”
—Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Blaney further explained his focus on precise execution and teamwork, emphasizing that the group recognizes opportunities for growth and is prepared to tackle each race strategically.
Blaney’s Lasting Impact on NASCAR’s Future
With a passionate commitment to his craft and a growing list of achievements, Ryan Blaney stands poised to be a Tony Stewart NASCAR inspiration for drivers in years to come. His journey, shaped by his own race heroes like Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart, has now entered a new chapter where his actions both on and off the track could influence an entire generation of racers. As he prepares for the challenges of the playoffs and looks further ahead, Blaney’s influence continues to grow—both as a competitor and as a source of inspiration within the world of NASCAR.
