During the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway, the Ryan Blaney radio incident added an unexpected twist, as Blaney’s four-year-old nephew briefly took to the airwaves, providing a moment of comic relief for Team Penske mid-race. The lighthearted exchange came amid numerous cautions, offering both drivers and fans a unique break from the action-packed event.
A Surprising Voice Breaks Into the Action
Ryan Blaney shared details about the unusual moment that occurred while he was racing at Bristol Motor Speedway. According to Blaney, his wife Gianna’s motorhome held a radio scanner, and his nephew Bodhi managed not only to turn on the device but also discovered the talk button. Although Blaney and Gianna believed that the button did not function, Bodhi quickly figured it out, using it to send Blaney some supportive words over the official race radio.
‘Hi Uncle Ryan. Go Ryan. Win this race.”
— Bodhi, Blaney’s 4-year-old nephew
For Blaney and his team, the interruption was welcomed as a well-timed burst of joy in an otherwise tense competition. The driver described the incident:
“Smart kid, man, figured out, turned it on, pushed the button, gave me a little bit of motivation. And that was pretty cool. It was in a great time, like it was under caution, and there was not much going on. And oh yeah, I got a real good kick out of it. We all did, all my team, we got a good kick out of it.”
— Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Driver
Reflecting on the surprise, Blaney said he instantly recognized the voice. He humorously recalled:
“So that was funny. And I knew right away who it was. When he called me Uncle Ryan, I was like, all right, that’s either Bodhi or Louie. And I figured it was Bodhi, the younger one, because I talked to him about this radio. So I got a good laugh out of that. It was a point in the race where, like it was a lot of cautions after cautions. So that was like a nice moment of levity, of just a little break,” he further added.
— Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Driver
On-Track Performance Amid Laughter
Despite the playful interruption, Ryan Blaney maintained an impressive level of focus throughout the Bass Pro Shops Night Race. He clinched a strong fourth-place finish after starting the final segment from fifth. Blaney also delivered a consistent performance by taking eighth place in both the first and second stages. These accomplishments reinforced his position as a front-runner among NASCAR drivers.
Buzz About IndyCar and NASCAR Crossover
The excitement of the Ryan Blaney radio incident coincided with news about increased collaboration between different racing leagues. Blaney commented on the recent announcement by Roger Penske, revealing that the IndyCar Series, owned by Penske, will return to Phoenix Raceway in 2026. This move opens the door for crossover events between IndyCar and NASCAR, which share a deep connection through Team Penske’s operations in Mooresville, North Carolina.
“I loved when we had the double header with them at Indy. Just kind of being right there, and going over and hanging out, and watching practice in their box and stuff like that was cool. I think it’s going to be fantastic,” Ryan Blaney said (via Bob Pockrass).
— Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Driver
With both teams sharing facilities and camaraderie, drivers like William Byron, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, and Christopher Bell foster a collaborative spirit as the leagues consider joint ventures. These relationships highlight the ever-growing bonds within the racetrack community, both on and off the track.
Playoff Hopes and Championship Standings
Blaney currently holds fifth place in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series rankings, amassing 3,027 points so far. With two race victories, a pair of pole positions, and impressive tallies of 12 top-five and 16 top-ten finishes, the Team Penske #12 driver has distinguished himself as a formidable contender for the season’s playoffs. As he faces fierce competition from stars like Denny Hamlin, William Byron, Kyle Larson, and Christopher Bell, Blaney aims to build on his strong momentum through the remaining races.
The Ryan Blaney radio incident ultimately serves as an example of how unexpected moments can energize teams and create memorable experiences during an intense racetrack season. As the NASCAR Cup Series progresses, these lighter episodes remind fans and drivers alike of the human element at the heart of motorsports—where family support and shared laughter provide a welcome counterpoint to competition. The sport now continues toward pivotal playoff events, where each point and every moment—whether on the track or over the radio—can make a difference.
Count Ryan Blaney among those looking forward to the INDYCAR-NASCAR weekend at Phoenix in March. ARCA will race Friday March 6, Xfinity and INDYCAR will race Saturday March 7 (times TBA) and Cup will race Sunday March 8. @NASCARONFOX @IndyCarOnFOX pic.twitter.com/F0pGT6pCmC
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 16, 2025
