Ryan Blaney, a leading name in NASCAR and the 2023 Cup Series champion, remains committed to maintaining racing respect on the track, crediting his approach to the lessons from his father, Dave Blaney. His consistently fair and controlled driving style is a central part of his identity as a competitor for Team Penske Racing, and it continues to draw attention amid ongoing garage discussions about the value of respecting rivals on the track.
Known for piloting the No.12 Ford Mustang, Blaney has made his mark with precise yet assertive moves. While incidents are rare, some suggest that other racers might use his good-natured reputation to their advantage, expecting Blaney to race them cleanly. That perception, however, hasn’t led him to change his ways or adopt an aggressive, confrontational style. Blaney has made it clear that his philosophy is deeply rooted in the core values his father taught from early childhood racers up through his professional career.
There’s always this discussion about it’s been brought up specifically about me like, ‘Hey, do you think guys take advantage of you because you race a certain way and maybe they feel like they can take more of an advantage of you’
—Ryan Blaney, via NASCAR Media Call (Speedwaymedia.com)
This ongoing debate in the NASCAR world often centers on whether his clean style makes him more vulnerable to hard-nosed tactics from his rivals. Blaney acknowledges these concerns, but returns to the principle that guides every lap he races: show respect, expecting the same in return.
Family Influence: The Source of Blaney’s Racing Philosophy
The foundation of Ryan Blaney’s approach is cemented by advice from his father, Dave Blaney, who also enjoyed a successful racing career. Dave’s main counsel was always to give respect on the track with the hope of getting respect back, regardless of racing circumstances or opponents’ tactics. This code of conduct wasn’t just a saying—Ryan Blaney embraced it at every stage, from his rookie days to becoming a veteran racer in the NASCAR Cup Series.
And I don’t know. My dad taught me at a young age when I was getting going that you give respect and you hope to get it back. I’ve tried to be really respectful, no matter what it is – when I was a rookie…
—Ryan Blaney
His respect-first attitude has been a constant, influencing the way he interacts with everyone in the garage, from new drivers to seasoned veterans. Ryan stresses that racing rough simply isn’t part of his makeup, and it doesn’t reflect the culture he experienced in his early racing years among late model competitors or under the guidance of other mentors.
…As I’ve been in it for a while, I try to be respectful and it’s just not in my nature to be the rough guy. That’s just not how I was raised. That’s not how my dad taught me to race. It’s not how the guys I grew up racing late models around raced. We all respected one another.
—Ryan Blaney
With Dave Blaney’s guidance, and the examples set by figures in his formative racing experiences, Ryan continues to aim for a culture of professionalism and mutual respect, regardless of trends toward more aggressive driving in modern NASCAR.
Preparing for New Hampshire: Chasing the Next Victory with Integrity
As the NASCAR Cup Series heads to New Hampshire, Blaney and Team Penske Racing are focused on breaking the current Joe Gibbs Racing winning streak. The team’s determination is high, and Blaney has expressed a particular desire to reach victory lane, motivated partly by the tradition of celebrating with a giant local lobster—one of the more unique post-race customs in motorsports.
I’ve always wanted all that lobster in Victory Lane. It’s one of the coolest traditions. I really enjoy New Hampshire. I love the area. It’s gorgeous up there, especially in September, everything’s starting to change, and the fans up here are just incredibly passionate about Motorsports.
—Ryan Blaney
He describes New Hampshire as a special venue, noting its natural beauty and the passionate fan base that energizes competitors. Winning here carries personal importance, but for Blaney, it’s also about sharing those triumphs with his supporters and team while upholding the code of sportsmanship that defines his career. He believes cherishing these moments with enthusiastic fans enhances the experience and acknowledges the broader NASCAR community’s role in every driver’s journey.
A victory in New Hampshire would secure Blaney’s spot in the next playoff round and help Team Penske Racing extend their success in NASCAR’s Next-Gen era. Facing strong competition from the likes of Joe Gibbs Racing and other formidable teams, Blaney’s respectful approach will again be tested, but his resolve to compete cleanly remains unshaken. The coming events will reveal how his philosophy holds up against rivals with varying styles and intentions on the track.
The Ongoing Impact of Racing Respect in NASCAR
Ryan Blaney’s consistent stand on racing with respect has made him both a role model and a point of discussion in the garage. His approach, shaped by mentors, his father Dave Blaney, and the camaraderie of his early career, continues to influence debates about the best ways to compete at the highest level. As the season progresses and major races like New Hampshire bring both challenges and opportunities, the question remains whether respect can prevail over sheer aggression in modern motorsports.
Ultimately, Blaney’s adherence to his family’s code offers a template for future competitors, suggesting that career success need not come at the expense of dignity and mutual regard. As fans and fellow racers watch the next chapters unfold, the legacy of racing respect appears set to remain a key storyline, both for Ryan Blaney and for NASCAR as a whole.
