Ryan Blaney, the Team Penske driver, has fully embraced his new life as a father, sharing the fun and challenges of diaper duty with his usual wit and humor. The Ryan Blaney fatherhood journey took a new turn this November as he and his wife, Gianna, welcomed their first child, Charley Bennett Blaney, marking a heartfelt milestone in their lives.
Navigating Fatherhood Amid Racing Success
Blaney and Gianna celebrated the arrival of their newborn son on Monday, November 17, building on a year of significant personal milestones after announcing the pregnancy in July and recalling their winter-themed wedding last year in Aspen, Colorado. As the racing offseason begins, Blaney’s focus has shifted from the track to family life, particularly his son’s early days at home.
“We’ve moved on from the tar 💩 phase to the mustard 💩 phase. I gotta tell ya, I prefer mustard,” he wrote in an X post.
While adjusting to his new responsibilities, Blaney concluded a remarkable 2025 racing season, securing sixth place in the standings and matching his 2024 record with four race victories. His season ended on a high note with a momentous win at Phoenix Raceway—his first at the venue after four runner-up finishes since 2022—demonstrating perseverance and growth in a fiercely competitive field.
“It’s nice to finally get in Victory Lane here after being so close for a number of years. Those things kind of stick in your brain a little bit. We’ve had a shot to win at these certain places a handful of times, but we haven’t really been able to get the job done.” — Ryan Blaney, Driver
Throughout the season, Blaney showcased consistency and speed, capturing a last-lap victory in the regular season finale and dominating at New Hampshire by leading 116 out of 301 laps. In total, he earned 15 top-5 finishes and led 852 laps, with an average finish of 14.6, solidifying his reputation as a key competitor for Team Penske.
Off-Season Focus: Family and Fatherhood
Recent interviews revealed Blaney’s priorities as he enters the off-season. Speaking with NASCAR reporter Matt Weaver, the Ohio native explained how his plans for downtime are now centered around supporting his wife and caring for baby Charley, embracing the challenges and joys that come with first-time parenthood.
“Everyone keeps asking for my off-season plans. I have no plans. I have the plan of keeping a child alive,” he said,
“That’s what my plan is…..that will consume our off-season but in a good way. We’re excited. It’s just that of going to the holidays as opposed to the kid is an old and get out. Like, we’ve got to stay home. It’s a youngin’. So, yeah, we’re looking forward to that. That’s all we’ve got planned,” he added.
Blaney and Gianna’s journey together began during a NASCAR weekend in Las Vegas. After two years, they started dating in 2020 and moved in together at their home in North Carolina in 2021. Shortly after winning the 2023 Cup Series title, Blaney proposed to Gianna on December 12, building a story filled with shared milestones and growing commitment.
Looking Ahead in Both Racing and Parenting
As the NASCAR world quiets down for the offseason, Blaney’s attention is now on his young family, finding humor in daily parenting moments and sharing lighthearted updates with fans. With his competitive racing spirit still present, the coming months will see him adjusting to fatherhood while reflecting on a season of hard-earned victories and personal growth.
The Ryan Blaney fatherhood journey is shaping not just his home life but also how fans and the NASCAR community see him—as both a dedicated competitor and a relatable new dad. With family at the core and racing on the horizon, both fans and rivals can expect to see a reenergized Ryan Blaney when the green flag drops next season.
