Ryan Blaney ended the NASCAR 2025 season on a high note with an impressive and understated victory at Phoenix Raceway, highlighting the work of his No. 12 Team Penske crew even as the spotlight remained elsewhere. The achievement solidified a successful campaign for Blaney, adding momentum for his team as they look to future seasons, a point that became a central storyline for fans and industry insiders who followed the Ryan Blaney NASCAR 2025 season closely.
Blaney’s Strongest Campaign Yet Sets New Personal Records
Although Blaney did not capture a second NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2025, the season showcased exceptional progress and consistency from the driver out of High Point, North Carolina. Over the course of the series, Blaney reached Victory Lane four times, the highest mark in any of his campaigns so far, and set new personal bests with 15 top-five finishes and 852 laps led, ultimately landing him sixth in the overall standings. This performance reflected not only his individual skill but also the growing cohesion and effectiveness within Team Penske’s No. 12 group.
Blaney reflected on the year after the season finale at Phoenix, saying,
“I’m very, very proud of our year,”
— Ryan Blaney, Driver. He continued to describe the improvement within his team over recent years and how that translated into stronger results.
An important factor in Blaney’s late-season momentum was his ability to secure three of his four victories in the final eleven weeks, underscoring a steady upward trajectory in performance. He highlighted the strength of his team with,
“All I’ve always tried to look for is how is our 15 or so guys operating together. Are we communicating well, giving all the effort we can be giving through the week and on the weekend? That part is just getting better and better.”
— Ryan Blaney, Driver.
Expressing his appreciation for Team Penske, Blaney added,
“I’m really lucky to be part of such a great group with my 12 car, and also all of Team Penske,”
— Ryan Blaney, Driver. The bond between crew members and Blaney’s desire to grow with them stood out as an essential component of their success.
Looking towards the future, Blaney emphasized continuous improvement, stating,
“It’s great to go out with a win and carry some momentum into next year. We’ll look at some things that we think we can improve. Try to keep building better and better every single year. Whether it was a great year or a terrible year, you just try to get better.”
— Ryan Blaney, Driver. His perspective suggests a strong foundation for continued achievements as the team prepares for the next NASCAR campaign.
Blaney reiterated the special nature of this finale and year,
“What an incredible way to wrap up the 2025 season. Sharing that Victory Lane moment with the 12 Team and RP is a reminder of how truly special we are @team_penske. Thanks to all of our partners and fans for an unforgettable year. pic.twitter.com/cD7Ki99Ne5
— Ryan Blaney (@Blaney) November 3, 2025”
— Ryan Blaney, Driver.
A Hidden Triumph at Phoenix Raceway
The season’s closing race at Phoenix Raceway saw much of the motorsports world glued to the dramatic battle among the Championship 4, overshadowing Ryan Blaney’s own charge to the checkered flag. While not in contention for the title after being eliminated in the Round of 8, Blaney’s determination paid off as he captured a personal milestone that had eluded him for years.
Phoenix had been a scene of near-misses for Blaney, with second-place finishes in each of the previous three finales, including his championship run in 2023. Undoing that string of close losses brought a sense of satisfaction, which Blaney captured,
“It’s nice to finally get in Victory Lane here after being so close for a number of years,”
— Ryan Blaney, Driver. He addressed the lingering memories from previous years, reflecting on how consistent competitiveness at the Arizona track ultimately paid off.
He further described the relief of breaking through, stating,
“It’s nice when you can finally do it and break through. And win at a track where you’ve had one of the best cars for the last handful of years.”
— Ryan Blaney, Driver.
Rather than dwell on his absence from the title hunt, Blaney focused on ending the season positively for his crew and Ford, explaining,
“Even though we weren’t a part of the championship, we were determined to try to end the year for Ford and Team Penske with a win,”
— Ryan Blaney, Driver. He added,
“Fortunately, we were able to do that. We did a great job.”
— Ryan Blaney, Driver. That sense of fulfillment and pride was evident in the way he celebrated with his team at Victory Lane, reinforcing their tight-knit dynamic.
Momentum for the Future and Significance for the Team
Blaney’s finale win and the overall arc of his NASCAR 2025 season serve as strong signals for Team Penske’s prospects going into the next year. By capping the season with a fourth victory and a notable demonstration of teamwork, Blaney and his squad not only ended on a high note but set a positive tone for the offseason and their efforts in 2026. The experiences and improvements of this year, from strategic race calls to consistent finishes, are likely to further cement their position as contenders.
Fans, as well as key entities like Ford and Team Penske, will be watching closely to see if Blaney can convert this late surge of performance into championship contention next season. As the offseason arrives, Blaney’s approach—focused on gratitude, collaboration, and continued growth—marks him as a key driver to follow in the evolving landscape of the NASCAR Cup Series.
What an incredible way to wrap up the 2025 season. Sharing that Victory Lane moment with the 12 Team and RP is a reminder of how truly special we are @team_penske. Thanks to all of our partners and fans for an unforgettable year. pic.twitter.com/cD7Ki99Ne5
— Ryan Blaney (@Blaney) November 3, 2025
