Ryan Blaney’s 2025 season in the NASCAR Cup Series showcased remarkable growth with four victories, fifteen top-five finishes, and a sixth-place ranking overall, affirming his status as a consistent force for Team Penske. Despite setting new personal records and moving into championship contention, Blaney fell just short of making the final Championship 4, with key moments of both triumph and adversity defining his year.
Blaney’s Standout Moments and Strong Finish
Blaney’s 2025 campaign with the No. 12 Team Penske Ford, under the guidance of crew chief Jonathan Hassler, was highlighted by an electrifying end at Phoenix Raceway. Securing a win in the season finale, Blaney powered past Brad Keselowski in the closing turns, building off momentum that had carried him through late-season competition. A notable runner-up finish at Martinsville Speedway in the semifinal round nearly placed him among the Championship 4, but a sequence of four finishes outside the top twelve during the playoffs ultimately stalled his title drive. Still, Blaney’s effort was described as his finest yet, with career highs not only in wins but also in top fives and laps led, pointing towards an upward trend in his ten-year Cup career.
Nashville Superspeedway and New Hampshire: Defining Victories
Blaney’s best performance came in June at Nashville Superspeedway. After starting the race from the 15th position, he took control by leading 139 of 300 laps—a season best for him—to capture his inaugural victory of 2025 and secure his playoff berth. Another highlight came in September at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, the first race of the NASCAR Playoffs’ Round of 12. There, Blaney led for 116 laps after qualifying second, helping Team Penske’s Ford lineup dominate the day and earning his spot in the Round of 8 for the seventh time in his career. These events underscored his ability to rise to the occasion on big stages, capping his season with memorable wins.
Memorable Races and Season Challenges
Other significant achievements in the Ryan Blaney 2025 season review included his role as the upset winner at the regular-season finale at Daytona International Speedway. Battling against determined competitors like Daniel Suárez, Justin Haley, Cole Custer, and Erik Jones—all fighting for playoff entry—Blaney led the field from pole, managing 27 laps at the front to clinch another victory. His performance at Homestead-Miami Speedway in March also appeared promising, where he dominated by leading 124 laps. However, an engine issue 60 laps before the end dashed hopes for another win, reflecting both the competitive edge and mechanical vulnerabilities his team faced over the year.
Blaney contended with a season of contrasts regarding his statistics. On one hand, the 852 laps he led marked a career milestone, surpassing his previous record of 668 set in 2020. Yet, the season also featured a career-worst eight DNFs (Did Not Finish), illustrating a “yin-and-yang” dynamic. Notably, three DNFs in a row occurred during March, bookended by engine problems at Phoenix and Miami and a crash at Las Vegas. Five additional crashes throughout the campaign removed him from races before reaching the checkered flag, highlighting both the progress and setbacks experienced in his 2025 journey.
Team Spirit and Perseverance
Blaney reflected on the mental strength and steady improvement of his crew throughout the intense season. After a string of early disappointments, he acknowledged the effort and resilience his team displayed, with their ability to rebound and grow stronger each week.
“I know that we didn’t make the Champ 4 this year, but I feel like this team was even better than last year — just our integrity of how we clawed back from some early miscues, a lot of DNFs early. Just the mental strength of this whole group, I was really proud. I was proud of my guys for getting better and better every week and every year.”
– Ryan Blaney on the strength and improvements of the No. 12 team in 2025.
What Lies Ahead for Blaney and Team Penske
With teammates like Joey Logano and Austin Cindric competing alongside him, Blaney has emerged as Team Penske’s leading contender for the NASCAR Cup Series championship. Looking toward the next season, there are no clear signs that this momentum will slow, as Blaney continues to elevate his performance and pursue a second Bill France Cup. His 2025 statistics, racing acumen, and commitment from his group position him as a name to watch as the championship battle heats up next year.
As NASCAR’s competitive landscape evolves, Ryan Blaney remains a resilient figure. The blend of career highs, near misses, and demonstrated determination in the Ryan Blaney 2025 season review sets a strong foundation for future success, keeping fans and competitors alike invested in his ongoing journey at the front of the pack.
