Ryan Blaney on NASCAR respect has taken center stage after the sport confirmed a return to the Chase format for deciding its Cup Series champion, following prolonged division over the previous playoff system. Announced by President Steve O’Donnell, this change marks the end of an era that, according to drivers like Blaney, saw a decline in mutual respect among competitors on the track.
NASCAR Shifts Away from the Playoffs After Prolonged Disputes
After more than a year of internal disputes, NASCAR has officially announced the removal of the playoff format in favor of the Chase, a move celebrated by many in the racing community. This transition brings closure to tensions within the sport, which had grown as drivers and fans debated the fairness and impact of the previous system. Team Penske’s Blaney, who claimed the championship in 2023, voiced his hope that this adjustment would restore both respect and legitimacy to the series.
Ryan Blaney’s Reflections on Declining Respect
Speaking to reporters after the announcement, Blaney highlighted how the playoff format forced drivers into making tough ethical compromises. He pointed out that competitors often justified questionable actions by claiming the format left them no choice.
“I think this format, for the longest time, had to do that. Guys would have excuses like, ‘Well, I had to do it. I didn’t want to.’ That’s the lamest excuse in the world.”
— Ryan Blaney, Team Penske.
While he acknowledged understanding the pressures at play, Blaney expressed disappointment in how the playoff era led to lost camaraderie. The heightened stakes meant some participants pushed boundaries, prioritizing survival over sportsmanship. This shift, he believes, undermined the core values with which he was raised in racing.
“@Blaney says respect was lost under the Playoffs era and hopes The Chase brings legitimacy back to racing. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/PTIjhgm2nN”
— Peter Stratta, Reporter.
Renewed Hope for the Return of Traditional Racing Values
Blaney emphasized his personal connection to the longstanding principles of fairness and respect on the track, explaining,
“That takes the purity of racing away, for me,”
as well as,
“I grew up with ‘Give respect, take respect, and race people how they race you.’ That’s what I got beaten into my mind as a kid. That’s how I grew up, and that’s how I am. So, I hope it gets back to that.”
— Ryan Blaney, Team Penske.
He noted that these values were the norm until the past decade, when changes in the sport’s structure altered how drivers interacted. Blaney’s statements reflect nostalgia for a culture where racers competed fiercely but upheld mutual respect, a dynamic that faded in the pressure cooker environment of the playoff system.
Assessing the Impact of the Chase Format’s Return
Blaney welcomed the Chase format’s reinstatement, considering it a significant and overdue improvement for NASCAR. While he admitted to preferring the classic 36-race points championship, Blaney believes the Chase is a step in the right direction, requiring consistency and competitiveness,
“This is great because it’s not like you can take off for the 26 races. You have to get in, and you don’t want to be 16th in points. That would be 100 points behind the leader. So, you’re gonna have to show up every week and settle for good days and capitalize on days you can capitalize. So, I think it’s really good that they did this.”
— Ryan Blaney, Team Penske.
He also acknowledged the efforts of NASCAR leadership and the playoff committee, which spent over a year restructuring the championship. Blaney recognized that, despite these efforts, some participants and fans would remain dissatisfied, but suggested the overall benefit to the sport surpassed lingering objections.
Looking Ahead: Legitimacy and Respect in the Next NASCAR Era
As NASCAR moves into a new chapter with the return of the Chase format, drivers, organizations, and fans monitor how this change affects both competition and sportsmanship. Ryan Blaney’s insights highlight the emotional and ethical dimensions of the shift, setting the stage for a season where respect and legitimacy may once again become hallmarks of America’s premier stock car series. Key figures like Steve O’Donnell and the playoff committee have shaped this turning point, and all eyes are now on whether NASCAR’s traditional values are truly restored on the racetrack.
.@Blaney says respect was lost under the Playoffs era and hopes The Chase brings legitimacy back to racing. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/PTIjhgm2nN
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) January 12, 2026
