Ryan Blaney

Ryan Blaney is an American professional stock car racing driver competing full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series. He drives the No. 12 Ford Mustang for Team Penske and is recognized for his consistency, competitiveness, and clutch racing ability. The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion, Blaney is a perennial contender and continues to be a leading figure in the 2025 season.

Early Life and Background

Born on December 31, 1993, in Hartford Township, Ohio, Ryan Michael Blaney hails from a racing family—he is the son of former NASCAR Cup Series driver Dave Blaney and grandson of modified dirt track racer Lou Blaney. Beginning his racing career in quarter midgets and late models, Blaney showed early promise, winning his first quarter midget race at age 9. His notable early accomplishments include winning the 2010 CRA Southern Six-Pack Championship and the PASS South Super Late Model Championship. He progressed through the NASCAR K&N Pro Series and ARCA, quickly transitioning to national NASCAR series competition.

Career

Blaney began competing part-time in NASCAR’s Nationwide (Xfinity) and Camping World Truck Series in 2011-2012. His full-time NASCAR Truck Series debut in 2013 earned him Rookie of the Year honors and a 6th-place points finish. He narrowly missed the 2014 Truck Series championship, finishing second by 20 points.

Blaney made his Cup Series debut in 2014 with Team Penske and ran a limited schedule with Wood Brothers Racing in 2015, before securing a full-time Cup seat with Wood Brothers in 2016. His first Cup win came at Pocono Raceway in 2017. Since 2018, Blaney has driven the No. 12 Ford Mustang for Team Penske.

He captured the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series championship, marking the pinnacle of his career to date. In 2024, Blaney posted a three-win season, including victories at Iowa, Pocono, and Martinsville, advancing to the Championship 4 for a second consecutive year, and finishing a close second in the standings. As of mid-2025, Blaney remains a strong championship contender, with one win and consistent top-10 finishes across 22 races, racing under crew chief Jonathan Hassler.

Off-Track Ventures

Blaney is active off the track in charitable work, fan engagement, and motorsports promotions. He maintains a strong social media presence and collaborates with his sponsors, including Menards and Advance Auto Parts, on marketing and community initiatives. Though personal ventures outside racing are less publicized, he is known for his approachable demeanor and connection to the racing community.

Net Worth

Estimates of Ryan Blaney’s net worth as of 2025 range around $12 million, accumulated through race earnings, endorsements, and sponsorship deals. His rising profile as a champion driver enhances his marketability and financial standing in NASCAR.

Personal Life

Ryan Blaney resides in North Carolina. Known for being personable and media-friendly, he balances his professional career with family life. As of 2025, his married to Gianna Tulio.

Recent Controversies

Blaney has maintained a relatively clean reputation with no major legal or ethical controversies reported through the 2024 and 2025 seasons. His career has largely been defined by competitive performance rather than off-track incidents.

Key Highlights from Season 2024 and 2025

• 2024: Defended his status as a top-tier driver with three Cup wins, including the inaugural Cup race at Iowa Speedway and races at Pocono and Martinsville. Secured his eighth consecutive playoff appearance and advanced to the Championship 4 in Phoenix, where he finished second, narrowly missing back-to-back titles.

• 2025 (1st August): Continues to drive the No. 12 Ford Mustang with crew chief Jonathan Hassler. Recorded a win at Nashville Superspeedway in June 2025, maintained a top-10 average finish, and remains in strong championship contention with 10 top-10 finishes across 22 races.