In a thrilling conclusion to the race weekend, anticipation soared as Ryan Blaney clinched the 2023 Cup Series title, marking an all-time high in his decade-long career. Blaney sped past the finish line, coming in second only to Ross Chastain, who was not in the championship hunt. This victory was a momentous occasion for the third-generation racer, as he added a chapter in golden letters to his family’s storied racing legacy.

His father, Dave Blaney, a former NASCAR driver and World of Outlaws champion had always seen the potential in his son. The Blaney family’s racing bloodline runs deep, with Blaney’s grandfather, Lou Blaney, also making a name for himself as a dirt track racer. Reflecting on his journey, Blaney expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of his family, sharing how his father had foreseen this moment of championship glory.

Ryan Blaney’s father saw his Championship glory before anyone else could

Amidst the spray of champagne in victory lane, the 30-year-old  basked in the glory of his maiden championship, surrounded by the warm embrace of friends and family at Phoenix. For Blaney, his father, Dave Blaney, had been an unwavering pillar of support throughout his journey.

Gratitude welled up within him as he shared, “It’s meant everything. Obviously, I come from a family of racers—my grandfather, dad, and uncle. Dad is obviously who I grew up watching and admiring, wanted to be like.

“To be able to do what he did, because as a kid I just wanted to do what dad did, so to be able to race and, let alone, compete for wins and championships, still have my parents around, people that you look up to that are still around, it makes it even more special.”

Blaney’s father had played the role of a dedicated cheerleader throughout the season, witnessing his son collect one win after another. From the grueling Coca-Cola 600, where he ended his 59-race winless streak, to the heart-stopping photo finish in Talladega and the crucial victory in Martinsville that secured his place in the championship 4, the elder Blaney was there every step of the way.

Post-race, Blaney revealed how his father had an uncanny foresight about the championship. He recounted, “He’s been not only someone I grew up wanting to be like and wanting to do his sport, obviously getting me started in racing, supported me along the way, opened a lot of doors for me. For him to still be supportive when I’m an adult is great.

“His whole thing through the Playoffs was, ‘I see the path, I can see the path to the championship, I can see it.’ After we won Martinsville, he’s like, ‘It’s lit up now, the path’s lit up.’ I think we drove through the gate tonight. So we have arrived. It’s cool to have my whole family here, which is special.”

Peeling back the layers on his father’s true colors beyond the stoic racer persona

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Blaney’s father has been a pivotal mentor throughout his racing career, a relationship that extends far beyond the thrilling 2023 season. During an interview on the Mics Are Hot Podcast, Blaney shattered the stereotype of an emotionless, even-keeled racer and unveiled a different side to his father.

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Contrary to the stoic exterior often associated with racers, Blaney disclosed that his father was, in reality, an impulsive and passionate individual, much like himself. He reminisced about how his father would use tough love to keep him focused during practice sessions, firmly putting him in line.

Despite this approach, the Penske star emphasized that his father’s support was unwavering. “I have my dad’s genes… like a light switch, a firecracker can go off at any minute. Dad was always pretty hard on me but supportive. And I like that way of learning and growing up,” Blaney shared on the podcast.

This support and firm guidance from his father shone brightly as Blaney hoisted the Bill France Cup, solidifying his name among the sport’s greats. His father expressed, “He was super talented, really young. But lots of guys are! You still got to make all this stuff happen and progress through, and he’s done it all. He has made it happen.”

As this season’s chapter in the sport comes to a close, we are filled with anticipation for the 2024 season’s kickoff to find out if Team Penske and Ford continue their triumphant reign for a third consecutive season.

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