It is no secret that Ryan Blaney is the biggest Star Wars fan among the NASCAR Cup Series drivers today. His love for the franchise is well documented. So when it was announced that Bubba Wallace would run a Star Wars-themed paint scheme in Phoenix, he was not best pleased. The two drivers had previously visited Disney World’s Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge together. However, as per Blaney, the 23XI Racing star’s knowledge about the franchise is limited.

Even though nobody expected the Team Penske driver to go deep into the playoffs, he has defied the odds this year and now finds himself in the championship race. After two incredible wins in the playoffs, the driver of the #12 has found some form and will be hoping to win his maiden Cup Series title. But only if he manages to get over his Star Wars heartbreak first.

Ryan Blaney admits to being “stung” by Bubba Wallace’s fortune

Bubba Wallace’s paint scheme for the final race of the season was unveiled in the grandest of manners. The 23XI Racing driver was joined by Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill. Fans went wild as soon as they saw the new look, #23. There is no doubt that Bubba Wallace’s car will stand out when it hits the track.

Ryan Blaney would have loved to run a Star Wars paint scheme in his first championship race appearance. He admitted being jealous of Bubba Wallace for living his dream and took a sly dig at the 30-year-old. According to the Team Penske star, the 23XI star has never even watched a single Star Wars movie.

“I was stung. … It’s awesome for the sport, right? That’s so cool. I’m jealous he got to meet him. Yeah, I was a little hurt when I saw that. But happy for him. Super happy. Even though he never has seen Star Wars in his life,” the driver of the #12 said, as per NASCAR journalist Jeff Gluck.

It’s not just Bubba Wallace who is getting a new paint scheme in Phoenix. His teammate, Tyler Reddick, is also one. While the #23’s paint scheme is based on the light side of the force, the #45 seemed to have moved over to the dark side. Which is always the cooler thing to do as far as fans are concerned?

However, Ryan Blaney has more important issues at hand, like winning the Cup Series. The Team Penske man might have hit a purple patch of form, but the pressure at Phoenix will be immense. A lot of people believe in the driver of the #12, though, including one of the drivers he will be racing against for the title.

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Team Penske star given the ‘favorite’ tag by title rival

Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson is one of the strongest favorites going into the championship race. Being a former Cup Series champion, the 31-year-old knows what it’s like to handle the championship pressure. However, the driver of the #5 believes Ryan Blaney is the favorite based on his current form.

“I mean, obviously you look at recent speed and stuff, Blaney probably to me stands out to be the best. If I was setting odds, I would put him as the favorite. Again, not by much. I think we’re all four pretty equal. It should be a really good race. I think whoever wins on Sunday is a very deserving champion,” the Hendrick Motorsports star said as per motorsport.com.

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Racing against drivers like Larson, William Byron, and Christopher Bell will not be easy. Given that this is Ryan Blaney’s first time in the finale, nerves may play a factor. One thing, however, is certain. If the #12 driver finds the form that he did in Martinsville, it will be very difficult to stop him.