NASCAR Insider Bluntly Shuts Down Fans’ Unwarranted Ryan Blaney Hate With Bold Reality Check

Ryan Blaney has quietly built one of the most well-rounded résumés in modern NASCAR. And he’s done it without ever really needing to pound his chest. A Cup Series champion, perennial playoff contender, and one of the most consistent drivers in the field, Blaney has racked up big wins on some of the sport’s biggest stages.

From holding his own against veterans to proving he can close when it matters most, he’s earned a reputation as both a professional and a fan favorite. Yet, despite all the trophies and momentum he’s stacked up, Blaney still somehow finds himself at the center of baffling criticism. And that’s where things get interesting. Because when the noise gets loud, insiders don’t hesitate to set the record straight.

The rally for Ryan Blaney

The regular-season finale race at Daytona (Coke Zero Sugar 400) was one of the most electrifying races of the year. “For the storylines, I was kind of rooting for chaos there,” admits Spider on the Rubbin’ is Racing podcast. He indirectly pointed to the drama as heavy hitters like Kyle Busch crashed out and Tyler Reddick wrestled his way into the playoffs despite an early collision.

Blaney, though, emerged as the clear hero. Starting mid-pack, he shot to the front in the last two laps and held off a fierce four-wide finish to claim victory. “I just think he’s the f—— man after he won,” Spider exclaimed, echoing the sentiment sweeping the garage and fanbase after the finish.

Despite these clutch performances, Ryan Blaney is no stranger to backlash on social media. Some fans nitpick his radio outbursts or label him inconsistent. Then, some blame him for his average finishes without grasping the context, like getting collected in crashes he didn’t cause. But those who know him best push back hard.

However, Large explained the other side of things about Ryan Blaney. “Nicest guy in the world,” he said. Large’s comment speaks to the reputation Blaney has carried since his Cup debut in 2014. Widely respected in the garage, Blaney has often been described as one of NASCAR’s most personable drivers. Whether it’s signing autographs long after practice sessions or not getting back at other drivers, his easy-going nature has set him apart from some of his more intense competitors.

As for the criticism, Blaney doesn’t take the bait. “Maybe it’s because I was raised correctly,” he recently posted on X. That attitude, paired with his calm demeanor, explains why fellow drivers and crew members rush to defend him. In the end, whether fans see him as overrated or underrated, the numbers and respect he commands from inside the sport tell a clearer story. And at Daytona, Blaney once again proved why even his critics can’t ignore him when the stakes are highest.

Ryan Blaney acknowledges the weight of Team Penske’s title run

Ryan Blaney is entering the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs with high expectations for both himself and his Team Penske teammates. All three of the Penske cars (Blaney, Joey Logano, and Austin Cindric) have qualified for the postseason. Blaney recently shared how the team faces an elevated standard given their recent three-year championship streak and full-team playoff presence.

“We’ve got three guys that are clearly gonna be the ones to beat and if they don’t make it to the Championship 4 it’s a tragedy,” Blaney explained recently. The Team’s president of NASCAR operations, Michael Nelson, echoed this confidence. He also highlighted Blaney’s ability to consistently challenge for wins late in races and noted that the No. 12 car tends to peak when it matters most. This organizational unity and resource sharing give all three Penske entries a strategic edge, especially at venues where the team has historically excelled.

Despite their solid preparation, Blaney emphasized that the unpredictable playoff format and strong rivalry with Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing prevent complacency. “You’ve got to get there first,” Blaney explained that the team’s first goal is to get to the Championship 4 race. “It’s a gauntlet to get there.”

The team is leaning into data, previous playoff experiences, and communication between drivers and crew chiefs to maximize results at pivotal tracks like Talladega, Martinsville, and Phoenix. As the playoffs begin, Blaney and his Penske teammates are focused on maintaining their championship momentum. The pressure is real, but Blaney’s elite form and Penske’s proven postseason pedigree suggest they are well-positioned for another run to the Championship 4.