There’s always been something magical about Ryan Blaney’s family’s connection to Sharon Speedway. Located in their hometown of Hartford, Ohio, the track is more than just a venue; it is part of their legacy. The Blaneys now own and operate Sharon, and in 2021, Dave Blaney delivered one of the most unforgettable victories in the sprint car series history. That night, 24 years after his last series win, Ryan’s father, Dave Blaney, piloted his own No. 10 to victory lane. But this time, it was Ryan Blaney’s uncle who lit the track.

Fast forward 14 years, and now it was Dale Blaney’s turn to create his own chapter of Sharon Speedway history. Driving his brother’s experimental sprint car, Dale entered Saturday’s Federated Auto Parts Showdown with a point to prove. With a massive field of 54 cars on hand, he immediately showed speed, nearly fourth-tenths quicker than anyone else in his hot laps group. And now, NASCAR star AJ Allmendinger cannot get enough of it.

AJ Allmendinger can’t stop applauding Dale Blaney

Taking to X, he praised the 61-year-old driver. He wrote, “My bus driver is a wheelman!!!! So pumped and proud for him. Let’s goooooooo
@DaleBlaney.” Dale set a quick time and qualified fifth, topping his heat race.

Fifth-place finish in the Toyota meant they started on row three for the 30-lap feature. When the green flag waved, the Low Rider wasted no time moving forward. He charged into third on the opening lap, slipped past Michael Buddy Kofoid for second six laps later, and then powered around pole sitter Cole Macedo to take the lead after only 10 circuits.

From there, Dale managed traffic with precision while Kofoid chased him down. A late restart set up a tense six-lap finish, and though Kofoid closed in with a bold outside run, Dale held his ground. As the checkered flag flew, Sharon Speedway erupted in celebration of his long-awaited Outlaws return to victory lane.

After the race, Dale Blaney couldn’t hold back his smile. He said, “There’re so many good young race car drivers out here, but to win a race at 61 (years old) is awesome. The racetrack had to be a certain way. It was a little slicker and slower, but I’m pretty good when it gets like that. My car is excellent when it gets like that. Starting fifth, I didn’t know if I could pass those guys, but I knew where I wanted to run, and we made it work.”

For Dale, the wind carried a deeper meaning. At 61 years old, seven months, and 28 days, he became the oldest driver to capture a World of  Outlaws Feature, ending a 10-year drought and earning the 12th series victory of his career. He admitted he wasn’t sure if any other win would ever come, especially with limited starts in recent years.

Yet in 2025, every one of his six races has been at Sharon and half of them have ended with a victory in his brother’s iconic red No. 10. The win not only cemented his place in Outlaws history but also made him the 15th different winner of the season, proving that even after decades behind the wheel, Dale Blaney still has the speed and savvy to shine. However, the Blaney brothers go way back on this track.

How the Blaney brothers transformed racing in Ohio at Sharon Speedway

The Blaney Brothers, Dave and Dale, have etched their names into the history of Sharon Speedway, a track deeply rooted in their family’s legacy. Dave Blaney, 1995 World of Outlaws champion, owns the track and has been a dominant force there, securing numerous victories over the years. In a remarkable feat, he clinched his final career win at Sharon Speedway during the 2024 Lou Blaney Memorial, an event honoring their late father, Lou Blaney, a racing legend in his own right.

Dale Blaney has also made significant contributions to the track’s history. Known as the Low Rider, he has amassed 40 career wins, including multiple wins in the prestigious Ohio sprint speed week. Dale has been a consistent contender. In 2024, he achieved a milestone victory in the Barris Truck Service #32B, further solidifying his status as a local hero.

The Blaney family’s involvement extends beyond racing. In 2025, Dave Blaney, along with his son Ryan Blaney and local racer Will Thomas III, became part owners of Sharon Speedway, ensuring the track’s future and continuing their family’s deep connection to the sport.

Together, the Blaney brothers have not only showcased their racing prowess but have also played an important role in preserving and enhancing the legacy of Sharon Speedway, making it a cornerstone of sprint car racing in Ohio.