NASCAR veteran Kevin Harvick recently spoke on his Happy Hour podcast about a lighthearted but cautionary Ryan Blaney radio moment during the 500-lap Bass Pro Shops Night Race. Harvick highlighted how such moments, while amusing, can disrupt a driver’s race strategy if not managed carefully, emphasizing the importance of team preparation before pivotal events.
Unexpected Radio Interference During the Bass Pro Shops Night Race
During the race, Ryan Blaney experienced an unexpected surprise when his nephew, Bodie, intercepted the radio scanner belonging to Blaney’s wife, Ginna Tulio. This playful intrusion caused Blaney to laugh openly amidst the intense competition. After the brief distraction, Blaney asked his mother to retrieve the scanner from Bodie to keep the communication clear for the remainder of the race.
Kevin Harvick praised the moment as “awesome,” recalling how radio communication in NASCAR can sometimes be compromised by outsiders. Harvick shared that in past races, fans or rival teams have interfered by hacking into radios to create confusion, deliberately attempting to sabotage race strategies. Though Bodie’s interruption was innocent and humorous, Harvick reminded listeners of the potential risks involved.
“That is awesome. Yeah, that is amazing. And you know what’s crazy about this? So we went through a time period where race fans or race teams or somebody used to hack into our radios and other people’s radios to try to screw up your strategies and things during the race, to interfere with them. So that stuff is that one is cute and fun, and Ryan knew exactly who it was, but there have been moments when people would hack into the radios to try to screw up,” he said [00:17]. – Kevin Harvick
With these risks in mind, Harvick stressed the importance of drivers staying vigilant during team meetings, fully understanding race tactics, and being mentally prepared for surprises during competition. Despite the distraction, Ryan Blaney finished a strong fourth place at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Ryan Blaney’s Unique Celebration After Daytona Victory
Earlier in August 2025, Ryan Blaney secured his second win of the season at Daytona International Speedway. Driving the black Advance Auto Parts Ford Mustang, Blaney broke a streak of misfortune associated with that particular car paint scheme, which had previously led to multiple crashes or non-finishes in his Cup Series career. His victory in the 250-mile Coke Zero Sugar 400 race was noteworthy for both the achievement and the distinctive way he celebrated.
Unlike some drivers, Blaney marked the occasion with a series of donuts, a traditional motorsport celebration. He revealed that his motivation extended beyond the win itself, sharing that the paint scheme had long been seen as unlucky at speedways. He explained:
“Also, I mainly did it for Advance Auto Parts because that paint scheme at speedways has been cursed. I’ve gotten right hooked with that scheme more times than I can count. The CEO, Shane (O’Kelly), told me, ‘I think we’ve paid our dues with that paint scheme at speedways.'” – Ryan Blaney
Season Outlook and Upcoming Challenges
Currently, Ryan Blaney is positioned fifth in the NASCAR Cup Series points standings, holding 3,027 points. Throughout the season, he has collected two wins, 16 top-ten finishes, 12 top-five finishes, and two pole positions. With a 19-point margin above the playoff cutoff line, Blaney is preparing to compete in the next stage of the championship—the Round of 12—which will take place at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
This position reaffirms Blaney’s status as a strong contender in the series, reflecting his consistent performance and resilience. His ability to maintain focus amid challenges, such as unexpected radio distractions or troublesome luck with car schemes, showcases both his skill and mental toughness on the track.
The Impact of Communication and Strategy on Race Performance
The incidents highlighted by Kevin Harvick’s podcast underscore how critical clear communication and strategic awareness are in NASCAR racing. Radio channels are essential for exchanging track information, pit strategies, and safety alerts during high-speed competition. Any interference or distraction, even if playful like Blaney’s nephew’s prank, can affect split-second decisions that impact the race outcome.
Harvick’s cautionary advice encourages teams and drivers to prepare thoroughly during meetings and to remain alert throughout the event. Understanding the nuances of race-day communication helps prevent costly errors and strengthens a driver’s ability to adapt under pressure, vital for success in a demanding sport.
With Ryan Blaney demonstrating strong performance this season and managing surprises with composure, the upcoming races will test his and Team Penske’s capacity to sustain these positive results and advance further in the playoff rounds.
Ryan Blaney's nephew made a surprise appearance on his scanner at Bristol. @KevinHarvick knows what it's like to have your radio hacked during a race. pic.twitter.com/0S43MDvM6B
— HarvickHappyHour (@HarvickHappyPod) September 16, 2025
