Ryan Blaney recently celebrated a major milestone by winning his first NASCAR Cup Series Championship in 2023 with Team Penske, a victory he described as a “dream come true,” especially when shared with Roger Penske. Speaking in an interview with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Blaney expressed how meaningful it would be to win at Indianapolis and have the chance to “kiss the bricks” alongside Penske, a moment he has long dreamed about.
Since 2021, Blaney has steadily built an impressive racing career, achieving multiple wins in a single year and securing a notable victory at the Coca-Cola 600 in 2023, breaking a previous winless streak. He has consistently qualified for the playoffs and earned spots in the Championship 4 for both 2023 and 2024, reinforcing his position as one of NASCAR’s top contenders.
Consistent Performance and Unique Track Achievements Define Blaney’s Career
Blaney has maintained remarkable consistency throughout his NASCAR tenure, finishing in the top 10 at least 14 times each season since 2017 and leading thousands of laps on various tracks. His success spans numerous venues, including historic wins at Pocono Raceway, Talladega Superspeedway, and Martinsville Speedway.
In 2024, Blaney claimed a unique distinction by winning at Iowa Speedway, becoming the only driver to capture victories in all three of NASCAR’s national series at that track. This achievement adds to his growing list of accomplishments and illustrates his adaptability across different racing formats.
Blaney’s Passion for Kissing the Bricks with Roger Penske
Reflecting on the significance of winning at Indianapolis, Blaney shared his excitement, linking the experience closely to his personal and professional goals. He said,
“I can’t wait. We had a great run there last year and that would be like, that’s a childhood thing that I wanted to do. And especially ever since I was kissing the bricks. And now, ever since I’ve raced for Roger, is being able to kiss the bricks with Roger. That would be like a dream come true. That would be nothing cooler than that. So hopefully we can do it for him this weekend and be able to fulfill that dream,” —Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Driver
Responding to Criticism Surrounding Playoff Championships
Blaney has also addressed ongoing criticism from some NASCAR fans who dismiss playoff-based championships as less legitimate or “Mickey Mouse” titles. As the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Champion, he strongly refuted this perspective by emphasizing the fairness of the playoff system.
Blaney pointed out that all drivers begin each season with an equal chance to secure the championship, invalidating criticisms aimed at playoff winners. He underscored that the full-season points format has not been used in NASCAR since 2003, making arguments favoring it outdated and irrelevant.
On this topic, Blaney stated,
“What kind of bugs me a little bit is the people that are so diehard on, like, ‘If you won a championship in this format that we have now, oh, it’s a Micky Mouse championship and it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t count.’ It’s like, man, everyone has the same opportunity as the guy who won it. This isn’t the full season points. Like everyone always talks about like, ‘Oh, this guy, he would have won the full season points.’ Like, well, that’s great. But we haven’t used that format in 20 years,” —Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Driver
Implications of Blaney’s Pursuit at Indianapolis
Ryan Blaney’s pursuit of victory at Indianapolis carries substantial significance for both his personal legacy and for Team Penske. Securing a win at such a prestigious track alongside Roger Penske would mark a highlight in his career and fulfill a lifelong aspiration. Moreover, his steady rise and determination to confront criticism head-on position him as a resilient and influential figure in NASCAR’s evolving competitive landscape.
Looking ahead, Blaney’s consistent performances and commitment to achieving key milestones symbolize a hopeful future in the sport, with the potential to inspire fans and other drivers alike as he chases more landmark accomplishments.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Ryan Blaney ever won Talladega?
A. Blaney secured a victory at the Talladega fall race by a mere 0.007 seconds over Ryan Newman. Despite an early spin onto pit road, he moved on to the Round of 8.
