The Ryan Blaney family recently paid tribute to Kate Blaney, the beloved matriarch who passed away on July 14. The Ryan Blaney Family Foundation honored her memory in a heartfelt post shared on X, highlighting her enduring impact on one of America’s most renowned racing families.
Kate Blaney, though less publicly celebrated than her husband Lou Blaney—who earned legendary status in modified and sprint car racing—played a vital role behind the scenes. As Lou’s life partner and mother to their two sons, Dave and Dale Blaney, she was a steady force supporting the family’s racing legacy. Both sons carved out successful careers in motorsports, with Dave Blaney becoming a notable racer and father to current NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Blaney. Kate’s influence extended through generations, helping nurture the family’s deep racing roots.
The Ryan Blaney Family Foundation’s tribute on X emphasized the warmth and generosity that defined Kate.
“We will always remember Kate as the kind, beautiful, and endlessly giving woman that she was. A soul full of life, strength, and grace. Rest easy, dear Kate. We love you always. #rbff”
— Ryan Blaney Family Foundation
This remembrance highlights the profound love and respect felt by the family and fans alike, acknowledging Kate’s quiet but powerful role in sustaining one of NASCAR’s most respected lineages.
Amidst this family tribute, Ryan Blaney’s 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season continues to unfold with a mix of challenges and standout performances. After a strong seventh-place finish in the Daytona 500, Blaney faced several difficulties including multiple DNFs early in the season. Nevertheless, his resilience shone through with an emphatic victory at Nashville Superspeedway, where he dominated by leading 139 laps.
Across 17 races so far this season, Blaney has earned seven top-5 finishes, eight top-10s, and one pole position, maintaining solid placement within the playoff standings. His consistency and skill have helped secure an average finish around 16, establishing him as a competitive presence in the championship hunt.
Ryan Blaney reflects on the challenge of competing against Shane van Gisbergen on road courses
One significant challenge Blaney has openly acknowledged is the dominance of Shane van Gisbergen on NASCAR’s road courses. Van Gisbergen showcased remarkable skill again at Sonoma Raceway by capturing the win from pole position and leading nearly every lap. Blaney, representing Team Penske, praised van Gisbergen for his precision, smoothness, and strategic driving that have made him nearly unbeatable on these tracks.
“He’s (Shane van Gisbergen) really good. He’s really smooth, and he’s really fast with lap time, but he also is not out of control doing it, so he can save tires while maintaining a solid lap time to keep him up front. He’s just put on a clinic on these road courses, and in the last 3 from Mexico and Chicago and here (Sonoma), he’s really dominated,” said Blaney [via Frontstretch]
— Ryan Blaney
“He’s just really technical at how he does it and his approach to it, he’s just really, really solid race car driver. We’re all going to have to get a lot better at these places to have a chance.” [0:46 onwards]
— Ryan Blaney
Blaney emphasized van Gisbergen’s technical mastery, noting that the New Zealand driver’s ability to manage speed without overdriving the car gives him a clear edge. This level of skill has set the benchmark for Blaney and his competitors as they strive to improve their performance on road courses.
The remembering of Kate Blaney and the ongoing racing pursuits of Ryan Blaney underscore the deep connections within the Blaney family’s motorsport heritage. As Ryan continues to chase success in the Cup Series, the family’s shared history and Kate’s legacy remain powerful motivators driving them forward. The Blaneys’ story reflects both personal resilience and professional ambition, promising continued impact on NASCAR’s future seasons.
