Ryan Blaney, the former NASCAR Cup Series champion, is preparing for a major milestone outside of racing as he and his wife, Gianna, are expecting their first child. The couple announced the pregnancy this week, with the due date set during the offseason, providing Blaney relief from the pressures of the upcoming 2025 NASCAR season. The timing of this important life event mirrors the pattern of their significant moments, including their marriage last December, which came exactly one year after their engagement on 12/12.
Relief from Racing Stress as Baby Expected in Winter
Blaney expressed his gratitude that the baby will arrive during a less hectic period of his career. He explained how the timing takes much of the potential stress off his plate.
“We’re in the winter, so that takes a lot of stress off,”
he said before practice and qualifying for the Sunday Chicago Street Race. He added,
“I can’t say we necessarily drew it up that way. Just kind of got fortunate on the timing of it. So hopefully, fingers crossed, it all goes to plan, and we can be kind of settled into the offseason by the time that the little one comes.”
Seeking Parenthood Advice from Close Friend Bubba Wallace
As Blaney anticipates fatherhood, he is turning to his longtime friend and fellow driver Bubba Wallace for guidance. Wallace and his wife Amanda welcomed their son, Becks Hayden Wallace, last September, offering a recent example of navigating new parenthood within the racing world. Blaney mentioned,
“I ask him all the time, and I see it firsthand, being over at his place and flying together and stuff like that. You know, seeing Becks around and watching Becks grow up and stuff like that has been kind of neat. So yeah, I ask him all the time for advice, what are some goods and what are the struggles of a newborn and things like that. So it’s been nice to have him right there and kind of go through the same thing.”
Bubba Wallace Responds to Ryan Blaney’s Growing Family
Bubba Wallace shared his support and insight regarding Blaney’s family news. He acknowledged Gianna’s pregnancy challenges and voiced excitement for the couple’s journey into parenthood.
“I’ve known for a while, obviously, and just hearing how excited they’ve been. Gianna has been going through a little rough patch just from the sickness and stuff. It’s crazy how everybody’s different through their pregnancies and everything. Amanda was, for the most part, OK, and Gianna’s been taking it all in stride, but excited to see them become parents,”
Wallace said.
Family Reactions and the Importance of New Generations
Beyond Blaney and Gianna, the impending arrival marks a significant occasion for their families. Blaney’s parents, Lisa and former Cup Series driver Dave Blaney, have already experienced grandparenthood through Ryan’s sister Emma and her two young boys. However, this new child will be the first grandchild for Gianna’s parents, which brings another level of excitement.
Blaney reflected on this milestone, stating,
“My older sister has a couple kids, but it was Gianna’s parents’ first grandchild, so that’s pretty exciting for them. And so yeah, my parents were excited, and yes, it’s pretty cool. That’s like another level of pride as a parent, I feel like, and as a kid, too, giving your parents a grandchild and stuff like that. So my parents were excited, and her parents were extra excited, like I said, because it’s going to be their first grandchild.”
How This Personal Milestone Could Impact Blaney’s 2025 Season
Ryan Blaney’s anticipation of fatherhood provides a positive and hopeful backdrop as he looks ahead to the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. The arrival of his first child during the offseason allows him time to focus on family without the immediate pressure of racing commitments. With support from close friends like Wallace and a strong family network, Blaney is positioned to handle the transition to fatherhood alongside his professional goals.
This new chapter in Blaney’s life not only brings personal fulfillment but likely will influence his mindset and priorities as he pursues success on the track. Fans and fellow competitors alike will watch with interest how this life-changing event shapes Blaney’s approach in the coming season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Ryan Blaney ever won Talladega?
A. Blaney secured the eighth position at the Charlotte Roval, moving him into the Round of 12.
At the Talladega fall race, he narrowly beat Ryan Newman, winning by just 0.007 seconds.
Even though he had an early spin onto the pit road, this victory pushed Blaney into the Round of 8.
Q. Has Ryan Blaney won at Talladega?
A. Blaney achieved victory in the Talladega fall race, narrowly beating Ryan Newman by just 0.007 seconds. Despite an early spin on pit road, he moved on to the Round of 8.
