NASCAR star Ryan Blaney and model Gianna Tulio embarked on their relationship journey after meeting in 2018 at the Losers Bar inside the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The encounter took place while Blaney was attending a NASCAR race and Tulio was working a modeling assignment for Hooters. Their romance, now widely known among fans, actually started quietly before evolving into a committed relationship that led to marriage and an expecting child.
Early Interactions and Initial Friendship
Their first meeting did not spark immediate romance. Tulio later recounted that their introduction came through Hooters’ involvement at the race event and that she was unfamiliar with NASCAR at the time.
Ryan was there with a few of his friends… Ryan and I met kind of through the Hooters World. So it was actually Vegas. It was my first time ever being at a NASCAR race. I had no idea what NASCAR even was or any nothing about it. It was totally new to me. And we obviously sponsored Chase at the time. Chase was our driver.
—Gianna Tulio, Model
At the bar, although they became friendly quickly, Tulio was involved with someone else and did not initially see Blaney as a romantic interest. Their interaction remained casual and friendly during this period.
So, we got to meet Chase all that and a few of the other girls met up with Chase and Ryan at this bar called The Losers at the MGM. And honestly, Ryan and I started off like really good friends… I was actually with someone else at the time. I was dating someone else… I got home.
—Gianna Tulio, Model
Maintaining Contact and Growing Connection Over Time
Over the next year and a half, Blaney continued to keep in touch with Tulio, inviting her occasionally to meals or races, even as she remained focused on her career. Tulio shared how despite these gestures, she wasn’t ready to consider a relationship at first.
I was just so focused on my career at the time, and I was younger, that I was like, ‘No thanks.’ I really didn’t look at him that way.
—Gianna Tulio, Model
The Moment Their Relationship Changed at Homestead-Miami Speedway
The turning point came in 2019 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, when Blaney invited Tulio to his bus for an extended conversation. This meaningful exchange led to her reconsidering their potential connection. When Blaney followed up with a date proposal, Tulio agreed, and both found themselves more emotionally prepared to commit.
Despite concerns about managing a long-distance relationship, Tulio voiced her worries openly, which Blaney addressed by flying to Florida to spend quality time with her. This decisive effort sealed their bond, and they moved forward together.
Celebrating Milestones and Starting a Family
By July 2021, the couple celebrated their one-year anniversary publicly, with Tulio expressing her happiness and affection on Instagram.
A whole year of unconditional love, pure happiness, and new experiences/adventures for the both of us.
—Gianna Tulio, Model
Since then, Blaney, the 2023 NASCAR Cup Champion, and Tulio have tied the knot and announced they are expecting a baby boy this December, marking an exciting new chapter for the pair.
The Significance of Their Journey Together
The story of Ryan Blaney and Gianna Tulio’s relationship highlights the gradual nature of building connections, especially within the demanding world of professional sports and entertainment. From a chance meeting in a Las Vegas bar to becoming life partners and parents-to-be, their journey reflects patience and mutual growth. As Blaney transitions into fatherhood, their story continues to inspire fans who have followed both their personal and professional paths.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Ryan Blaney ever won Talladega?
A. At the Charlotte Roval race, Blaney came in eighth, which allowed him to move forward to the Round of 12. He narrowly won the fall race at Talladega, beating Ryan Newman by just 0.007 seconds, and even after an early spin onto pit road, he progressed to the Round of 8.
Q. Has Ryan Blaney won at Talladega?
A. Blaney narrowly won the fall race at Talladega, finishing just 0.007 seconds ahead of Ryan Newman. Despite spinning out early onto pit road, he moved on to the Round of 8.
