Ryan Blaney, the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion, recently shared his thoughts on the extinction of dinosaurs and its crucial role in human progress. During a SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Show appearance, Blaney reflected on how the disappearance of these prehistoric creatures allowed humanity to develop, highlighting the significant impact this event had on our species.
Ryan Blaney Discusses Dinosaurs and Their Impact on Human Evolution
In an interview with Cody Cannon, the lead singer of the Whiskey Myers rock band, Blaney was asked a playful question about which dinosaur he would like to be. This sparked a deeper conversation about the importance of dinosaurs no longer roaming the Earth and how that shaped the path for human civilization.
The Team Penske driver expressed his fondness for the film Jurassic Park, recalling how it influenced his childhood and fueled his thoughts about dinosaurs. Blaney noted his relief that these giant reptiles are extinct, emphasizing the dangers they would have posed to humans.
“I loved Jurassic Park growing up, and that movie absolutely terrified me. I think it scared every little kid across – thank god those things aren’t around anymore – we would not be a species if they were. I think about that stuff all the time. If dinosaurs were still around, we would not have the infrastructure that we have today, like we’d still be in caves.”
—Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver
When answering which dinosaur he would choose, Blaney hesitated, forgetting the scientific name of one species but enthusiastically describing it. He considered three dinosaurs: the velociraptor, a long-necked dinosaur capable of reaching treetops, and the stegosaurus, which he described as a slow-moving herbivore.
“I think being a velociraptor would be kind of fun. Or like a, I don’t know the scientific name for them, but the long-neck ones. They got like giraffe neck on steroids. I can’t remember what they’re called, but they could eat the top of trees, and I was like ‘that’s kind of cool!’ so either one of those two, I think I’d rather be. Or like a stegosaurus would be kind of neat, just a slow animal that just eats all the time.”
—Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver
Current NASCAR Standings and Upcoming Race Highlight
As the NASCAR season progresses, Ryan Blaney sits fifth in the championship standings, trailing leader Kyle Larson by 107 points. With several races remaining, the competition remains intense as Blaney aims to close the gap.
Looking forward to the upcoming Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Team Penske unveiled Blaney’s new race car livery ahead of the event. The driver’s #12 car will showcase a fresh design themed around Bodyarmour Sports Drink, marking the brand’s return as a sponsor for Blaney for the first time since 2017.
The car’s paint scheme highlights three flavors of Bodyarmour—Frozen Cherry, Frozen Orange, and Frozen Berry—prominently displayed on the hood, offering a vibrant look for the Sunday, May 25th race scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. ET.
“Impossibly cold,”
—Team Penske, Instagram post
Significance of Extinction and Future Prospects for Blaney
Blaney’s reflection on dinosaurs speaks to a broader understanding of how extinction events have shaped the trajectory of humanity. His thoughtful commentary underscores the delicate balance of nature and the fortunate circumstances that have allowed humans to flourish and build modern society.
With the NASCAR season in full swing, both fans and observers will watch closely to see how Blaney leverages his momentum and the support of Team Penske in upcoming races like the Coca-Cola 600. His reflective mindset combined with competitive spirit offers a hopeful outlook for the remainder of the year.
