Ryan Blaney continues a rich family legacy in racing that began with his great-grandfather, George Blaney, who started a racing team in Ohio while running a lumber business in the mid-1900s. His grandfather, Lou Blaney, furthered the tradition by competing in modified and sprint car events. Ryan’s father, Dave Blaney, carried the torch by winning the 1984 USAC Silver Crown championship and building a career in the World of Outlaws before transitioning to the <a href="https://www.big14news.com/nascar/cup-series/”>NASCAR Cup Series.
Despite the Legacy, Speedway Racing Remains a Source of Tension
Although racing is deeply ingrained in the Blaney family, Ryan Blaney revealed that his father harbors a strong dislike for superspeedway racing, even after his own years competing in the Cup Series. Ryan noted that Dave Blaney “absolutely despises” watching pack racing, which is often fast and unpredictable.
Ryan also shared that his parents have attended fewer races this season than in previous years due to his father’s other commitments, though he still expects them at roughly a third of his events.
I can’t believe they come here,
Ryan said.
Because Dad hates speedway racing. He hates watching it. Absolutely despises it. My mom is a nervous wreck the whole time. I’m like: Just stay home. They just pace and pace and pace. But it’s fortunate that we were able to pull one out tonight, so it was good to see him in Victory Lane.
Big Wrecks and Parental Concern Keep the Tension High
When asked why his parents have such a hard time watching, Ryan pointed to the frequent large crashes in speedway racing, events that understandably make them anxious as they watch their son risk his safety on the track. Dave Blaney’s own <a href="https://www.big14news.com/nascar/”>NASCAR career included stints at Bill Davis Racing, Roush Racing, and Richard Childress Racing, with his best Cup finish being third place at Darlington in 2003 while driving for Jasper Motorsports.
The Blaney Name Surges Forward with Ryan’s Championship
Ryan Blaney’s recent success as the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion marks a significant milestone in the Blaney family’s racing history. His achievements build upon the foundation laid by his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, further elevating the family’s legacy in motorsports.
Looking ahead, Ryan’s strong performance on speedways may alter the family dynamic, perhaps making him more comfortable with the high-stakes nature of such racing when his own son eventually follows in his footsteps to carry on the Blaney name.
