During the intense 2025 Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 7, Ryan Blaney provided more than just a competitive driving performance — he delivered an unexpected and heartwarming radio moment that captured the attention of NASCAR fans nationwide. Known for his strong racecraft, Blaney’s radio hijack moment, involving his young nephew taking over his team’s radio, offered a rare glimpse of humor and family in the midst of high-stakes racing.
Blaney, driving the No. 12 Team Penske Dent Wizard Ford, secured a notable 4th-place finish. Starting from second on the grid, he quickly took charge by winning Stage 1 after a bold outside pass on Ty Gibbs, who led a majority of the race laps but ultimately faltered. While the race was a whirlwind of strategy and tire management, it was Blaney’s radio connection with his nephew that truly stood out as an endearing highlight.
Details of Blaney’s Competitive Performance at Bristol
The 2025 Bass Pro Shops Night Race tested drivers with 14 cautions and significant tire wear that reshaped the race dynamics. Christopher Bell claimed the win by narrowly defeating Brad Keselowski in a dramatic four-lap sprint to the finish, underscoring the unpredictability of Bristol’s short-track racing.
Ty Gibbs, who led an impressive 201 laps, struggled late when he had trouble reaching pit road, preventing his first career victory. Amid these challenges, Ryan Blaney and his crew chief Jonathan Hassler focused on smart tire conservation and strategic adjustments, allowing Blaney to consistently post strong lap times. His solid 4th-place result helped him advance into the Round of 12 playoffs with momentum, keeping his championship hopes alive.
The Radio Hijack: A Young Fan’s Surprise on Team Penske’s Channel
The lighthearted moment occurred during a caution period on Lap 311, triggered by a crash involving Chase Elliott and John Hunter Nemechek. As the field slowed, Blaney’s radio channel was unexpectedly accessed by his nephew, Bodie, who called out warmly,
“Hi, Uncle Ryan. Win this race,”
prompting laughter from the team inside the car. Blaney responded with humor, saying,
“Mom. Get Bodie off the scanner. He found Gianna’s scanner in the bus. Found out how to turn it on. Pretty smart,”
breaking the tension of the high-pressure environment.
This candid exchange charmed fans, showing a personal side of the race that contrasted with the usual intensity on the track. It was a touching reminder that behind the speed and competition lies family warmth and joy.
Social Media Reacts to Blaney’s Genuine Family Moment
Fans quickly shared their amusement and affection for the radio interaction across social media platforms. One fan tweeted in delight about the nephew’s enthusiastic shout, calling it
“the funniest radio stomp ever lol.”
Another fan explained the identity of the young voice,
“That was Ryan’s nephew. Emma’s son Bodie.”
Emma Blaney Conley, Ryan’s sister, is married to former NASCAR driver Cale Conley, and their family, including children Louie and Bodhi, are deeply embedded in the racing community.
Blaney’s connection with his nephew is not new. Before the 2023 Southern 500 at Darlington, he posted a picture of Bodie sitting on his lap and said,
“Got a little pep talk from my nephew before the race,”
emphasizing the closeness between them. Fans praised Blaney’s ability to find humor even in a high-stakes environment, with many noting how such moments enrich the sport’s appeal beyond just racing results.
Lighthearted Radio Moments Add Depth to NASCAR Races
Blaney’s radio moment is part of a tradition of entertaining and memorable NASCAR radio exchanges. Historic examples include Dale Earnhardt Jr. humorously asking his track bar if it was helping during a race, saying,
“I don’t know, let me ask it. Track bar, are you helping me?”
and playful banter between Kurt Busch’s team that referenced the cult-favorite movie Talladega Nights.
Such exchanges humanize the sport, providing fans with light moments amid the intense competition and lengthy broadcasts. They highlight the personalities and relationships that make NASCAR compelling beyond just the racing action.
Context Behind the Bristol Incident and Its Significance
The radio exchange came at a critical point in the Bristol race when the 10th caution was called, with 189 laps remaining. The accident involving Chase Elliott and John Hunter Nemechek scattered the field and raised tensions among drivers and teams. Blaney’s nephew’s radio interruption unexpectedly broke through the pressure and anxiety, bringing smiles inside Blaney’s cockpit and among fans listening in.
One fan commented,
“He seemed kinda impressed that the kid could get the radio on. It was adorable,”
capturing the collective fondness for this unscripted moment. Another fan humorously remarked, “That was just William Byron,” referencing Byron’s affectionate joking of calling Blaney his brother-in-law — a nod to the close personal ties among some drivers, as Byron has been dating Erin Blaney, Ryan’s sister, since 2019.
Family Bonds and Friendships Strengthen NASCAR’s Community
Blaney’s nephew radio moment serves as a reminder of the strong family and friendship connections that intertwine through NASCAR’s competitive landscape. The relationships between drivers, their families, and crew members create a unique atmosphere where personal stories mix with professional ambition.
Ryan Blaney’s ability to balance his focused determination on the track with genuine warmth off it makes him a favorite among fans and peers alike. His 4th-place finish at Bristol combined with this radio hijack moment highlights not only his skill but also the human side of the sport that deepens fan engagement.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Blaney’s Championship Chase
As Ryan Blaney moves forward into the next playoff round with momentum, the affection he has earned from such moments of levity could fuel his resolve. His demonstrated skill in maximizing tire life, combined with his team’s keen strategic calls, suggests he will remain a formidable contender for the championship.
The blend of competitive focus and relatable personality, as shown in the radio exchange, helps strengthen Blaney’s brand and deepens his connection with NASCAR’s passionate fan base. This incident may also inspire future broadcasters and teams to share more behind-the-scenes glimpses, enriching the sport’s storytelling and emotional appeal.
