Ryan Blaney, the prominent Team Penske driver, has shared the reason behind acquiring a llama during the NASCAR offseason. Soon after welcoming his first child with wife Gianna on November 17, Blaney embraced life as both a new father and caretaker of a llama named Kuzco at his home in North Carolina.
The arrival of their son, Charley Bennett Blaney, sparked widespread attention on social media, with notable figures like actress Sydney Sweeney and influencer Livvy Dunne sending congratulations. Just weeks after this major life change, Blaney introduced Kuzco, adding a unique element to his family’s farm environment.
How Ryan Blaney’s Llama Joins the Household
The decision to bring Kuzco home came nearly two months following the birth of Blaney’s son and less than a year after he married Gianna last December. Blaney had previously revealed their expectation of a baby boy during the 2025 NASCAR season but was relieved the due date occurred after the racing campaign concluded.
Blaney announced Kuzco’s arrival on social media, accompanied by a photo from Gianna. This drew curiosity from fans about the purpose of having a llama, prompting Blaney to respond with a detailed explanation in a video.
“Welcome Kuzco to the Blaney family,”
he wrote.
Purpose and Personality of Kuzco, the Llama
Addressing a fan named Claire, Blaney explained the distinct role Kuzco plays on their property. The six-year-old llama is named after the character from the animated film “The Emperor’s New Groove” and primarily serves as a guardian for their three Nigerian dwarf goats.
He detailed,
“We’ve been getting a lot of questions about why we got a llama ever since we brought him home. His name is Kuzco, after the Emperor’s New Groove, obviously. And he protects our three little Nigerian dwarf goats, which is what these little babies are. So he is an awesome male, six years old.”
Blaney explained that llamas are excellent at protecting small herds from predators such as foxes or coyotes, often deterring danger with their strong stomped toes that act like “little daggers.”
Blaney also dispelled common misconceptions about llamas spitting, saying,
“He’s incredibly friendly, doesn’t spit — a lot of people think llamas spit, and that’s because if you see them in petting zoos and they get handfed all the time, and with a bunch of other times, they get mad you’re not feeding them all the time.”
He concluded,
“But he loves hanging out and protecting our little ones, so thanks for the question, hope this was informative.”
Blaney Balances Racing with Personal Life Changes
Blaney’s expanding family life and farm responsibilities come as he prepares for the upcoming NASCAR events. The 32-year-old driver is set to compete in the Clash at Bowman Gray on Sunday, February 1, signaling a busy start to his racing season.
With Kuzco providing protective care on his property in North Carolina, Blaney is managing to maintain a balance between his role as a new father, caretaker of his livestock, and a determined competitor on the track.
