Ryan Blaney, the Team Penske driver and 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion, is debuting a fresh facial hair style for the 2026 season, opting to sport a thick mustache while shaving off his beard. The look evokes memories of legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. and has already attracted attention. Blaney’s wife has given her thumbs-up to the new style, signaling her support for what could become a defining image for the driver in the upcoming season.
Along with the visual change, Blaney has encountered new practical challenges. He told PRN Live about the difficulty of managing food intake with his prominent mustache, especially when eating certain kinds of dishes like pasta, ice cream, and particularly messy foods such as wings. These everyday tasks have required extra care and patience.
Everyday Challenges Behind Maintaining a Thick Mustache
The thick mustache has reshaped how Blaney approaches meals. He revealed the mustache often interferes with food consumption and drinks, requiring him to wipe his mouth meticulously after each bite. Although he refuses to use a straw, drinking directly from a cup has proven tricky. Wing dinners demand even more effort, as Blaney must visit the restroom afterward to thoroughly clean his mustache and remove any lingering sauce or crumbs, since simple wiping is insufficient for proper hygiene.
There are things that suck to eat worse than others. Pasta or ice cream. Drinking out of a cup. But I refuse to drink out of a straw. So, you just have to wipe your mouth every time. Wings. Wings are a pain in the butt,
he said.
Fan Reactions Vary as the Mustache Sparks Discussion
Blaney’s mustache has become a talking point among fans, sparking both admiration and lighthearted debate. Many NASCAR veterans recall the era when thick mustaches were popular among drivers, but younger supporters might find the style less familiar, which could affect how they relate to him. The sport currently aims to foster strong connections between drivers and the newer generation of fans, making appearance changes a sensitive topic.
Ryan Blaney seems to be enjoying most of the discussion about his mustache. I think. @NASCARONFOX
— Bob Pockrass tweeted, capturing the playful responses to Blaney’s facial hair.
Uncertainty Over Team Penske’s Reaction to Blaney’s Style
While the mustache has sparked conversation across fan communities, the most consequential view might be that of Roger Penske, owner of Team Penske. Blaney noted that Penske has yet to weigh in on the new look but anticipates his feedback soon. Until then, Blaney remains committed to sporting his mustache on and off the track.
The potential reception from Team Penske carries weight, as any resistance could impact Blaney’s grooming choices. Meanwhile, the driver is balancing personal expression with the visible responsibilities of representing his team and the sport at large.
What the Mustache Means for Blaney’s Image and Future Impact
Ryan Blaney’s mustache experiment is more than a cosmetic change; it represents his evolution as a public figure within NASCAR. The style connects him visually to the sport’s storied past, invoking iconic figures like Dale Earnhardt Sr., yet also challenges contemporary norms and fan expectations. How successfully Blaney manages the practical difficulties of his facial hair while navigating fan and team reactions could influence his personal brand and fan engagement moving forward.
As the 2026 Cup Series season unfolds, Blaney’s mustache will undoubtedly remain a focal point, one that tests his adaptability and resonates in the broader conversation about image and identity in modern NASCAR.
https://twitter.com/PRNlive/status/2015850221989736757
Ryan Blaney seems to be enjoying most of the discussion about his mustache. I think. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/0bSWpW8wap
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 22, 2026
