When Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his wife Amy were recently asked which NASCAR driver they would trust to watch over their children, they immediately named Ryan Blaney. This endorsement highlights a strong bond of trust and friendship, while positioning Blaney as a reliable and caring figure in their lives.
Ryan Blaney, the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion, described this recognition as a meaningful sign of the close relationship between his family and the Earnhardts during a SiriusXM NASCAR Radio interview.
Reasons Behind the Earnhardts’ Choice of Blaney as Babysitter
The trust in Blaney’s childcare abilities was revealed during the “Ask Amy” segment of the Bless Your ‘Hardt podcast, where a listener challenged Dale and Amy to name a driver who could babysit their seven-year-old Isla and four-year-old Nicole. Dale’s first answer was Blaney, citing their deep connection formed while Blaney lived on their Mooresville property.
Amy initially considered Danica Patrick because of her athletic background but agreed that Blaney’s calm and collected nature made him an ideal babysitter. Blaney’s hands-on experience includes caring for his nephews and being close with his best friend Bubba Wallace’s infant son. With his own child expected this winter with wife Gianna, Blaney is gaining more practical experience.
Close Bonds Beyond Babysitting
The relationship between Blaney and the Earnhardts goes beyond childcare. For three years, Blaney lived in a guest house on Dale Jr.’s property, describing that period as
“the funnest years of my life.”
Their weekly routine involved riding four-wheelers through the woods to Whisky River, Earnhardt’s western-themed hangout, where they shared racing stories late into the night.
When SiriusXM host Taylor Zarzour shared the Earnhardts’ babysitting praise live on air with Blaney, he replied,
“That means a lot. Hey, I’m a good babysitter. I’ve babysat my nephews: the four and six-year-olds… They’re little hellions. They love causing trouble. And I’ve done a pretty good job. I feel like Uncle Ryan is a hit.”
—Ryan Blaney
Blaney explained that when watching kids, he keeps things simple and fun, asking, “What do you wanna do?” and then making it happen, reflecting his easygoing and engaging approach.
The NASCAR Community’s Tight-Knit Support and Upcoming Race
This babysitting story offers a glimpse into the close connections among NASCAR drivers, who maintain strong friendships even across team lines. Earnhardt joked about swapping babysitting responsibilities with Blaney once his son arrives, emphasizing the personal and supportive nature of their relationships.
Turning to the racing calendar, Blaney will focus on competing at the Brickyard 400 race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, July 27. Meanwhile, Dale Earnhardt Jr. will provide commentary for TNT Sports from the broadcast booth alongside Steve Letarte and Adam Alexander, continuing his influential presence within the sport.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Ryan Blaney ever won Talladega?
A. Blaney secured victory in the Talladega fall race, narrowly beating Ryan Newman by just 0.007 seconds. Despite an earlier spin on pit road, this win moved him to the Round of 8.
Q. Has Ryan Blaney ever won a NASCAR race?
A. Blaney secured his first Cup title in 2023 after finishing second at Phoenix Raceway. He also achieved an exhibition victory at the 2022 NASCAR All-Star Race held at Texas Motor Speedway.
