Gianna Tulio, the wife of NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Blaney, shared details about their relationship during her recent interview on Haley Dillon’s Believe in the Good podcast. Tulio recounted how they met at a NASCAR weekend event in Las Vegas and how their connection developed over time, shedding light on the early days of the Ryan Blaney and Gianna Tulio relationship.
Their first encounter occurred around the 2017 NASCAR race in Las Vegas, when Tulio attended as part of her modeling duties with Hooters, which sponsored Chase Elliott at the time. Unfamiliar with NASCAR, Tulio met Blaney along with other drivers during a gathering at the Losers Bar inside the MGM Grand hotel.
“I had no idea what NASCAR even was or any nothing about it. It was totally new to me,”
Gianna shared.
Back then, Tulio was already in a relationship and viewed Blaney simply as a friend. Despite this, Blaney continued to reach out over the following year and a half, inviting her to races and asking her out, but she consistently declined his offers. Tulio explained that her focus was on her modeling career and she was wary of the challenges associated with dating an athlete long-distance. She said,
“I didn’t want to make long-distance work with an athlete because that was kind of intimidating. You hear all these bad things about athletes and I’m like ‘I don’t want anything to do with that’.”
The pair maintained a friendship until 2019 at the Miami Homestead race, where Tulio worked as a bartender. That day, Blaney invited her to spend time on his bus, and their conversation lasted for three hours. Despite his clear romantic interest, it was only after the COVID-19 lockdowns that Tulio reached out to Blaney, sensing they were both ready to explore a relationship. Blaney stayed with her for a weekend, marking the beginning of their life together.
Gianna Tulio Explains Why She’s Been Away from Recent NASCAR Events
During the podcast, Tulio also addressed why she has been absent from recent NASCAR races, a matter that sparked various rumors among fans and insiders. Many speculated about potential troubles in their relationship or wondered if she was expecting a child. Tulio clarified that her absence was due to pregnancy-related illness, confirming there were no issues between her and Blaney.
“There’s a lot of speculation going around,” Tulio said. “Everyone either thinks I’m pregnant, or they’re like, ‘Gianna and Ryan are having issues. She’s not at the track.’ And I’m like, ‘I’m just pregnant.’ I’m just pregnant and sick, don’t worry.” —Gianna Tulio
She revealed that even within NASCAR’s tight-knit community, such as among spotters, her absence was a frequent topic of gossip. A friend from the spotters’ stand informed her that many were aware and curious about her condition.
“I just had to sit there and act like I don’t know what’s going on,” she said, laughing. “Everyone’s so nosy.” —Gianna Tulio
Expecting a Son and Looking Ahead
Tulio confirmed that she and Blaney are expecting a baby boy with a due date of December 6, just one week before their first wedding anniversary. The couple’s wedding took place in Aspen in December 2024, following their engagement shortly after Blaney secured his first Cup Series title in 2023.
This new chapter marks a significant milestone for the couple, highlighting their growth from a casual friendship into a family preparing for a new addition. Their story reflects how a chance meeting during a NASCAR weekend sparked a long-lasting relationship that continues to thrive amid the demands of professional racing life.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Ryan Blaney ever won Talladega?
A. At the Charlotte Roval race, Blaney came in eighth, which allowed him to move on to the Round of 12. He narrowly beat Ryan Newman to win the Talladega fall race by just 0.007 seconds. Despite an early spin onto pit road, this victory helped him reach the Round of 8.
Q. Has Ryan Blaney won at Talladega?
A. Blaney claimed victory at the Talladega fall race, narrowly beating Ryan Newman by 0.007 seconds. This win allowed him to move into the Round of 8, even though he had an early spin on pit road.