Ryan Blaney and Gianna Tulio, who married last December, are now preparing to welcome their first child together this coming December. While their relationship officially began in 2020, the origins of their romance trace back to an unexpected meeting two years earlier in Las Vegas.
In 2018, Blaney and Tulio first encountered each other at the Losers Bar located inside the MGM Grand during a NASCAR weekend. At the time, Blaney was in town for a race, and Tulio was there working as a model for Hooters. Despite this initial meeting, their connection did not immediately evolve into romance.
The Early Stages of Their Connection
Gianna Tulio recently opened up about how their relationship unfolded during an episode of Haley Dillon’s Believe in the Good podcast. She explained,
“Ryan was there with a few of his friends… Ryan and I met kind of through the Hooters World. So it was actually Vegas. It was my first time ever being at a NASCAR race. I had no idea what NASCAR even was or any nothing about it. It was totally new to me. And we obviously sponsored Chase at the time. Chase was our driver.”
—Gianna Tulio, Model
During that introduction, several women, including Tulio, met driver Chase, and she and Blaney became good friends. However, she was involved with someone else at the time and did not consider pursuing a romantic relationship with him.
“So, we got to meet Chase all that and a few of the other girls met up with Chase and Ryan at this bar called The Losers at the MGM. And honestly, Ryan and I started off like really good friends… I was actually with someone else at the time. I was dating someone else… I got home.”
—Gianna Tulio, Model
Building a Connection Over Time
For more than a year, Blaney maintained contact with Tulio, reaching out monthly with casual invitations to meals or races, despite her initial focus being on her career. Tulio reflected on her mindset at the time, stating,
“I was just so focused on my career at the time, and I was younger, that I was like, ‘No thanks.’ I really didn’t look at him that way.”
—Gianna Tulio, Model
The turning point came in 2019 at the Homestead-Miami Speedway when Blaney invited Tulio to his bus. They spent several hours talking, sparking a new connection that shifted their relationship. Although she drove back home that night, the conversation remained on her mind. When Blaney later asked her out, Tulio agreed, both feeling ready to pursue the relationship.
Overcoming Distance and Growing Closer
Despite her willingness to start dating, Tulio had concerns about managing a long-distance relationship. Blaney addressed this by flying to Florida to spend a weekend with her, which solidified their bond and marked the true beginning of their romance. From that point, the couple maintained their relationship without looking back.
Celebrating Milestones and Looking Forward
By July 2021, the pair celebrated their one-year anniversary publicly on Instagram. Tulio posted a heartfelt message expressing the joy and growth they experienced together:
“A whole year of unconditional love, pure happiness, and new experiences/adventures for the both of us.”
—Gianna Tulio, Model
Now, as the 2023 NASCAR Cup Champion, Ryan Blaney is entering a new chapter of his life as a father alongside his wife, Gianna Tulio, as they prepare to welcome their baby boy later this year. Their story reflects not only a gradual blossoming romance but also a deepening partnership built on shared experiences and persistence.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Ryan Blaney ever won Talladega?
A. At the Charlotte Roval race, Blaney achieved eighth place, which allowed him to move into the Round of 12. In a very close finish at Talladega, Blaney beat Ryan Newman by just 0.007 seconds, securing his spot in the Round of 8, even after an early spin onto the pit road.
Q. Has Ryan Blaney won at Talladega?
A. Blaney won the fall race at Talladega, beating Ryan Newman by just 0.007 seconds in a close finish. Despite spinning onto pit road early, he moved into the Round of 8.