In a sport often characterized by ego and self-promotion, Ryan Blaney stands out through his genuine commitment to his fans. At 24 years old, during the 2018 NASCAR Media Tour at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Blaney openly expressed that making others happy takes precedence over his own comfort, demonstrating a refreshing perspective in the NASCAR community. This philosophy guided how he approached both his career and fans, emphasizing connection over self-interest.
Transition to Team Penske Sparks Career Growth and Increased Outreach
Blaney’s 2018 season marked a turning point after moving from a part-time Cup schedule with the Wood Brothers to a full-time role at Team Penske, a premier outfit in NASCAR. Rather than retreating under the spotlight that came with this promotion, he embraced the opportunity to elevate the sport’s profile. That year, Blaney appeared in various media projects, including a cameo on NBC’s Taken, voicing “Ryan Laney” in the animated film Cars 3, and playing a pizza delivery boy in Logan Lucky. His off-track engagements reflected a deliberate effort to introduce NASCAR to a broader audience, making the sport more accessible and visible.
Public Engagements Reflect Blaney’s Commitment Beyond Racing
Unlike many drivers who might see public appearances as obligations, Blaney approached these moments as chances to contribute meaningfully to NASCAR’s growth. He was unwilling to skip opportunities just to relax alone, viewing such breaks as something to be enjoyed later in life or after retirement. His mindset was clear: maximize his impact while active in the sport. This was illustrated in memorable fan interactions, such as when he handed the checkered flag to a young boy after winning an Xfinity Series race at Dover and personally invited the fan and his mother into Victory Lane—a gesture Blaney described as “a pretty cool moment” he hoped would be repeated many times.
“I would rather make other people happy than myself. If I’ve to sacrifice time, it’s just time. It really doesn’t mean much to me personally. I’d rather do something meaningful for the sport, than to go sit on my couch. I don’t feel like I am doing anything then and feel I could be more useful somewhere else.”
—Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Driver
“Very rarely do I say no to things just to sit on my couch. I can do that at night, and I can do that when I retire. I want to do as much as I can right now to make it work and make other people happy and make this thing the best it can.”
—Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Driver
“That was a pretty cool moment. Hopefully, there are many more like that.”
—Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Driver
Blaney’s Unique Fan Interaction Through Pizza and Personal Presence
In early 2018, Blaney showed his down-to-earth personality by fulfilling a promise to fans during a winter tire test at Texas Motor Speedway. Despite intensive races and preparation for his new No. 12 Team Penske Ford, he arrived carrying a pizza box, joining fans for an informal lunch hosted by TMS president Eddie Gossage. The gesture was well received, strengthening Blaney’s reputation as a driver who values fan connection over formality or fame.
Blaney later expressed gratitude to those who braved cold weather to watch the test session and share the meal, emphasizing his intention to cultivate a genuine relationship with supporters. His approachable image, highlighted by his recognizable moustache at the time, linked NASCAR’s heritage with its emerging new generation of drivers. Blaney’s perspective on fandom consistently rejects transactional interactions, instead fostering reciprocal respect centered on shared passion.
“Thanks to the people who spent some time in the cold to come out and watch the test and hang out for lunch!”
—Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Driver
Impact on NASCAR and Outlook for the Future
Ryan Blaney’s first year with Team Penske laid the foundation for his later successes, eventually culminating in his 2023 NASCAR Cup Series championship. His 2018 season included a notable victory at the first-ever Cup race on the Charlotte Roval, also finishing 10th overall in the season standings.
More importantly, Blaney’s dedication to fans and willingness to share his time and attention reshaped what it means to be a NASCAR star. By prioritizing the fan experience and representing the sport with humility and enthusiasm, he highlighted the personal side of racing often overshadowed by competition. His example suggests a model for other athletes aiming to connect authentically with audiences and build lasting legacies beyond statistics.