Ryan Blaney, now a NASCAR Cup Series champion, fondly recalls his debut in the Xfinity Series with Tommy Baldwin Racing at Richmond Raceway in 2012. This milestone marked the beginning of his professional NASCAR career and remains important as he prepares for another race at Richmond. The Ohio native’s journey reflects determination and growth, highlighted by his early success on this challenging short track.
The Road to Richmond: Blaney’s Early Racing Years and Family Ties
Before his Xfinity debut, Blaney gained valuable experience racing late models in the CARS and PASS tours across the Southeast, starting at age 16. Meanwhile, his father, Dave Blaney, was competing in the NASCAR Cup Series with Tommy Baldwin Racing, a small team led by crew chief-turned-owner Tommy Baldwin Jr. Although Tommy Baldwin Racing had limited success and only sporadically competed in the Xfinity Series, Dave secured the team’s first Cup top-five finish in 2011.
Recognizing his son’s talent and drive, Dave encouraged Tommy Baldwin Jr. to give Ryan a chance in the Xfinity Series. Baldwin, who had historically entered mostly veterans or emerging drivers for select races, agreed to a six-race opportunity for Blaney in 2012. This opportunity came despite the team’s modest resources and prior struggles in the series.
Impressive Debut Performance at Richmond Raceway
On race day at Richmond Raceway, the 0.75-mile oval that had proven difficult for Blaney in the Cup Series, Ryan was eager to prove himself. Driving the No. 36 car for Tommy Baldwin Racing, he qualified eighth and finished the race in seventh place, earning Baldwin his first Xfinity top-10 finish in nearly ten years. This result showcased Blaney’s skill and signaled the potential for both driver and team to compete at higher levels.
Following Richmond, Blaney matched the seventh-place finish at Bristol later that summer, securing Baldwin’s first season with multiple top-10 finishes since 2002, when Wally Dallenbach Jr. raced for the team. These performances gained NASCAR-wide attention and elevated Blaney’s profile within the sport.
Feels like yesterday. Time flies that’s for sure! Those TBR fellas were on it that night (clinking beer mugs emoji).
—Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Transition to Team Penske and Continued Success
Blaney’s rising reputation earned him opportunities with larger teams, including Team Penske. Late in 2012, he made his debut with Penske at Iowa Speedway, driving the No. 22 car to a solid 10th-place finish. This move marked the beginning of a lasting relationship that would become the foundation of his Cup Series career. Over time, Blaney honed his craft, securing his first Cup win and eventually claiming the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series championship.
Richmond Raceway: A Track of Personal and Professional Significance
Although Blaney has yet to secure a Cup Series win at Richmond Raceway, the venue remains meaningful as the place where his NASCAR journey officially began. Despite never finishing better than seventh here in the Cup Series, Richmond symbolizes persistence and growth for the driver. It was here that Blaney first caught the attention of influential teams and demonstrated his potential on a national stage.
As he returns to Richmond this season, Blaney carries the confidence of a champion and the memory of his breakthrough moments, making the race at Richmond an important chapter in both his past and future within NASCAR.