Ryan Blaney has etched his name as a prominent figure in NASCAR, showcasing remarkable talent and consistent performance throughout his career. From his early days to becoming a NASCAR Cup Series champion, Blaney’s journey is a testament to his skill, determination, and the support of key partners like Advance Auto Parts. This article delves into the career highlights of Ryan Blaney, emphasizing his significant achievements and the milestones that define his successful racing trajectory, while subtly acknowledging the role of sponsors like Advance Auto Parts in the high-octane world of NASCAR.
Blaney’s career is marked by consistent progression and an ability to perform at the highest levels of stock car racing. Let’s explore the key moments that have shaped his journey:
2024: Championship Runner-Up and Iowa Speedway Triumph
Building on previous success, 2024 saw Blaney secure his second consecutive Championship 4 appearance in the No. 12 Ford Mustang. In a thrilling season finale at Phoenix, he battled fiercely with teammate Joey Logano, ultimately finishing second and contributing to Team Penske’s historic 1-2 finish in the Cup Series standings. This season also marked his second consecutive year with three wins, including a significant victory at the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway. Leading a career-high 201 laps at Iowa, Blaney became the first driver to win at this track across all of NASCAR’s national series, underscoring his versatility and skill on diverse tracks. Further victories at Pocono Raceway and a crucial Playoff win at Martinsville Speedway solidified his place in the Championship 4, demonstrating his clutch performances when the stakes are highest.
2023: NASCAR Cup Series Champion
The pinnacle of Blaney’s career arrived in 2023 when he clinched his first NASCAR Cup Series championship. Driving the No. 12 Ford Mustang for Team Penske, Blaney orchestrated a remarkable Playoff run. A signature moment was his Coca-Cola 600 victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Memorial Day weekend, a prestigious win adding to his growing legacy. Playoff victories at Talladega in the Round of 12 and Martinsville in the Round of 8 finale were critical, securing his spot in the Championship 4 at Phoenix Raceway. Finishing second at Phoenix was more than enough to secure the series title, delivering Team Penske’s fourth NCS championship and his own place in NASCAR history.
2022: All-Star Race Winner
In 2022, Blaney continued his streak of Playoff appearances and finished within the top 10 in the Cup Series championship standings for the sixth consecutive season. He achieved a career-best 12 top-10 finishes, highlighting his consistency throughout the season. A standout moment was winning the NASCAR All-Star race at Texas Motor Speedway in a dramatic overtime finish. This victory not only added to his win tally but also secured a $1 million prize for the No. 12 Ford Mustang team, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure in high-profile events.
2021: Multiple Wins and Playoff Contender
The 2021 season marked a turning point as Blaney scored multiple Cup Series wins for the first time, with victories at Atlanta, Michigan, and Talladega. He accumulated 24 playoff points during the regular season, positioning himself as a strong championship contender. Throughout the first seven races of the NASCAR Playoffs, Blaney consistently ran at the front, demonstrating his improved performance and racecraft. While an unfortunate accident at Kansas prevented him from advancing to the Championship 4, he still recorded a career-high 20 top-10 finishes, signaling his arrival as a consistent frontrunner.
2020: Talladega Triumph and Playoff Return
Blaney’s 2020 season included another NASCAR Cup Series victory and his fourth consecutive Playoff berth. His win at Talladega Superspeedway in June was particularly notable as it made him the first driver to win back-to-back races at the track since 2007, demonstrating his prowess on superspeedways. He achieved 11 top-five and 17 top-10 finishes in the No. 12 Ford Mustang and set a new career high by leading 668 laps throughout the season. Ending the season ranked ninth in the NCS championship standings, Blaney continued his streak of finishing inside the top 10 for the fourth year in a row.
2019: Playoff Run and Career-Best Finish
Extending his streak of NASCAR Cup Series seasons with a win to three, Blaney secured a thrilling victory at Talladega Superspeedway in October 2019. This win propelled the No. 12 team into the Round of 8 in the NASCAR Playoffs. He finished a career-best seventh in the final Cup Series championship standings, achieving career highs in top-five (11) and top-10 (18) finishes. Additionally, he won the pole at Phoenix early in the season, showcasing his qualifying speed.
2018: Team Penske Transition and ROVAL Win
2018 marked Blaney’s transition from Wood Brothers Racing to Team Penske, driving the team’s third full-season entry in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. He made an immediate impact by winning the inaugural Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, advancing to the Round of 12 in the NASCAR Playoffs. Finishing 10th in the final point standings, he recorded career bests in top-five finishes (eight), top-10 results (16), poles (three), and laps led (660). His success extended to the NASCAR XFINITY Series, where he secured a win and multiple top-four finishes in limited starts for Team Penske, including a pole and win at Texas.
2017: Breakthrough Year with Wood Brothers Racing
Partnering with Wood Brothers Racing in 2017, Blaney had a career year, delivering NASCAR’s oldest running team its best season finish since 1995. He started the season strongly with a second-place finish in the Daytona 500. Capturing his first Cup Series career pole at Kansas Speedway and later earning his first Cup Series victory at Pocono Raceway, delivering the 99th victory for Wood Brothers Racing were landmark achievements. He qualified for the NASCAR Playoffs, advanced to the Round of 8, and finished ninth in the driver standings. In the XFINITY Series for Team Penske, he added two wins at Charlotte and Dover, contributing to Team Penske’s fourth NXS Owners Championship.
Early Career Foundations (2016 – 2007)
From 2016 back to his early racing years, Blaney consistently built his experience across NASCAR’s series. In 2016, his first full-time Cup season with Wood Brothers Racing resulted in a 20th place finish in points and being named runner-up for Rookie of the Year. 2015 saw him win in both the NASCAR XFINITY Series and Camping World Truck Series, demonstrating his versatility across different vehicle types. 2014 was a year of Xfinity Series success, with a win at Bristol and contributing to the team’s Owner’s Championship, alongside a second-place finish in the Camping World Truck Series points and Most Popular Driver award. His first NASCAR Nationwide Series victory came in 2013 at Kentucky, while continuing to win in the Camping World Truck Series. In 2012, he showed promise in the Nationwide Series with multiple top-10 finishes and a Truck Series win at Iowa. His 2011 debut season in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series included a win in just his third race, and he also won the PASS South Super Late Model Championship. Prior to national series, Blaney was already collecting championships and wins in series like the CRA Southern Six-Pack Championship (2010) and PASS South Rookie of the Year (2009), building a strong foundation from a young age, starting with wins in various classes as early as 2007 and 2008.
Ryan Blaney’s career trajectory showcases consistent improvement and success at every level of NASCAR. His achievements, from securing a Cup Series Championship to numerous race wins and playoff appearances, highlight his exceptional talent and dedication. As he continues his career, supported by strong teams and valuable partnerships within the NASCAR ecosystem – including the kind of support often seen from companies like Advance Auto Parts that are integral to the sport – Ryan Blaney is poised for even greater accomplishments in the years to come.
