Ryan Blaney

File:Ryan Blaney ARCA 2011.jpg]]

A third-generation racer and son of then-Cup Series driver Dave Blaney, Blaney started his racing career in quarter midget racing, winning his first race at age 9; he also competed, and won, in Bandolero cars at a young age.{{cite web|url=http://www.thatsracin.com/2012/03/16/83610/dave-blaneys-son-ryan-making-name.html|title=Dave Blaney's son, Ryan, making name|last=Utter|first=Jim|date=March 17, 2012|work=The Charlotte Observer|access-date=March 18, 2012|location=Charlotte, North Carolina|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320035027/http://www.thatsracin.com/2012/03/16/83610/dave-blaneys-son-ryan-making-name.html|archive-date=March 20, 2012}} Moving up to Legends cars at age 12, Blaney won the Lowe's Motor Speedway Summer Shootout and the Young Lions Winter Heat Points Championship, as well as three divisions of the Carolina Fall Nationals in quarter midgets. He also won the Concord Speedway Young Lions Winter Heat Points Championship in Bandoleros.{{cite web|url=http://ryanblaney.com/Bio.html|title=Getting to Know Ryan Blaney|publisher=Ryan Blaney official website|access-date=February 14, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120524215626/http://ryanblaney.com/Bio.html|archive-date=May 24, 2012}}

At age 12, Blaney debuted in late model racing at Orange County Speedway, while in 2009, at age 15, he began competing in the Pro All Stars Series (PASS)-sanctioned South Super Late Model Series, finishing second in points and winning the series' Rookie of the Year award; he finished third in the PASS national points as well. In addition, he won the Eastern Grand Nationals in Huntsville, Alabama and the Gasoline Alley National Championship quarter midget event in Indianapolis, Indiana.File:Ryan Blaney 2011 PASS.jpg]]

Continuing to compete in the PASS South Super Late Model Series in 2010, Blaney scored his first career win in the series at Dillon Motor Speedway, adding wins at Greenville-Pickens Speedway and Newport Speedway on his way to a second consecutive second-place finish in the PASS South championship standings. Blaney also competed in the Champion Racing Association (CRA)-sanctioned Southern Six Pack series, winning the series championship for 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.arcaracing.com/news?contentid=10980|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130117120900/http://www.arcaracing.com/news?contentid=10980|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 17, 2013|title=Ryan Blaney Set to Make ARCA Debut for Venturini|date=June 23, 2011|publisher=Automobile Racing Club of America|access-date=February 14, 2012}}

Returning to the PASS South Super Late Model Series in 2011, Blaney won two races in the series, at Dillon Motor Speedway and Ace Speedway, winning the series championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.sirius-speedway.com/2012/01/ryan-blaney-inks-nationwide-schedule.html|title=Ryan Blaney Inks Nationwide Schedule With TBR|last=Moody|first=Dave|date=January 18, 2012|publisher=Sirius-Speedway.com|access-date=February 14, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120133203/http://www.sirius-speedway.com/2012/01/ryan-blaney-inks-nationwide-schedule.html|archive-date=January 20, 2012}}

For 2012, Blaney returned to the PASS Super Late Model Series in the Carswell Motorsports No. 98 car.{{cite web|url=http://ryanblaney.com/news/2012/Carswell_announcement_3_7.html|title=Ryan Blaney to Drive Carswell Motorsports 98 Super Late Model in 2012|date=March 7, 2012|publisher=Ryan Blaney official site|access-date=April 13, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713090632/http://ryanblaney.com/news/2012/Carswell_announcement_3_7.html|archive-date=July 13, 2012}}

In 2011, Blaney made his debuts in the ARCA Racing Series and the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West and East in 2011, scoring top ten finishes in every start in the three series; he won his first career NASCAR race in the K&N Pro Series West season finale at Phoenix International Raceway winning by over two seconds in his only series start.{{cite web|url=http://www.motorracingnetwork.com/Race-Series/KN-Pro-Series/News/Articles/2011/05/Blaney-Wins-at-Phoenix.aspx|title=Blaney Best in Phoenix K&N Race|date=November 12, 2011|publisher=Motor Racing Network|access-date=February 14, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114140029/http://www.motorracingnetwork.com/Race-Series/KN-Pro-Series/News/Articles/2011/05/Blaney-Wins-at-Phoenix.aspx|archive-date=November 14, 2011}}

For 2012, Blaney, who had won praise from Tony Stewart and Kevin Harvick for his driving skills,{{cite web|url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/08/21/3469377/blaney-going-full-speed-ahead.html|title=Blaney going full speed ahead|last=Utter|first=Jim|date=August 21, 2012|work=The Charlotte Observer|access-date=August 28, 2012|location=Charlotte, NC}}{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} returned to the K&N Pro Series East, running six races for family-owned DB Racing, driving the No. 10 car.{{cite web|url=http://www.autoweek.com/article/20120118/NASCAR/120119809&template=mobileart|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120723231223/http://www.autoweek.com/article/20120118/NASCAR/120119809&template=mobileart|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 23, 2012|title=NASCAR: Tommy Baldwin Racing signs 18-year-old Ryan Blaney to run six Nationwide races|date=January 18, 2012|work=AutoWeek|access-date=February 14, 2012}}

In addition, Blaney signed with Tommy Baldwin Racing to compete in six NASCAR Nationwide Series races, driving the No. 36 SealWrap-sponsored Chevrolet,{{cite web|url=http://www.tribtoday.com/page/content.detail/id/567577/Young-Blaney-coming-up-in-a-hurry.html?nav=5024|title=Young Blaney coming up in a hurry|last=McLain|first=Mike|date=February 6, 2012|work=Tribune Chronicle|access-date=February 14, 2012|location=Warren, Ohio}}{{cite web|url=http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/nationwideseries/Dave_Blaneys_son_Ryan_to_run_six_Nationwide_races_for_Tommy_Baldwin_Racing.html|title=Dave Blaney's son, Ryan, to run six Nationwide races for Tommy Baldwin Racing|last=Pockrass|first=Bob|date=January 19, 2012|publisher=SceneDaily.com|access-date=February 14, 2012|archive-date=February 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211130436/http://www.scenedaily.com/news/articles/nationwideseries/Dave_Blaneys_son_Ryan_to_run_six_Nationwide_races_for_Tommy_Baldwin_Racing.html|url-status=dead}} starting at Richmond International Raceway in April. Blaney qualified in the Top 10 in his debut at Richmond International Raceway, and finished seventh in the race.{{cite web|url=http://www.vindy.com/news/2012/apr/28/ryan-blaney-debuts-th-in-nationwide-comp/?newswatch|title=Ryan Blaney debuts 7th in Nationwide competition|last=Bassetti|first=John|work=Youngstown Vindicator|access-date=April 28, 2012|location=Youngstown, OH|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304075143/http://www.vindy.com/news/2012/apr/28/ryan-blaney-debuts-th-in-nationwide-comp/?newswatch|url-status=dead}}

In July 2012, Blaney announced that he had signed a contract to drive for Team Penske a minimum of three races in the 2012 Nationwide Series season, starting at Iowa Speedway in August.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nascar/blog/eye-on-nascar/19601126/ryan-blaney-joins-penske-nationwide-team|title=Ryan Blaney joins Penske Nationwide team|last=Pistone|first=Pete|date=July 17, 2012|work=Eye on NASCAR|publisher=CBS Sports|access-date=July 17, 2012|archive-date=July 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120719012901/http://www.cbssports.com/nascar/blog/eye-on-nascar/19601126/ryan-blaney-joins-penske-nationwide-team|url-status=live}} He also ran selected races in the Camping World Truck Series for Brad Keselowski Racing,{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nascar/blog/eye-on-nascar/19762437/ryan-blaney-joins-brad-keselowskis-truck-series-team|title=Ryan Blaney joins Brad Keselowski's Truck Series team|last=Pistone|first=Pete|date=August 9, 2012|work=Eye on NASCAR|publisher=CBS Sports|access-date=August 9, 2012|archive-date=November 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112050000/https://www.cbssports.com/nascar/|url-status=live}} finishing sixth in his debut in the series at Bristol Motor Speedway.{{Cite news|url=https://speedwaydigest.com/index.php/news/camping-world-truck-series-news/6840-ryan-blaney-makes-impressive-debut|title=Ryan Blaney Makes Impressive Debut|last=Wilson|first=Steven B.|date=August 23, 2012|work=Speedway Digest|access-date=July 9, 2017|archive-date=July 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710050927/https://speedwaydigest.com/index.php/news/camping-world-truck-series-news/6840-ryan-blaney-makes-impressive-debut|url-status=live}} Blaney won his first career Truck Series race on September 15, 2012, at Iowa Speedway; at the time, he was the youngest winner in Truck Series history at 18 years, eight months, and 15 days. The previous record was 20 years and 18 days set by Kyle Busch in 2005.{{cite web|title=Blaney becomes Truck Series' youngest winner|url=http://www.nascar.com/en_us/news-media/articles/2012/09/17/rblaney-youngest-truck-winner.html|publisher=NASCAR.com|access-date=September 16, 2012|archive-date=January 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130114072807/http://www.nascar.com/en_us/news-media/articles/2012/09/17/rblaney-youngest-truck-winner.html|url-status=live}}{{#tag:ref|The current youngest NASCAR national touring series winner is Cole Custer, who won at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in September 2014 at 16 years, seven months, and 28 days.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nascar/story/2014-09-20/16-year-old-cole-custer-wins-nascar-truck-series-race|title=16-year-old Cole Custer becomes youngest to win Truck Series race|date=September 20, 2014|work=Sporting News|access-date=September 20, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140920232932/http://www.sportingnews.com/nascar/story/2014-09-20/16-year-old-cole-custer-wins-nascar-truck-series-race|archive-date=September 20, 2014}}|group=N}}File:Ryan Blaney Brad Keselowski Racing Ford Rockingham 2013.jpg|238x238px]]Blaney returned to the Camping World Truck Series in 2013, driving the full schedule for Brad Keselowski Racing and competing for the series' Rookie of the Year award.{{cite web|url=http://fayobserver.com/articles/2013/04/07/1248496|title=Rising star Ryan Blaney coming to Rockingham trucks race|last=Pope|first=Thomas|date=April 7, 2013|work=The Fayetteville Observer|access-date=April 21, 2013|location=Fayetteville, NC|archive-date=April 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130408075806/http://fayobserver.com/articles/2013/04/07/1248496|url-status=dead}} Blaney won his first career pole in the series at Kentucky Speedway in June,{{cite news|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/blaney-wins-pole-unoh-225-210900191--nascar.html|title=Blaney wins pole for UNOH 225 at Kentucky|date=June 27, 2013|work=Yahoo! Sports|access-date=September 14, 2013|archive-date=September 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926084815/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/blaney-wins-pole-unoh-225-210900191--nascar.html|url-status=dead}} then won his second career Truck Series race at Pocono Raceway in August.{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nascar/2013/08/03/pocono-nascar-camping-world-truck-series-ryan-blaney-pocono-mountains-125/2615033/|title=Ryan Blaney wins Truck race at Pocono on dad's advice|date=August 3, 2013|work=USA Today|access-date=September 14, 2013|location=McLean, VA|archive-date=October 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131011185517/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nascar/2013/08/03/pocono-nascar-camping-world-truck-series-ryan-blaney-pocono-mountains-125/2615033/|url-status=live}} Blaney also competed in the Nationwide Series at Iowa Speedway in June, substituting for Joey Logano after a rainout created a schedule conflict; Blaney finished ninth in the event.{{cite web|url=http://www.nascar.com/en_us/news-media/articles/2013/06/11/rain-a-welcome-development-for-blaney.html|title=Logano sub Blaney welcomed weekend rain|last=Norman|first=Brad|date=June 11, 2013|publisher=NASCAR.com|access-date=September 14, 2013|archive-date=September 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130916033507/http://www.nascar.com/en_us/news-media/articles/2013/06/11/rain-a-welcome-development-for-blaney.html|url-status=live}} Blaney competed in a second Nationwide Series race in 2013, at Kentucky Speedway on September 21, and led 96 of the race's 200 laps to win his first career race in the series, beating Austin Dillon and Matt Crafton.{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nascar/2013/09/21/ryan-blaney-nationwide-kentucky-300-penske-austin-dillon/2848407/|title=19-year-old Ryan Blaney wins Kentucky Nationwide race|date=September 21, 2013|work=USA Today|access-date=September 22, 2013|archive-date=September 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923203314/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nascar/2013/09/21/ryan-blaney-nationwide-kentucky-300-penske-austin-dillon/2848407/|url-status=live}} Blaney was the only race winner in the 2013 Nationwide season to not have any Sprint Cup experience.{{cite web|last=Pennell|first=Jay|url=http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/do-nationwide-regulars-want-cup-drivers-participation-limited-022814|title=Do Nationwide regulars want Cup drivers' participation limited?|work=Fox Sports|date=February 28, 2014|access-date=February 28, 2014|archive-date=March 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305052948/http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/do-nationwide-regulars-want-cup-drivers-participation-limited-022814?|url-status=live}}

In January 2014, Blaney announced that in addition to a full Camping World Truck Series schedule with BKR, he would be running 15 Nationwide Series and two Sprint Cup Series races for Team Penske during the year.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/ryan-blaney-will-make-sprint-cup-debut-this-season-for-team-penske/|title=Ryan Blaney will make Sprint Cup debut this season for Team Penske|date=January 29, 2014|work=Fox Sports|access-date=January 29, 2014|archive-date=February 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223155151/http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2014/01/29/ryan-blaney-will-make-sprint-cup-debut-this-season-for-team-penske/|url-status=live}}

Blaney drove the No. 29 truck full-time for Brad Keselowski Racing. He had many Top 10 but failed to win in the spring. However, his year's turning point was at Dover in late May 2014, when he came up short to Kyle Busch who beat him by 0.5 (one car length) seconds for the win. After the race, Blaney was one of the drivers who said that because Kyle was winning a lot in the truck series, the Cup series drivers should no longer race in any division besides the Cup series.

File:22 Ryan Blaney 2015 Road America.jpg

Blaney won his second career Nationwide race in August 2014 at Bristol Motor Speedway, beating Kyle Busch in a green-white-checkered finish. The next week, Blaney won his first Truck race of 2014 spectacularly at Ron Fellows' own Canadian Tire Motorsports Park raceway, edging German Quiroga by 0.49 seconds in a photo-finish.

In 2015, Blaney began his Xfinity Series schedule in Las Vegas in the Boyd Gaming 300. After leading two laps, he was briefly in contention for the win. After spinning out fellow driver Erik Jones late in the race, Blaney restarted the final restart in eighth place. Despite this, he drove from eighth to second in the final 21 laps. Though he caught up to race leader Austin Dillon with three laps to go, Blaney was unable to force his way by Dillon. Blaney finished second to Dillon by a three-car-length winning difference. He nearly won at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the Xfinity race, finishing second to Kyle Busch after being passed on the final lap. He won at Iowa and nearly won at Road America in his debut on the track. He again won at the Kentucky standalone race in September beating Ty Dillon on a late-race restart. Blaney got his second top 10 of his career in the Sprint Cup at Kansas for the Hollywood Casino 400 finishing seventh.

In January 2014, it was announced that Team Penske was going to re-open a third car, the No. 12, for Blaney to make two starts in during the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. He made his debut at Kansas Speedway, finishing 27th. His second start came at Talladega in the fall, where he notched a 22nd-place finish.

In August 2014, it was announced that Blaney was to run twenty Sprint Cup Series races for Wood Brothers Racing in the No. 21 Ford during the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.{{cite web |last=Owens |first=Jeff |date=August 14, 2014 |title=Wood Brothers hire Ryan Blaney, form alliance with Penske |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nascar/story/2014-08-14/wood-brothers-hire-ryan-blaney-form-alliance-with-penske-sprint-cup-2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151012215522/http://www.sportingnews.com/nascar/story/2014-08-14/wood-brothers-hire-ryan-blaney-form-alliance-with-penske-sprint-cup-2015 |archive-date=October 12, 2015 |access-date=August 14, 2014 |work=Sporting News}} Blaney performed well, picking up his first Top 10 at Talladega in the GEICO 500, running as high as second and finishing fourth. He didn't qualify for three races due to rainouts. He picked up a seventh-place finish in the fall at Kansas and ended the year with 15 starts in total.

File:Blaney Heads Off For Practice..jpg]]

Blaney began competing full-time in the Cup Series in 2016 with the Wood Brothers despite the team being excluded from NASCAR's new Charter system implemented before the 2016 Cup Series season.{{cite web|last=Bruce|first=Kenny|url=http://www.nascar.com/en_us/news-media/articles/2015/11/20/wood-brothers-racing-goes-full-time-in-2016-ryan-blaney.html|title=WOOD BROTHERS GOING FULL TIME IN 2016|publisher=NASCAR|date=November 20, 2015|access-date=November 20, 2015|archive-date=November 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151123045625/http://www.nascar.com/en_us/news-media/articles/2015/11/20/wood-brothers-racing-goes-full-time-in-2016-ryan-blaney.html|url-status=dead}} He got his third Top 10 of his career at Las Vegas, finishing 6th. Before the race at Auto Club Speedway, Blaney and close friend Bubba Wallace drove together from Phoenix to Fontana and stole the headlines one evening when they took over NASCAR's Snapchat account and filmed themselves mimicking drivers such as Carl Edwards, Danica Patrick, and Paul Menard.{{Cite web |date=March 14, 2016 |title=The Bubba Wallace and Ryan Blaney Racing road trip on Snapchat was amazing |url=https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=10153706074608801 |access-date=November 8, 2023 |website=Facebook |archive-date=November 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112050015/https://www.facebook.com/NASCAR/videos/10153706074608801/ |url-status=live }} Blaney picked up more top tens at Phoenix, Talladega, Dover, and Pocono for a successful first half of the season with his best finish being a fifth at Kansas. At Chicagoland, Blaney ran well all day and for the final restart, he gambled and stayed out, and got the race lead. However, on the restart Martin Truex Jr. overtook him easily due to having fresher tires and held on to get the win, with Blaney finishing 4th. He put up a fight for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year award, but lost to Chase Elliott.{{Cite web |title=2016 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year Standings |url=https://tobychristie.com/2016-nascar-sprint-cup-series-rookie-of-the-year-standings/ |access-date=November 8, 2023 |website=TobyChristie.com |language=en-us |archive-date=November 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108082502/https://tobychristie.com/2016-nascar-sprint-cup-series-rookie-of-the-year-standings/ |url-status=live }}

File:Ryan blaney victory lane (35229940286).jpg]]

In 2017, fellow single-car team Go Fas Racing announced that they would loan their charter to the No. 21 Wood Brothers team, guaranteeing Blaney a spot in every race of the 2017 season. During the Daytona 500, Blaney, despite being caught up in an early wreck, charged from 5th on the final lap to place second to Kurt Busch. Blaney had a better race in April at Texas Motor Speedway, qualifying second to Kevin Harvick. He then passed Harvick early in the race to lead the next 148 laps and win the first two stages. However, a late-race pit stop error cost Blaney the race. He recovered from his mishap and finished 12th. At Kansas, Blaney won his first career Cup Series pole. The race was primarily a duel between him and Martin Truex Jr. After battling Truex for 3 restarts, Truex pulled away to win the race while Blaney finished fourth.

In June, he won his first career Cup race at the Axalta presents the Pocono 400 at Pocono Raceway. After passing Kyle Busch with 10 laps to go, he held off Harvick to claim the victory, qualifying him for the playoffs.{{cite web|last=Davis|first=K. Lee|url=http://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/story/_/id/19609333/nascar-ryan-blaney-breaks-scene-impressive-win-pocono|title=Ryan Blaney delivers on promise early with Pocono victory|publisher=ESPN|date=June 11, 2017|access-date=June 11, 2017|archive-date=June 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612050610/http://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/story/_/id/19609333/nascar-ryan-blaney-breaks-scene-impressive-win-pocono|url-status=live}} On July 26, Blaney announced he would move to Team Penske's new No. 12 car for the 2018 season.{{cite magazine|last=Lott|first=Thomas|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nascar/news/nascar-team-changes-2018-ryan-blaney-penske-paul-menard-wood-brothers/ozaomf0fp3yr1e89z852hufxf|title=Penske signs up Ryan Blaney; Paul Menard moves to Wood Brothers|magazine=Sporting News|date=July 26, 2017|access-date=July 26, 2017|archive-date=July 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729224545/http://www.sportingnews.com/nascar/news/nascar-team-changes-2018-ryan-blaney-penske-paul-menard-wood-brothers/ozaomf0fp3yr1e89z852hufxf|url-status=dead}} At the end of the regular season, Blaney entered the playoffs ninth in points, courtesy of his win at Pocono and three stage wins.{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/news/2017-nascar-cup-playoff-grid-951216/|title=2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup playoff grid set|last=DeGroot|first=Nick|date=September 10, 2017|publisher=motorsport.com|access-date=November 26, 2017|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201035343/https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/news/2017-nascar-cup-playoff-grid-951216/|url-status=dead}}

During his playoff run, Blaney made it into the Round of 8, highlighted by a third-place finish in the Round of 12 race at Kansas, despite having to start last after his car failed post-qualifying inspection.{{cite web |last=Spencer |first=Reid |url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2017/10/22/results-kansas-speedway-playoffs-round-of-12/ |website=NASCAR.com |publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. |title=NASCAR race results and news at Kansas playoff race |date=October 22, 2017 |access-date=November 26, 2017 |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201040746/https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2017/10/22/results-kansas-speedway-playoffs-round-of-12/ |url-status=live }} Blaney then scored consecutive top-ten finishes at Martinsville and Texas, but despite winning the pole for the Round of 8 finale at Phoenix, he faded outside of the top ten by the end of stage one. He rebounded to secure eighth by the end of stage two, but could not improve his standing on the track, ultimately finishing the race in 17th and being eliminated from the playoffs.{{cite web|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/race/2017_Can-Am_500/W|publisher=Racing Reference|date=November 12, 2017|title=Race information for the 2017 Can-Am 500 at Racing Reference.info|access-date=November 26, 2017|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201030610/http://www.racing-reference.info/race/2017_Can-Am_500/W|url-status=live}} Blaney wound up finishing 29th in the season finale at Homestead-Miami, securing a ninth-place finish in the final Cup Series standings with his one win, four top fives, 14 top tens, four stage wins, and two poles. His ninth-place points finish was also the highest for a driver for the Wood Brothers since Morgan Shepherd finished sixth in the final Cup standings in 1994.

File:Ryan Blaney drives to the finish line in the opposite direction after winning the 2018 Bank of America 400.jpg]]

For his tenure at Team Penske, it was announced that he John Menard Jr. and Menards, which sponsors the team's IndyCar operations, were signed to a primary sponsorship deal. He also brought over personal sponsorship from BodyArmor sports drink. Blaney won his Can-Am Duel and was a favorite to win the Daytona 500.{{Cite web |last=Hembree |first=Mike |title=Ryan Blaney wins crash-filled Can-Am Duel No. 1 at Daytona |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nascar/2018/02/15/ryan-blaney-wins-crash-filled-can-am-duel-no-1-daytona/343753002/ |access-date=November 8, 2023 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US |archive-date=November 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108082502/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nascar/2018/02/15/ryan-blaney-wins-crash-filled-can-am-duel-no-1-daytona/343753002/ |url-status=live }} He led the most laps on the day, spending 114 laps, over half the race, leading the pack. He finished seventh after contact with Kurt Busch late in the race forced him to pit for repairs.{{Cite web |title=Daytona yields strong showing amid tough luck for Ryan Blaney |date=February 19, 2018 |url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2018/02/18/ryan-blaney-daytona-500-leads-most-laps/ |access-date=November 8, 2023 |archive-date=November 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108082504/https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2018/02/18/ryan-blaney-daytona-500-leads-most-laps/ |url-status=live }}

Blaney won the pole at Las Vegas, won a stage at Martinsville, and appeared to have the car to beat early on at Bristol, but was involved in a large crash near the end of stage one.{{Cite web |title=Stage 1 wreck derails Ryan Blaney's early show of speed at Bristol |date=April 15, 2018 |url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2018/04/15/ryan-blaney-late-wreck-bristol-stage-1/ |access-date=November 8, 2023 |archive-date=November 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108082501/https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2018/04/15/ryan-blaney-late-wreck-bristol-stage-1/ |url-status=live }} Blaney once again fell short at Kansas and blew an engine in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte. Blaney won another pole at Pocono and finished in the top ten; He did the same the following week at Michigan. Returning to Daytona in July was not kind to Blaney, as he could not replicate his success from the 500, being caught up in The Big One and finishing in last place.{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=Godwin |title=How sweet it is: Jones wins crash-filled Coke Zero Sugar 400 |url=https://www.staugustine.com/story/sports/2018/07/08/how-sweet-it-is-jones-wins-crash-filled-coke-zero-sugar-400/11573035007/ |access-date=November 8, 2023 |website=St. Augustine Record |language=en-US |archive-date=June 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230612203321/https://www.staugustine.com/story/sports/2018/07/08/how-sweet-it-is-jones-wins-crash-filled-coke-zero-sugar-400/11573035007/ |url-status=live }}

A run of good finishes to round out the summer stretch, none lower than 15th, put Blaney in the playoffs despite going winless in the regular season; as he managed to put together a strong coalition of five top-fives, 12 top-tens, and five stage wins. Blaney ran solidly at Las Vegas and Richmond, putting him barely over the cutoff line going into the Bank of America Roval 400 at the Charlotte Roval. While running in third on the last lap, leaders Martin Truex Jr. and Jimmie Johnson wrecked each other going into the final chicane. Blaney passed both to score his first win of the season and his first win with Team Penske. The win advanced him to the Round of 12, where he was eliminated after the fall Kansas race and finished the season tenth in points.{{cite web |date=September 30, 2018 |title=Ryan Blaney emerges for win in first Bank of America Roval 400 at Charlotte |url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2018/09/30/ryan-blaney-emerges-for-win-in-first-bank-of-america-roval-400-at-charlotte/ |access-date=October 1, 2018 |website=NASCAR.com |publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. |archive-date=October 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001062451/https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2018/09/30/ryan-blaney-emerges-for-win-in-first-bank-of-america-roval-400-at-charlotte/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=RYAN BLANEY 2018 SEASON RECAP |url=https://www.nascar.com/gallery/ryan-blaney-2018-season-recap/ |access-date=November 8, 2023 |archive-date=November 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108082502/https://www.nascar.com/gallery/ryan-blaney-2018-season-recap/ |url-status=live }}

File:Ryan blaney (40564672243).jpg in 2019]]

Blaney remained consistent within the top 10 in points in 2019. At Watkins Glen, he spun Jimmie Johnson out of contention, leading to an argument between the two after the race.{{cite web |url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2019/08/04/jimmie-johnson-ryan-blaney-watkins-glen-nascar-playoffs/ |title=Johnson's anger with Blaney boils over: 'Everybody stay tuned' |first=Zack |last=Albert |website=NASCAR.com |publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. |date=August 4, 2019 |access-date=August 12, 2019 |archive-date=August 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812055053/https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2019/08/04/jimmie-johnson-ryan-blaney-watkins-glen-nascar-playoffs/ |url-status=live }} The animosity between them lasted until Michigan a week later.{{cite web |url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2019/08/10/report-ryan-blaney-jimmie-johnson-michigan-truce/ |title=Report: Blaney, Johnson make peace over beers at Michigan |website=NASCAR.com |publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. |date=August 10, 2019 |access-date=August 12, 2019 |archive-date=August 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812055048/https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2019/08/10/report-ryan-blaney-jimmie-johnson-michigan-truce/ |url-status=live }} At the Charlotte Roval, Blaney finished eighth to advance to the Round of 12.{{cite web |url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2019/09/29/nascar-playoffs-charlotte-roval-eliminations-round-of-12/ |title=NASCAR Playoffs: Round of 12 set after Charlotte Roval |website=NASCAR.com |publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. |date=September 29, 2019 |access-date=September 30, 2019 |archive-date=September 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930020426/https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2019/09/29/nascar-playoffs-charlotte-roval-eliminations-round-of-12/ |url-status=live }} Blaney won the Talladega fall race in a photo finish of 0.007 seconds over Ryan Newman and advanced into the Round of 8, despite an early spin onto pit road.{{cite web |url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2019/10/14/blaney-battles-back-to-win-talladega-advance-to-round-of-8/ |title=Blaney nips Newman at the line for Talladega win and Round of 8 berth |website=NASCAR.com |publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. |date=October 14, 2019 |access-date=October 15, 2019 |archive-date=October 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003172304/https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2019/10/14/blaney-battles-back-to-win-talladega-advance-to-round-of-8/ |url-status=live }} Despite finishing third at Phoenix, he was eliminated in the Round of 8.{{cite web |url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2019/11/10/nascar-playoffs-championship-4-field-drivers-monster-energy-series/ |title=Championship 4 field set: See who's headed to Miami |website=NASCAR.com |publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. |date=November 11, 2019 |access-date=November 12, 2019 |archive-date=November 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112154950/https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2019/11/10/nascar-playoffs-championship-4-field-drivers-monster-energy-series/ |url-status=live }}

File:Ryan Blaney Michigan 2020.jpg in 2020]]

On the final lap of the 2020 Daytona 500, Blaney gave a push to leader Ryan Newman, sending him into the outside wall and into a violent crash. Blaney lost the race to Denny Hamlin in the second-closest finish in Daytona 500 history. Blaney later stated that the incident had taken a tough toll on him mentally, and that speaking with Newman on the phone after his release from the hospital was a key factor to helping him become at peace with it.{{Cite web |last=Walters |first=Shane |date=March 2, 2020 |title=Ryan Blaney on watching the Ryan Newman crash video |url=https://racingnews.co/2020/03/02/ryan-blaney-on-watching-the-ryan-newman-crash-video/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=August 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240830071535/https://racingnews.co/2020/03/02/ryan-blaney-on-watching-the-ryan-newman-crash-video/ |url-status=live }} Blaney crashed out at Phoenix, and have mediocre runs at both Darlington races before two back-to-back third places in the doubleheader races at Charlotte paved the way for a consistent streak.{{Cite web |title=2020 NASCAR Cup Series May 27 Charlotte Race Page |url=https://www.jayski.com/nascar-cup-series/2020-nascar-cup-series-charlotte-may-27-race-page/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116025948/https://www.jayski.com/nascar-cup-series/2020-nascar-cup-series-charlotte-may-27-race-page/ |url-status=live }} He dominated early at Bristol, leading 60 laps, before a wreck with Ty Dillon resulted in a last place finish.{{Cite web |date=2020-05-31 |title=Momentary lapse ends Blaney's strong run early at Bristol |url=https://racer.com/2020/05/31/momentary-lapse-ends-blaneys-strong-run-early-at-bristol/ |access-date=2023-11-16 |website=RACER |language=en-US |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116025953/https://racer.com/2020/05/31/momentary-lapse-ends-blaneys-strong-run-early-at-bristol/ |url-status=live }} For the next four weeks, Blaney recorded three straight top-fives, capping it off with a win at the GEICO 500, defeating Ricky Stenhouse Jr. by 0.007, his second photo-finish win at Talladega.{{Cite web |date=June 23, 2020 |title=Ryan Blaney Wins the GEICO 500 at Talladega in Epic Fashion |url=https://www.talladegasuperspeedway.com/news-media/2020/06/23/ryan-blaney-wins-the-geico-500-at-talladega-in-epic-fashion/ |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116025953/https://www.talladegasuperspeedway.com/news-media/2020/06/23/ryan-blaney-wins-the-geico-500-at-talladega-in-epic-fashion/ |url-status=live }}

He had transmission issues at Kentucky, forcing him to drive through the turns one-handed because his car kept jumping out of fourth gear. Nonetheless, he held the lead for a small part of the final lap but hit a drain on the apron, finishing sixth. Blaney led the most laps at Texas and finished fourth at Michigan, putting up a strong coalition of runs going into the playoffs.

Blaney made the playoffs with his win at Talladega, but was eliminated in the Round of 16 due to mediocre finishes at Richmond and the Bristol Night Race.{{cite web |url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2020/09/20/bristol-motor-speedway-night-race-cup-series-playoff-bubble/ |title=Bowyer advances at Bristol; Custer, Byron, Blaney, DiBenedetto ousted from playoffs |first=Zack |last=Albert |website=NASCAR.com |publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. |date=September 20, 2020 |access-date=September 21, 2020 |archive-date=October 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003172307/https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2020/09/20/bristol-motor-speedway-night-race-cup-series-playoff-bubble/ |url-status=live }} Blaney put up a strong fight at the end of the season despite his elimination, with three top-fives and two-top tens in the last five races of the season, with a highest of second at Martinsville. Blaney finished the season ninth in points.

File:Ryan blaney (51429596382).jpg in 2021]]

During the 2021 season, Blaney won at Atlanta and Michigan, scoring his fifth and sixth career wins in the series respectively. The Atlanta win was emotional for Blaney as it came 20 years after his dad almost won the same race, only to lose because of a broken wheel.{{cite web |url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2021/03/21/results-cup-series-2021-atlanta-motor-speedway-race-recap/ |title=Ryan Blaney bypasses dominant Larson at Atlanta, lands first Cup Series win of 2021 |first=Reid |last=Spencer |website=NASCAR.com |publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. |date=March 21, 2021 |access-date=March 22, 2021 |archive-date=March 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322000804/https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2021/03/21/results-cup-series-2021-atlanta-motor-speedway-race-recap/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|date=August 22, 2021|title=Ryan Blaney holds off Byron, Larson for narrow win at Michigan {{!}} NASCAR|url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2021/08/22/results-2021-cup-series-michigan-international-speedway-race-recap/|access-date=August 23, 2021|website=Official Site Of NASCAR|language=en-US|archive-date=August 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210823072310/https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2021/08/22/results-2021-cup-series-michigan-international-speedway-race-recap/|url-status=live}} For the first time in his career, Blaney had back-to-back wins after he won the last race of the regular season at Daytona International Speedway the following week. Both wins gave him his sixth and seventh career wins. After only winning four races in the five seasons before 2021, Blaney captured three wins in the Cup Series regular season. He went into the 2021 Cup playoffs as the second-seeded driver with three wins on the season behind Kyle Larson, who had five wins.{{Cite web |url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2021/08/28/ryan-blaney-survives-overtime-at-daytona-wins-regular-season-finale-for-third-2021-win/ |title=Cup Series race recap, results at Daytona regular-season finale |website=NASCAR.com |publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. |date=August 29, 2021 |access-date=August 29, 2021 |archive-date=August 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829042441/https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2021/08/28/ryan-blaney-survives-overtime-at-daytona-wins-regular-season-finale-for-third-2021-win/ |url-status=live }} Blaney made it to the Round of 8 before being eliminated after Martinsville. He finished the season seventh in the points standings.

File:RyanBlaney22.png in 2022]]

Blaney started the 2022 season with a fourth-place finish at the 2022 Daytona 500. Despite scoring no wins in the first 13 races, he stayed consistent with four top-fives and six top-10 finishes. He would lead the most laps at Talladega and be in position for a race win but would fall short after being involved in the Big One on the last lap.{{Cite web |last=Cain |first=Holly |date=April 23, 2023 |title=Kyle Busch outlasts field in overtime, wins at Talladega |url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2023/04/23/kyle-busch-outlasts-field-wins-in-overtime-at-talladega/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |archive-date=February 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227221310/https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2023/02/26/results-cup-series-2023-auto-club-speedway-race-recap/ |url-status=live }} He also won the 2022 NASCAR All-Star Race.{{cite web |url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2022/05/22/cup-series-2022-nascar-all-star-race-texas-recap/ |title=Ryan Blaney roars to first All-Star Race victory at Texas |first=Holly |last=Cain |website=NASCAR.com |publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC |date=May 22, 2022 |access-date=May 23, 2022 |archive-date=May 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523030153/https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2022/05/22/cup-series-2022-nascar-all-star-race-texas-recap/ |url-status=live }} Despite being involved in a multi-car crash on lap 31 of the regular season finale at the Daytona night race, Blaney rallied to finish 15th to clinch the 16th and final Playoff spot of the season, beating Martin Truex Jr. by three points. Blaney was eliminated following the Round of 8 after finishing third at Martinsville.{{cite web |url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2022/10/30/christopher-bell-wins-way-into-championship-4-title-field-set |title=Christopher Bell wins his way into Championship 4; title field set |first=Reid |last=Spencer |website=NASCAR.com |publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC |date=October 30, 2022 |access-date=October 31, 2022 |archive-date=October 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031011509/https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2022/10/30/christopher-bell-wins-way-into-championship-4-title-field-set |url-status=live }} Despite being winless, he finished the season eighth in the points standings.{{cite web |url=https://www.nascar.com/nascar-cup-series/2022/playoffs |title=2022 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Standings |website=NASCAR.com |publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. |access-date=November 8, 2022 |archive-date=November 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108141747/https://www.nascar.com/nascar-cup-series/2022/playoffs |url-status=live }}

File:Ryan Blaney 12 Sonoma 2023.jpg in 2023]]Blaney started the 2023 season with an eighth-place finish at the 2023 Daytona 500 despite getting caught in a wreck early. Blaney found himself within striking distance of the win at Phoenix a few weeks later but finished second after a late restart. At Bristol in April, Blaney would be his Cup teammate, Joey Logano's spotter for the Weather Guard Truck Race on Dirt. Logano won his Heat Race and the Main Event. He led the most laps at the GEICO 500 at Talladega, but finished second to Kyle Busch on an overtime restart after a bad block from Bubba Wallace.{{Cite web |last=Busbee |first=Jay |date=April 23, 2023 |title=NASCAR: Kyle Busch wins at Talladega after Bubba Wallace crashes while blocking Ryan Blaney |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nascar-kyle-busch-wins-at-talladega-after-bubba-wallace-crashes-while-blocking-ryan-blaney-225752875.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108072143/https://sports.yahoo.com/nascar-kyle-busch-wins-at-talladega-after-bubba-wallace-crashes-while-blocking-ryan-blaney-225752875.html |archive-date=November 8, 2023 |access-date=November 8, 2023 |website=Yahoo Sports |language=en-US}} He finally broke his 59-race drought by winning the 2023 Coca-Cola 600, doing such in a dominating fashion by leading the most laps and winning a stage.{{cite web |url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2023/05/29/cup-series-coca-cola-600-recap-charlotte-may-2023/ |title=Ryan Blaney snaps 59-race winless streak, conquers thrilling Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte |website=NASCAR |date=May 29, 2023 |access-date=May 30, 2023 |archive-date=February 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227221310/https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2023/02/26/results-cup-series-2023-auto-club-speedway-race-recap/ |url-status=live }} A sixth-place finish the next week at Gateway put Blaney on top of the points standings.{{Cite web |last=Fair |first=Asher |date=June 5, 2023 |title=NASCAR has a new points leader after Gateway |url=https://beyondtheflag.com/2023/06/05/nascar-new-points-leader-ryan-blaney-gateway/ |access-date=November 8, 2023 |website=Beyond the Flag |language=en-US |archive-date=November 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108072153/https://beyondtheflag.com/2023/06/05/nascar-new-points-leader-ryan-blaney-gateway/ |url-status=live }}

A poor performance the next week at Sonoma was followed by a scary moment at Nashville; Blaney had a violent impact into the inside wall of Turn 1, leaving him suffering with concussion-like symptoms.{{Cite web |date=July 1, 2023 |title=Ryan Blaney credits doctor for recovery from Nashville crash |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nascar/news/ryan-blaney-credits-doctor-for-recovery-from-nashville-crash |access-date=November 8, 2023 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US |archive-date=November 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108072144/https://www.nbcsports.com/nascar/news/ryan-blaney-credits-doctor-for-recovery-from-nashville-crash |url-status=live }} He later went on to say that he felt it was the hardest impact he has felt in his entire racing career.{{Cite web |date=June 26, 2023 |title='Hardest hit I've ever had in my life' – Blaney crashes early at Nashville |url=https://racer.com/2023/06/25/hardest-hit-ive-ever-had-in-my-life-blaney-crashes-early-at-nashville/ |access-date=November 8, 2023 |website=RACER |language=en-US |archive-date=November 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108072143/https://racer.com/2023/06/25/hardest-hit-ive-ever-had-in-my-life-blaney-crashes-early-at-nashville/ |url-status=live }} Blaney urged NASCAR to install a SAFER barrier on the wall that he impacted, a sentiment that was echoed by NASCAR's Vice President of Competition Elton Sawyer.{{Cite web |last=Schutte |first=Dustin |date=June 27, 2023 |title=NASCAR SVP of Competition Elton Sawyer defends Ryan Blaney's criticism of Nashville Superspeedway |url=https://www.on3.com/pro/news/nascar-svp-competition-elton-sawyer-defends-ryan-blaney-criticism-nashville-superspeedway/ |access-date=November 8, 2023 |website=On3 |language=en |archive-date=November 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108072144/https://www.on3.com/pro/news/nascar-svp-competition-elton-sawyer-defends-ryan-blaney-criticism-nashville-superspeedway/ |url-status=live }} Two weeks later at Atlanta, Blaney won stage one and finished second in stage two. He was one of several drivers attempting to stay in the lead until a caution for rain came out, but wound up finishing ninth.{{Cite web |last=Schuoler |first=Justin |date=July 9, 2023 |title=Blaney Runs Out of Time, Ninth at Atlanta Motor Speedway |url=https://kickinthetires.net/nascar/cup/ryan-blaney-runs-out-of-time-ninth-at-atlanta-motor-speedway/ |access-date=November 8, 2023 |language=en-US |archive-date=November 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108072146/https://kickinthetires.net/nascar/cup/ryan-blaney-runs-out-of-time-ninth-at-atlanta-motor-speedway/ |url-status=live }} The remainder of the summer stretch was mediocre for Blaney with two more ninth-place finishes at Michigan and Watkins Glen being his only top-tens. In the regular-season finale at Daytona, Blaney charged to the front late in the second stage but was involved in a hard crash from the lead after Ty Gibbs was turned by Christopher Bell, causing The Big One.{{Cite web |last=Gaydos |first=Ryan |date=August 26, 2023 |title=NASCAR's Coke Zero Sugar 400 features massive wreck; Ryan Blaney crashes hard into wall |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/nascars-coke-zero-sugar-400-features-massive-wreck-ryan-blaney-crashes-hard-into-wall |access-date=November 8, 2023 |website=Fox News |language=en-US |archive-date=November 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108072144/https://www.foxnews.com/sports/nascars-coke-zero-sugar-400-features-massive-wreck-ryan-blaney-crashes-hard-into-wall |url-status=live }}

During the playoffs, Blaney advanced through the first round after solid runs at Darlington and Kansas, earning stage points in both. Blaney was caught up in an accident with 12 laps to go at Texas, putting his hopes of advancing to the Round of 8 in jeopardy.{{Cite web |last=Schuoler |first=Justin |date=September 24, 2023 |title=Ryan Blaney After Texas Playoff Crash: "We're Not Out Of It" {{!}} Kickin' the Tires |url=https://kickinthetires.net/nascar/cup/ryan-blaney-after-texas-playoff-crash-were-not-out-of-it/ |access-date=November 8, 2023 |language=en-US |archive-date=November 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108072144/https://kickinthetires.net/nascar/cup/ryan-blaney-after-texas-playoff-crash-were-not-out-of-it/ |url-status=live }} Blaney won his way into the next round at Talladega, in a photo finish with Kevin Harvick, the margin of victory being 0.012 seconds.{{cite web |url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2023/10/01/cup-series-talladega-playoff-race-recap-ryan-blaney-clutch-win/ |title=Ryan Blaney scores clutch Talladega win to lock into Round of 8 |first=Holly |last=Cain |website=NASCAR |date=October 1, 2023 |access-date=October 2, 2023 |archive-date=October 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002000742/https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2023/10/01/cup-series-talladega-playoff-race-recap-ryan-blaney-clutch-win/ |url-status=live }} He finished sixth at Las Vegas, but was disqualified after post-race inspection discovered a left-front damper that did not meet specifications; as a result, Blaney dropped to last-place and the bottom of the Round of 8 cutoff line.{{cite web |url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2023/10/15/ryan-blaney-disqualified-las-vegas-nascar-cup-series-playoffs/ |title=Team Penske No. 12 disqualified from Cup Series Playoffs race at Las Vegas |website=NASCAR |date=October 15, 2023 |access-date=October 16, 2023 |archive-date=October 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016081825/https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2023/10/15/ryan-blaney-disqualified-las-vegas-nascar-cup-series-playoffs/ |url-status=live }} NASCAR later rescinded the penalty and restored Blaney's points after an issue was found with the damper template.{{cite web |url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2023/10/16/nascar-officials-rescind-disqualification-of-team-penske-no-12-blaney-at-vegas/ |title=NASCAR officials rescind disqualification of Team Penske No. 12, Blaney at Vegas |website=NASCAR |date=October 16, 2023 |access-date=October 18, 2023 |archive-date=October 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017004827/https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2023/10/16/nascar-officials-rescind-disqualification-of-team-penske-no-12-blaney-at-vegas/ |url-status=live }} A second-place finish at Homestead would propel Blaney to ten points above the playoff cutline entering Martinsville, the first time in his career he would enter the penultimate race of a season above the cutline. He traded the lead back and forth with Denny Hamlin for most of the race, but won stage two and held off a late-charging Aric Almirola to get his third win of the season and lock himself into the Championship 4.{{cite web |url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2023/10/29/nascar-cup-series-playoffs-martinsville-race-recap-2023/ |title=Ryan Blaney wins at Martinsville; joins Bell, Larson, Byron in Championship 4 |first=Reid |last=Spencer |website=NASCAR |date=October 29, 2023 |access-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029221022/https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2023/10/29/nascar-cup-series-playoffs-martinsville-race-recap-2023/ |url-status=live }}

The season finale at Phoenix was a fierce competition between Blaney, Bell, William Byron, and Kyle Larson. Blaney ran in the top ten for the majority of the race, but an early brake failure for Bell allowed Blaney to get a big run on the Hendrick teammates. On Lap 277, Blaney slammed into the rear end of leader Ross Chastain to go three wide for the race lead, but a spin by Kyle Busch bunched up the field for a final restart with 30 laps to go. Larson and Blaney ran side-by-side, dueling for position for nearly eleven laps before Blaney passed Larson for second place with 20 laps to go. He hung on to finish second, clinching the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Championship.{{Cite web |title=NASCAR Cup championship updates from Phoenix: Ryan Blaney wins title; Ross Chastain wins race |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nascar/live/updates-nascar-cup-championship-phoenix-raceway-kyle-larson-christopher-bell-ryan-blaney-william-byron |access-date=November 8, 2023 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US |archive-date=November 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108072145/https://www.nbcsports.com/nascar/live/updates-nascar-cup-championship-phoenix-raceway-kyle-larson-christopher-bell-ryan-blaney-william-byron |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Albino |first=Dustin |date=November 5, 2023 |title=Ryan Blaney gets hot at right time to win 2023 NASCAR Cup Series championship |url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2023/11/05/ryan-blaney-gets-hot-at-right-time-to-win-2023-nascar-cup-series-championship/ |access-date=November 6, 2023 |website=NASCAR |archive-date=November 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105234400/https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2023/11/05/ryan-blaney-gets-hot-at-right-time-to-win-2023-nascar-cup-series-championship/ |url-status=live }}

File:Ryan Blaney Advance Auto Parts 12 8481142.jpg]]

Blaney started the 2024 season with a 30th-place DNF at the Daytona 500. At Atlanta, he was leading the last lap but ultimately finished in second and came 0.003 seconds short of beating Daniel Suárez in a three-wide photo finish between him, Suárez, and Kyle Busch.{{cite news |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/daniel-suarez-wins-a-chaotic-crowded-wreck-filled-atlanta-race-at-the-line-000534019.html |title=Daniel Suarez wins a chaotic, crowded, wreck-filled Atlanta race at the line |last=Busbee |first=Jay |publisher=Yahoo! Sports |date=February 25, 2024 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=August 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240830071522/https://sports.yahoo.com/daniel-suarez-wins-a-chaotic-crowded-wreck-filled-atlanta-race-at-the-line-000534019.html |url-status=live }} Blaney once again fell short of a victory at Gateway after running out of fuel on the last lap; his teammate Austin Cindric ended up winning the race. On June 16, He scored his first win of the season at the inaugural Iowa race.{{cite web |url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2024/06/16/ryan-blaney-wins-inaugural-cup-race-at-iowa-scores-first-2024-victory/ |title=Ryan Blaney wins inaugural Cup race at Iowa, scores first 2024 victory |website=NASCAR |date=June 16, 2024 |access-date=June 17, 2024 |archive-date=June 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617023417/https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2024/06/16/ryan-blaney-wins-inaugural-cup-race-at-iowa-scores-first-2024-victory/ |url-status=live }} A month later, he won at Pocono, just over seven years after his first Cup Series win at the same track.{{cite web |url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2024/07/14/results-cup-series-2024-pocono-raceway-race-recap/ |title=Ryan Blaney holds off Hamlin, Bowman at Pocono, lands second Cup Series win of 2024 |first=Holly |last=Cain |website=NASCAR |date=July 14, 2024 |access-date=July 15, 2024 |archive-date=July 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240714223035/https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2024/07/14/results-cup-series-2024-pocono-raceway-race-recap/ |url-status=live }} During the playoffs, Blaney advanced to the Round of 8, where after a narrow loss to Tyler Reddick at Homestead, he would win at Martinsville to make the Championship 4 for a second year in a row.{{cite web |url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2024/11/03/ryan-blaney-surges-to-champ-4-with-repeat-walk-off-martinsville-win/ |title=Ryan Blaney surges to Champ 4 with repeat walk-off Martinsville win |website=NASCAR |date=November 3, 2024 |access-date=November 4, 2024}} Blaney ran up front for the bulk of the season finale race at Phoenix, though would be unable to outrun his Team Penske teammate Joey Logano, who would go on to win the 2024 Cup Series Championship.

Blaney started the 2025 season with a seventh-place finish at the 2025 Daytona 500. He scored his first win of the season at Nashville.{{cite web |url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2025/06/01/cup-series-2025-nashville-superspeedway-race-recap/ |title=Ryan Blaney hits right notes in Nashville, lands first Cup Series win of season |first=Holly |last=Cain |website=NASCAR |date=June 1, 2025 |access-date=June 2, 2025}}

File:Ryan Blaney Fox Sports Drivers Only Broadcast Talladega 2018.jpg

At the beginning of the 2017 season, Blaney began a NASCAR-supported podcast featuring former Miss Sprint Cup and current Motor Racing Network personality Kim Coon and NASCAR.com analyst Chuck Bush, called the Glass Case of Emotion.{{cite web|url=http://www.nascar.com/en_us/news-media/articles/2017/3/8/ryan-blaney-podcast-kim-coon-glass-case-of-emotion-episode-2.html|title='GLASS CASE OF EMOTION' PODCAST TACKLES SPACE TRAVEL, PARTICIPATION TROPHIES|work=NASCAR|date=March 8, 2017|access-date=June 7, 2017|archive-date=March 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170310024557/http://www.nascar.com/en_us/news-media/articles/2017/3/8/ryan-blaney-podcast-kim-coon-glass-case-of-emotion-episode-2.html|url-status=live}} The podcast ended at the conclusion of the 2023 season.{{Cite web |last=Blaney |first=Ryan |date=November 20, 2023 |title=What a way to end, both the season and the Glass Case of Emotion. Thank you #GLASSHOLES |url=https://x.com/Blaney/status/1726616668884148235}}

In June 2017, Blaney became a member of Fox NASCAR{{'s}} Cup driver-only broadcast team for the Xfinity Series race at Pocono Raceway, working as a pit reporter alongside Erik Jones and Ricky Stenhouse Jr.{{cite news|last1=Perez|first1=A.J.|last2=Hembree|first2=Mike|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nascar/2017/05/19/nascar-drivers-handle-broadcast-duties-xfinity-race-pocono/101877322/|title=NASCAR drivers will handle broadcast duties during Xfinity race at Pocono|newspaper=USA Today|date=May 19, 2017|access-date=June 7, 2017|archive-date=June 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606121722/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nascar/2017/05/19/nascar-drivers-handle-broadcast-duties-xfinity-race-pocono/101877322/|url-status=live}} He also interviewed race-winner Brad Keselowski; the next day, the roles were reversed as he won his first Cup race with Keselowski, still in his firesuit, interviewing him.{{cite web|last=Jensen|first=Tom|url=https://www.foxsports.com/nascar/story/ryan-blaney-brad-keselowski-flip-script-pocono-interviews-in-victory-lane-nascar-win-061217|title=Flip the script: Brad Keselowski interviews Ryan Blaney in Victory Lane|work=Foxsports.com|date=June 12, 2017|access-date=January 31, 2020|archive-date=January 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131165341/https://www.foxsports.com/nascar/story/ryan-blaney-brad-keselowski-flip-script-pocono-interviews-in-victory-lane-nascar-win-061217|url-status=live}} The driver-only broadcast format returned for the 2018 Xfinity race at Talladega Superspeedway as Blaney returned to his pit duties.{{cite web|last=DeCola|first=Pat|url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2018/04/27/fox-drivers-only-talladega-broadcast-set-to-offer-unpredictable-entertainment/|title=FOX drivers-only Talladega broadcast set to offer unpredictable entertainment|publisher=NASCAR|date=April 27, 2018|access-date=January 31, 2020|archive-date=January 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131165339/https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2018/04/27/fox-drivers-only-talladega-broadcast-set-to-offer-unpredictable-entertainment/|url-status=live}} Since 2021, Blaney has served as a commentator in the booth for the driver-only broadcast, as well as a rotating driver analyst in the booth for regular Xfinity and ARCA Menard Series broadcasts. {{cite web|url=https://heavy.com/sports/nascar/kevin-harvick-drivers-only-fox-broadcast/|title=Kevin Harvick Leads His Final Drivers-Only Broadcast|last=Newby|first=John|work=Heavy|date=May 21, 2023|access-date=March 3, 2024|archive-date=March 4, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304050821/https://heavy.com/sports/nascar/kevin-harvick-drivers-only-fox-broadcast/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://heavy.com/sports/nascar/ryan-blaney-explains-booth-appearances-fox/|title=Ryan Blaney Explains Reasons for FOX Sports Booth Appearances|last=Newby|first=John|work=Heavy|date=February 7, 2023|access-date=March 3, 2024|archive-date=March 4, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304050810/https://heavy.com/sports/nascar/ryan-blaney-explains-booth-appearances-fox/|url-status=live}}

Blaney has made numerous guest-starring/cameo appearances in TV and film throughout his career. In 2017, Blaney voiced Ryan "Inside" Laney in the Pixar film Cars 3.{{cite web|last=Pockrass|first=Bob|url=http://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/story/_/id/18748819/twelve-nascar-personalities-featured-cars-3|title='Cars 3,' slated for summer release, to feature 12 NASCAR personalities|publisher=ESPN|date=February 23, 2017|access-date=February 23, 2017|archive-date=February 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224052159/http://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/story/_/id/18748819/twelve-nascar-personalities-featured-cars-3|url-status=live}} That same year Blaney also had a cameo appearance as a delivery boy in the film Logan Lucky.{{cite web|title=NASCAR serves as vehicle for heist film 'Logan Lucky' starring Channing Tatum|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nascar/2016/10/09/logan-lucky-channing-tatum-steven-soderbergh-filming-charlotte-atlanta-motor-speedway/91822944/|website=USA Today|access-date=July 24, 2017|date=October 9, 2016|archive-date=August 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808102218/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nascar/2016/10/09/logan-lucky-channing-tatum-steven-soderbergh-filming-charlotte-atlanta-motor-speedway/91822944/|url-status=live}} In 2018, Blaney guest-starred in the TV show Taken in season 2 episode 12 "Imperium", as Special Agent Nathan Wood; the episode aired on April 20, 2018.{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nascar/2018/03/14/ryan-blaney-nbc-taken-guest-starring-role/424032002/|title=Ryan Blaney flexes acting muscles as Special Agent Wood in NBC's 'Taken'|last=Velin|first=Bob|date=March 14, 2018|work=USA Today|access-date=May 27, 2018|archive-date=May 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180528142925/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nascar/2018/03/14/ryan-blaney-nbc-taken-guest-starring-role/424032002/|url-status=live}} Blaney also guest-starred as Shane Powell in an episode of the CBS reboot Magnum P.I.{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ftw/2019/01/22/nascars-ryan-blaney-had-a-glorious-mustache-for-his-magnum-pi-cameo/38931779/|title=NASCAR's Ryan Blaney had a glorious mustache for his Magnum P.I. cameo|last=Martinelli|first=Michelle|date=January 22, 2019|work=USA Today|access-date=March 3, 2024|archive-date=August 30, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240830071536/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ftw/2019/01/22/nascars-ryan-blaney-had-a-glorious-mustache-for-his-magnum-pi-cameo/38931779/|url-status=live}} In 2019, Blaney had a cameo appearance as himself in the Netflix's television series The Crew alongside Austin Dillon and Cole Custer.{{cite web|url=https://people.com/sports/ryan-blaney-austin-dillon-and-more-nascar-drivers-star-in-netflixs-the-crew|title=First Look! See Ryan Blaney, Austin Dillon & More Drivers in Netflix's New NASCAR Series The Crew|work=People|first=Nicholas|last=Rice|date=January 25, 2021|access-date=February 20, 2021|archive-date=February 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210216223521/https://people.com/sports/ryan-blaney-austin-dillon-and-more-nascar-drivers-star-in-netflixs-the-crew/|url-status=live}}

In 2021, Blaney was one of three drivers featured as cover stars for the NASCAR 21: Ignition video game.{{cite web|url=

https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2021/08/11/nascar-21-ignition-gets-green-flag-for-oct-28-2021-preorders-start-aug-12/|title=NASCAR 21: Ignition gets green flag|date=August 11, 2021|work=NASCAR|access-date=February 27, 2024}}

Blaney was a featured driver in the 2022 USA Network series Race for the Championship, following the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season, as well as the 2024 Netflix documentary series NASCAR: Full Speed, which followed the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs.{{cite web|title=Nascar Docuseries Ordered By USA Network|url=https://deadline.com/2021/07/nascar-docuseries-race-for-the-championship-usa-network-1234788758/|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=July 8, 2021|access-date=March 4, 2024|archive-date=August 30, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240830071523/https://deadline.com/2021/07/nascar-docuseries-race-for-the-championship-usa-network-1234788758/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Richards |first=Amanda |date=January 24, 2024 |title=NASCAR: Full Speed Is Coming to Your Screen at 200 Miles per Hour |url=https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/nascar-full-speed-release-date-cast-trailer-news |access-date=February 5, 2024 |website=Tudum |archive-date=February 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205101204/https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/nascar-full-speed-release-date-cast-trailer-news |url-status=live }}

Blaney is the only son and middle child of Lisa and Dave Blaney, with two sisters, Emma and Erin. He is of Irish descent and is close friends with fellow drivers Bubba Wallace, Erik Jones, and Chase Elliott. Blaney is also an avid Star Wars and Trailer Park Boys fan.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nascar.com/en_us/news-media/franchises/up-to-speed.ryan-blaney-talks-darrell-wallace-jr-monster-energy-series-debut-pocono-no-43-ford.5463052082001.html|title=NASCAR Official Home | Race results, schedule, standings, news, drivers|access-date=July 16, 2017|archive-date=July 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170715000407/http://www.nascar.com/en_us/news-media/franchises/up-to-speed.ryan-blaney-talks-darrell-wallace-jr-monster-energy-series-debut-pocono-no-43-ford.5463052082001.html|url-status=live}}

Blaney has multiple tattoos, including a Star Wars inspired piece on his right leg, a sprint car on his left side, and the #10 in red on the left side of his chest in tribute to the number he ran most often growing up.{{cite tweet|number=1071193318954946561|user=Blaney|title=Today was a great one.|date=December 8, 2018}}

Blaney is married to model Gianna Tulio.{{Cite web |last=Srigley |first=Joseph |date=December 13, 2024 |title=Ryan Blaney Officially Marries Long-Time Girlfriend Gianna Tulio |url=https://tobychristie.com/nascar/cup-series/ryan-blaney-officially-marries-long-time-girlfriend-gianna-tulio/ |access-date=December 13, 2024 |website=TobyChristie.com |language=en-US}}

(key) (Bold – Pole position awarded by qualifying time. Italics – Pole position earned by points standings or practice time. * – Most laps led.)

{{sup|*}} Season still in progress

{{sup|1}} Ineligible for series points

{{sup|†}} In 2012 Blaney switched from Nationwide to Truck Series points at Atlanta Motor Speedway in August.

(key) (Bold – Pole position awarded by qualifying time. Italics – Pole position earned by points standings or practice time. * – Most laps led.)

(key) * – Most laps led. ¹ – Heat 1 winner. ² – Heat 2 winner.

;Notes

{{Reflist|group=N}}

;Citations

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Ryan Blaney}}

• {{official website|ryanblaney.com/}}
• [https://www.teampenske.com/drivers/index.cfm/4401/Ryan_Blaney Official profile at Team Penske]
• [https://www.drinkbodyarmor.com/athlete/ryan-blaney/ Official profile] at Bodyarmor SuperDrink
• {{Racing-Reference driver|Ryan_Blaney}}

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{{succession box

| before= Joey Logano

| title= NASCAR Cup Series Champion

| years= 2023

| after= Incumbent

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{{succession box

| before= Kyle Larson

| title= NASCAR All-Star Race Winner

| years= 2022

| after= Kyle Larson

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{{succession box

| before= Ty Dillon

| title= NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Rookie of the Year

| years= 2013

| after= Ben Kennedy

}}

{{s-end}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Blaney, Ryan}}

Category:1993 births

Category:Living people

Category:Racing drivers from High Point, North Carolina

Category:NASCAR drivers

Category:ARCA Menards Series drivers

Category:People from Trumbull County, Ohio

Category:Team Penske drivers

Category:NASCAR Cup Series champions