Ryan Blaney’s recent celebration of his mother’s 60th birthday serves as a reminder of the strong values that drive him both on and off the track
With an exciting season ahead and plenty of milestones yet to achieve, one thing is certain—Ryan Blaney is not just a NASCAR champion; he’s a son, husband, and brother who values the people who have supported him every step of the way.
Ryan Blaney’s reflection on last year’s championship race highlights both the highs and lows of competing at the highest level in NASCAR.
While he came up short, his determination, team spirit, and continuous drive for improvement set the stage for future success.
As he continues to chase his first win of the season, one thing is clear: Blaney and the No. 12 team are not backing down. With each race, they move closer to their ultimate goal—another shot at championship glory.
Also Read: Gianna Tulio Celebrates Ryan Blaney’s Comeback Win in Atlanta
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Ryan Blaney Celebrates His Mother’s 60th Birthday
A Heartfelt Celebration for Lisa Blaney
Ryan Blaney, the reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion, recently took time out of his hectic schedule to celebrate a special milestone—his mother Lisa Blaney’s 60th birthday.1
The occasion was marked with an intimate family dinner attended by Blaney’s closest loved ones, including his wife, Gianna Tulio, and sisters, Emma and Erin.
Blaney shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, expressing his love and appreciation for his mother. “Mom’s 60th birthday dinner was special! Love you, Mom!” he captioned the post, accompanied by a wholesome family photo capturing the moment.
While the exact location of the celebration remains undisclosed, the smiles and togetherness of the group suggest that it was a truly memorable evening.
A Family Rooted in Racing Legacy
Ryan Blaney comes from a long lineage of racers. His father, Dave Blaney, was a NASCAR competitor in the early 2000s, and his grandfather, Lou Blaney, made a name for himself as a modified dirt track racer.
The Blaney family has been deeply embedded in the motorsports world for generations, making Ryan’s achievements in NASCAR all the more significant.
Currently driving the No. 12 Ford Mustang for Team Penske, Blaney has become one of the most consistent and skilled drivers in the Cup Series.
Over the years, he has carved out a reputation for his aggressive yet strategic racing style, a trait likely influenced by his family’s deep racing heritage.
A Decade in NASCAR and Counting
The 2025 season marks Blaney’s 10th year in the NASCAR Cup Series and his eighth driving under the leadership of automotive magnate Roger Penske.
Throughout his career, Blaney has amassed an impressive 13 wins, with his most recent victory coming at Martinsville Speedway in November 2024. This win secured him a spot in the Championship 4 for the second time in his career.
Blaney’s journey in NASCAR has been one of steady progress, culminating in his 2023 championship win. Since then, he has continued to demonstrate remarkable consistency, making him a formidable competitor on the track.
Ryan Blaney: Current Season Performance
As of now, Ryan Blaney holds the second position in the NASCAR Cup Series driver standings with 114 points.2
His strong start to the season has positioned him as a leading contender for another title.
Blaney’s next challenge will be the Shriners Children’s 500 at Phoenix Raceway, scheduled for Sunday, March 9.
The race will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 1, with additional radio coverage on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Not the way we wanted to finish, but proud of the 12-Team for sticking with it all day. We are ready to get back to Phoenix and get after it. pic.twitter.com/5bLMiuxikm
— Ryan Blaney (@Blaney) March 3, 2025
The Road to Phoenix: What to Expect
Phoenix Raceway has been a crucial battleground in recent years, often serving as a decisive race for the championship.
Christopher Bell, the defending winner, has proven to be a strong competitor, especially after securing victories in his last two starts at Atlanta and Circuit of the Americas (COTA).
Bell’s back-to-back wins have set the stage for a potential three-peat, making him one of the biggest threats heading into Phoenix. However, Blaney’s consistency and experience on the track make him a serious contender for a strong finish.
The Significance of Family Support in Blaney’s Career
While NASCAR is an individual sport in terms of driving, the role of family support cannot be understated.
Ryan Blaney has often spoken about the influence his parents and sisters have had on his career. His mother, Lisa, has been one of his biggest supporters, attending races and celebrating his victories over the years.
The importance of this family bond was evident in the heartfelt birthday tribute Blaney shared.
Despite the grueling schedule that comes with being a top-tier NASCAR driver, he made sure to be present for his mother’s milestone birthday, reinforcing the strong family values that have kept him grounded throughout his career.
Ryan Blaney’s Relationship with Team Penske
One of the keys to Ryan Blaney’s success has been his strong relationship with Team Penske.3
Since joining the team in 2018, he has become a crucial member of the Penske lineup, alongside teammates such as Joey Logano and Austin Cindric.
Under Roger Penske’s guidance, Blaney has continued to evolve as a driver, adapting to different racing styles and making strategic improvements.
His ability to work well with his crew chief and team engineers has played a major role in his success on the track.
The Future: What Lies Ahead for Ryan Blaney?
At just 31 years old, Blaney still has plenty of racing ahead of him. With a championship under his belt and multiple wins to his name, the future looks bright for the Ohio native.
If he continues his current trajectory, he could very well become one of the most decorated drivers in NASCAR history. With the support of his family, team, and fans, there is no limit to what Blaney can achieve in the coming years.
Blaney’s Instagram post celebrating his mother’s birthday garnered an outpouring of love from fans.
Many commented on how touching it was to see a top athlete prioritize family, while others reminisced about Lisa Blaney’s presence at races throughout the years.
In a world where professional athletes often lead busy, high-profile lives, Blaney’s tribute to his mother resonated with many, further solidifying his reputation as not just a champion driver but also a family man at heart.
Also Read: Gianna Tulio Celebrates Ryan Blaney’s Comeback Win in Atlanta
Ryan Blaney Reflects on Last Year’s Championship Race
A Season to Remember
Ryan Blaney entered last season with high hopes, determined to build on his previous successes.
As the championship race approached, he found himself in a strong position, aiming for a back-to-back NASCAR Cup Series title. However, the final moments of the race proved to be decisive, leaving Blaney just short of his goal.
One of the key moments in Blaney’s championship race came down to his decision on the final restart. Choosing between the fifth and sixth positions, he opted for the latter, believing the top lane would provide an advantage.
Unfortunately for him, the bottom lane opened up for his Team Penske teammate, Joey Logano, who seized the opportunity and crossed the finish line first.
Blaney later admitted that he might have made a different choice if given another chance, acknowledging that slight adjustments could have changed the outcome.
View this post on Instagram
Learning from the Experience
- Despite the heartbreaking finish, Blaney refused to dwell on the loss. Instead, he focused on the positives, recognizing the tremendous effort put forth by his team throughout the season.
- The No. 12 team had shown resilience and skill, giving him every chance to succeed. Blaney expressed his pride in their performance and his excitement for the future, vowing to carry the momentum forward into the next season.
- Blaney has consistently praised Team Penske for its dedication and teamwork. The camaraderie within the team has been a crucial factor in their success, and he credits his crew members for their relentless effort.
- From the pit crew to the engineers and strategists, every member of Team Penske plays a vital role in ensuring their cars perform at their best.
- Blaney emphasized that while individual talent is essential, NASCAR remains a team sport where collective effort often determines the outcome.
- As the new season unfolds, Blaney continues to showcase his skills on the track. In his last three starts, he has secured one top-five finish and two top-10 finishes, leading a total of 24 laps.
- While he has yet to capture a victory this season, his consistent performances indicate that a win could be just around the corner.
- His ability to remain competitive is a testament to both his driving talent and the effectiveness of his team.
Ryan Blaney: The Importance of Momentum
Momentum plays a significant role in NASCAR, and Blaney understands the importance of maintaining confidence throughout the season.
Building on the lessons learned from last year, he remains focused on refining his strategy and making better split-second decisions during crucial moments.
Every race presents an opportunity to improve, and Blaney is determined to seize those chances as they come.
Each NASCAR season brings its own set of challenges, from changes in track conditions to adjustments in team dynamics. Blaney has faced various obstacles throughout his career, and his ability to adapt has been one of his strengths.
Whether it’s dealing with mechanical issues, adjusting to new competition, or managing race-day nerves, he approaches each challenge with a strategic mindset.
The Drive for a Championship
Blaney’s ultimate goal remains unchanged: winning a NASCAR Cup Series championship. While coming close last year was a tough pill to swallow, it also served as motivation for him and his team.
The taste of near victory has only fueled his hunger for success, and he is more determined than ever to claim the title this season.
One of the key aspects of Blaney’s journey has been the unwavering support from his fans. Whether attending races in person or cheering him on from afar, his fanbase continues to inspire him.
The energy and enthusiasm they bring to the sport drive him to push harder on the track. He acknowledges their role in his career and remains grateful for their encouragement through both victories and setbacks.
As Blaney sets his sights on the upcoming races, he remains optimistic about his chances. With a strong team behind him, valuable lessons from past experiences, and an unyielding drive to succeed, he is well-positioned for a standout season. Every race presents a new opportunity, and Blaney is determined to make the most of them.
Also Read: Ryan Blaney’s Historic Celebration Vow for the Brickyard 400
