Beyond the Track with Professional NASCAR Driver Ryan Blaney

As aNASCARdriver, life is high-speed whether you're behind the wheel or not. It's a career that comes along with a consistently fast-paced lifestyle, whether on the track or traveling for the next race. But 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Champion and professional driverRyan Blaneytakes it all in stride. Not only has he been racing since he was a kid, but the sport runs in his family, following in both his father's and grandfather's footsteps.
'I really just grew up with it. It was something that did sort of come second nature, but I was really comfortable being there with my dad before I even started racing. I started when I was 9, and they never pushed me to do it; they always made sure it was something I wanted to be involved in. It was a family thing; it was what I knew most. And now I've made a career out of it,' Blaney reflected.
He continued, sharing some valuable lessons about the sport that his family instilled in him, 'My dad is still one of the first guys I call. Traits I got from him — I think some of the racing or driving is passed down genetically, like any sport. Some traits I wish I didn't have that I get from my dad [laughs]. But I took his advice every step that we took, and with every step, he would also check in and ask, 'Are you sure you still want to do this?' The answer was always, 'Yes.''
Throughout his 11-year career, Blaney has made his mark as a driver to watch, and his passion and determination have set the standard for the next NASCAR generation. He puts his all into every race and has generated a loyal fan base due to his tenacity. But fans aren't just interested in Blaney the driver, they also support Blaney when he isn't behind the wheel.
'The sport does a good job of giving fans access in the way that other sports don't. NASCAR wants people to meet drivers face to face and walk on the track before a race. Can you imagine getting to walk on an NFL field before the game? That never happens. It lets you see a more human side of athletes. Our sport gives you a bit more of that perspective, both between competitors and for the fans,' the athlete expressed.
He's known for his distinct racing style, but when it comes to fashion and style, he keeps it simple. He maintained that his personal aesthetic off of the track is 'super laidback,' though he's been known to sport some custom sponsorship looks. Blaney experimented with some new looks for this shoot, sharing, 'I usually don't wear anything too out there or wild — I'm usually in jeans, a t-shirt and boots. But today was really fun. I got to wear some things I wouldn't normally wear, for sure.'
Along with a standard, comfortable look, Blaney also leans on routine when he is racing. 'I think the only pre-race ritual I follow is routine. I get in the car the same way every time. Getting all of the belts on in the same way every race. It feels weird if I do it in a different way, so that's a ritual that I maintain,' he said. He tries to establish some structure outside of the sport as well, sharing that he prioritizes balance. When he isn't gearing up for a race, he's usually spending time with his wife, their many animals — dogs, cats, goats, a horse and more — or golfing.
This balance was learned over time, as Blaney matured in his profession. To others looking to pursue a professional sport or any career path that may take an untraditional route, he shared, 'The first bit of advice I'd give is something my dad taught me, which is that you have to be 100 percent committed to that thing. If you're 90 percent involved, you never know if it's going to work out.'
The driver continued, 'The other side of it is you have to be flexible. There will be things you have to take in stride, things you won't understand, or curveballs you'll have to adapt to. You have to be open-minded, and I think that goes for anyone who wants to do something like racing, but really that applies to anything else in life.'
As for what's next, Blaney is about to hit the road for more upcoming races as the season continues. 'I'm very excited for the next race. For us, these next weeks, we keep having to go somewhere different and new. And no matter how good or bad the previous week goes, there's always the next one. We're on the move for about 30 weeks out of the year, so I'm always just looking forward to how I can improve in the next one,' he concluded.
You can tune in and watch Blaney competeat the upcoming Chicago Street Race, which transforms downtown Chicago into a complex street course through the heart of Grant Park. The action kicks off on Sunday, July 6th at 2pm EST on TNT with streaming on MAX.

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