NASHVILLE, Tenn. — After a whirlwind season that crisscrossed the nation for 38 races in 40 weeks, NASCAR has reunited for the last time this year.
During Ryan Blaney’s first Cup victory celebration Thursday night at the Music City Center (aired Sunday at 7 p.m. ET on Peacock), the topic of family came up.
Blaney, a third-generation racer, became emotional as he talked about his family in a free speech.
“I really wish my grandfather was here,” Blaney said, softening his words. “And share it with my father.”
Afterwards, Blaney said, “When I wrote that line, I thought, this is going to get me, and it’s going to get my dad too.”
Brainy’s grandfather, Lou, began racing in 1958 and continued driving until the early 1980s, competing in sprint cars throughout most of his illustrious career. Blaney’s father, Dave, competes in sprint car races. Won World of Outlaws title in 1995 He made 473 Cup starts before starting his NASCAR career.
There was little doubt that Blaney would follow his family into the race.
When the 29-year-old took the stage Thursday night, he looked in the crowd at retiring Cup driver Kevin Harvick and mentioned Harvick’s 11-year-old son, Kieran, who will be racing.
“I remember when I was Kieran’s age going to driver introductions with my dad and meeting everyone. I feel really old now,” Blaney said.
Team owner Roger Penske also reflected Thursday, recalling when Blaney and his father met him in 2012 looking for a racing opportunity.
“This young man had passion and wanted to be a champion,” Penske said. “At that point we backed his package and he won with Brad (Keselowski) on the track. He won in our Xfinity (car) at the beginning of 2013, so he would be the winner. It turns out I know how.”
Since then, Blaney has become a part of the Penske family and led Penske to back-to-back Cup titles for the first time. Blaney’s honor came after his teammate Joey Logano won his second series title.
“Especially after the win, I was telling people that we accomplished two firsts for Roger this year, which was winning the Indy (500 meters) and the 600 meters, which is great. And we won back-to-back Cup championships,” Blaney said Thursday morning. .
“It’s not often that you can do something for Roger that he hasn’t done before. It’s definitely very special to be able to do that for him. We’re able to celebrate him here this weekend. And that’s even better.”