Ryan Blaney sole NASCAR nominee for Best Driver ESPY Award

Blaney, 30, reached the pinnacle of his career this past season, winning three races en route to capturing his first Cup Series championship. His coronation as NASCAR’s best followed a 59-race winless streak, which he snapped at Charlotte in May 2023. Blaney hit his stride during the postseason, taking the checkered flag at Talladega and Martinsville. He finished second in the season finale at Phoenix, ahead of fellow Championship 4 drivers Kyle Larson and William Byron.

“I grew up around the sport, watching my dad [Dave Blaney] race for a long time,” Blaney said back in November. “I had a huge appreciation for the drivers and owners. Got to see that at a young age. When I was fortunate enough to get a chance to compete in it, the ultimate goal was to be a championship contender. And then winning the championship is what every kid wants to do.”

“It was super special for my dad to be there, too, because he dedicated so much of his life to the sport. He’s the one who got me opportunities where I can make a living out of it and compete.”

Ryan Blaney in the middle of Cup Series title defense

Though his title defense has been rocky at times this season, Blaney has recently found the speed which made him a champion less than a year ago. Blaney won his first race of the season at Iowa and had a good shot at winning this past Sunday’s race at New Hampshire before the accident with Michael McDowell with nine laps remaining. Through 18 races, he has tallied seven top-10 and five top-five finishes.