Ryan Blaney Embraces the “Target on His Back” as the Reigning Champion Welcomes Hostility From the Grid

Ryan Blaney is living in the clouds now after snagging the champion’s position in the 2023 NASCAR season. His trailblazing career has left his fans and co-racers showering immense praise and love on him. Additionally, he is in the spotlight, drawing worldwide fame for his pivotal role in the Netflix show ‘NASCAR: Full Speed’. However, Blaney’s top rank also means that he has a lot to defend in 2024.

Ryan Blaney has various wins under his belt. He won three times in the Cup Series in 2023, topping it off with a magnificent victory at the championship race. However, he has not seen the light of day at Daytona yet, with two P2 finishes in 2017 and 2020. Now, Blaney is hoping to stun his fans at the 2024 Daytona, although a lot of competitors have their eyes on him.

Ryan Blaney is ready for a face-off with contenders

When you are in the king’s position, you will inevitably face a strong bout of attacks. Now, Ryan Blaney seems to be in a similar situation, with many targeting the crown on his head. He recently opened up in an interview with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Flaunting his charming smile, Ryan Blaney dug into the situation. “I was trying to think in the win, and I’m like, ‘huh, I won the championship. Are guys gonna race me worse this year, or are they gonna race me a little bit nicer this year?’ I’m still back and forth on that.”

He recalled his experience at the Clash race with a funny twist. “I got raced pretty nice at the Clash. That was good. It was my first time I wasn’t spun around backward multiple times in that race. So that was nice.” Additionally, Blaney is confident to face all the attacks with grace, though. “I like the target on our back. You know, everyone gunning for ya. I feel like that motivates us as a group, that motivates me as a driver. It’s a privilege to have that target on our back, and to embrace that.”

To add to everyone’s surprise, Ryan Blaney might just grab the Harley J. Earl Trophy this year. His driving expertise in the Next Gen car will prove useful. Blaney has mastered drafting tracks in this car, with an average finish of 9.75 in the 12 races. Plus, he aced the most recent drafting track at Talladega Superspeedway last year.

Read More: How Does NASCAR Champion Ryan Blaney Prepare for His Races Well in Advance?

Blaney is still dizzy from the domino of wins last year

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2023 was Ryan Blaney’s year. He became the Cup Series champion, got engaged to his girlfriend, and celebrated entering his 30s in December. In January, Blaney got his new fire suit for 2024 with a notable difference: an embroidered badge spelling out “CHAMPION” under the NASCAR Cup Series logo.

Fellow racers also lauded Blaney’s remarkable performance. Joey Logano pointed out how his spirits were uplifted by his teammate’s stellar racing. “But if we can’t win, you want to see one of your teammates win, and to see that team win again—that’s the team that I won with in 2018.”

Brad Keselowski further appreciated Blaney’s skills and nature. “You know, if I’m NASCAR, it’s a dream for Ryan Blaney to win the championship because he’s willing to put in the work and effort and is just a good person.”

Prediction models have Ryan Blaney topping the list of drivers slated for a possible win at Daytona. Even veteran Dale Earnhardt Jr believes that Blaney will secure his championship in 2024.

We are all super pumped to see how Ryan Blaney mesmerizes with his motor magic this year.

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