Best friends make the best of stories. Ryan Blaney has many such friends on and off the racetrack, to share his high-octane stories with. Yet the most prominent among them must be the one he just married, Gianna Tulio. The social media influencer and model met the Team Penske driver on a modeling stint in Las Vegas in 2018. She watched Blaney drive stock cars at dizzying speeds, while the latter watched Tulio put up impressive photoshoots – and it was a match made in heaven!

They publicized their dating life in 2020 and led a blooming relationship in the last four years. Then Ryan Blaney took it a notch further soon after clinching his 2023 Cup Series championship – he got engaged with Tulio in December of that year. Presently they have finally tied the knot – and Blaney can proudly call his best friend his forever companion.

Ryan Blaney feels blessed and happy

Snowy mountains in Aspen Colorado and the elegant charm of Hotel Jerome – this was the beautiful setting that the Blaney couple chose for their sacred ceremony. Yet their camaraderie made it even more charming. Ryan Blaney and Gianna Tulio share a few interests, including an affinity for the winter season. Even though Tulio was a Miss Hooters model and Blaney is a Cup Series driver, both make space for each other’s areas. Tulio summed up their healthy ties recently: “The things we don’t have in common, we find joy in those differences and embrace our differences.” 

Finding harmony in chaos is the epitome of a vibrant friendship, that is eager to survive even under tough times. Ryan Blaney could not be more grateful to have the privilege of calling his best friend his beloved as well. He penned an emotional message soon after his nuptial rites. “This past week I’ll have dreams about for the rest of my life, I was lucky enough to Marry my best friend in a place we both love. We were also incredibly fortunate to share it with our family and friends. What an amazing day, and whole week. I love you with everything that is me, @giannatulio.”

While the norm is to notice Gianna Tulio rooting for her husband driving the No. 12 Team Penske Ford, the reverse situation has also happened. In June 2023, Gianna hit the tracks herself and raced in the Better Half Dash for Motor Racing Outreach. The roles were reversed, with Ryan Blaney watching proudly from the sidelines. He was Tulio’s spotter and later posted on Instagram with the caption, “Was a blast spotting for @giannatulio in the #BetterHalfDash this year.” Call it irony or a sign of true love, Giannia Tulio finished the race in 12th place, the same number Ryan Blaney wears, and the same day the two got married this year, December 12th!

In October 2023, Tulio penned encouraging words for Blaney in Talladega after he notched his second win of the season. After a tight race that saw 70 lead changes between 24 different drivers, Tulio said she “couldn’t be more proud of this man. I went through every emotion that day!” The very next month, Blaney picked up the Bill France trophy.

Like Blaney’s successful career, Gianna Tulio’s resume is also solid, with several milestones to boast about.

Tulio is an established model

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Growing up in Philadelphia, Gianna Tulio moved to South Florida for her higher studies. She received her associate’s degree in business administration and management from Palm Beach State College. Gianna began working at the Hooters restaurant chain in early 2017. She has also designed swimsuits for Tortuga Bikini, volunteered for several charities, and worked as a social media influencer and model. However, her big break came in her modeling jobs with Hooters International. In August 2021, she was crowned Miss Hooters International. The very next month Tulio leveled up and became the “2022 Hooters Calendar Cover Girl.”

“I have never felt so much love, happiness, and support until this past week,” she wrote back then. “Thank you to everyone who has supported this journey of mine and watched my growth with this company.” And that company eventually brought Tulio and Ryan Blaney together in 2018 and they started dating in 2020. Ever since then, the lovebirds have counted every milestone they achieved together. Tulio wrote after completing a year’s anniversary: “A whole year of unconditional love, pure happiness and new experiences / adventures for the both of us. Thank you for showing me true love and what it feels like. Happy Anniversary hun. Cheers to many more years around the sun together, I love you 3000.”

The Blaney couple clearly is a force to reckon with, as they make each other better. With his best friend as his wife, what is left to stop Ryan Blaney from putting up another championship year?