Former NASCAR Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney recently revealed that Team Penske pulled off a surprise that caught him completely off guard ahead of this weekend’s action at Darlington Raceway.
As part of NASCAR’s annual throwback weekend during the Goodyear 400, Blaney is one of the many drivers embracing a retro-inspired paint scheme. His No. 12 Team Penske Ford is sporting a nostalgic blue and yellow livery that honors his father, Dave Blaney. The design is a tribute to Dave’s memorable Xfinity Series victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2006.
What made the moment even more special was that Ryan had no idea it was coming. According to him, the tribute was entirely the team’s idea, and they managed to keep it under wraps.
“I didn’t really know we were doing that,” Blaney admitted. “It was kind of a Penske surprise to me, which was really neat. Just the fact that I get the chance to honor my dad like that means a lot — and it meant even more to him.”
Blaney recalled watching that 2006 race on TV as a kid. He wasn’t able to attend in person, but the memories of that moment stuck with him. He also noted that some people involved in that victory, like crew chief Trent Owens, are still active in the garage today — making the tribute even more meaningful.
While the throwback weekend has faced criticism from some drivers — with Chase Elliott among those saying it has lost some of its charm — Blaney holds a different opinion. He’s still a huge fan of the tradition.
“I absolutely love it,” he said. “I really enjoy seeing what schemes everyone comes up with. There are always so many cool designs from drivers or teams that inspired people who now work in the sport.”
Blaney even shared a suggestion: instead of revealing the paint schemes in advance on social media, teams should just show up with them, creating a surprise factor in the garage.
“You walk around and say, ‘I remember that car!’ or think of footage you’ve seen from the ’70s or ’80s. That’s what makes it special,” he added. “The teams love it, and I know the fans still do too.”
