Coming into this weekend’s race at Talladega Superspeedway, NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Blaney is looking up from the bottom in Round of 8 standings. After a disastrous last-place result at Las Vegas Motor Speedway last weekend because of a cut tire, the driver of the No. 12 Team Penske Ford is 31 markers below the cut line.
With only Martinsville Speedway after Dega to decide the Championship Four at Phoenix Raceway, Blaney is looking for some inspirational ways to help him succeed.
So, why not turn to WWE Hall of Famer “Macho Man” Randy Savage and the driver’s expectant wife, Gianna, to help out.
Macho Man Motivation
During a Media Availability session this week, the 2023 champion and 16-time NCS race winner shared an interesting take when asked about a quote Savage used during his wrestling career. Blaney used the phrase “unjustifiably in a position I’d rather not be in” when reflecting on his points position.
âI donât think there is a person before or after him that could cut promos quite like that guy,” Blaney answered. “If Iâm sitting at home and Iâm bored, and maybe Iâve had a couple drinks, I will go watch Randy Savage interviews just because I think he was amazing (laughing). What was going through that manâs head, but thatâs my favorite one.
“He keeps pulling out the creamer and unjustifiably in a position Iâd rather not be in. But, the cream will rise to the top, and I hope that is what we can use for this weekend.
“I thought that was a perfect comparison to my situation, so, thank you, Mr. Savage.â
Much like Macho Man leaping off the top rope to claim victory over an opponent, Blaney has wrestled the steering wheel of his Ford to three wins at the 2.66-mile trioval of Talladega.
Expectant Wife Keeps it Real
Mrs. Gianna Blaney is expecting the couple’s first child. As the dad-to-be driver endures the pressures of making into the final four championship contenders, he already has the 24/7 job of being a husband. In a few months, he will add the role of Dad to his resume of life.
During the pregnancy, Blaney has watched the changes his wife has been going through. In doing so, it’s added a different view to life not all about race cars and going fast.
âIf I have a bad day in my job, thatâs one thing,” Blaney said. “But it has put it into perspective for me watching my wife go through having a child grow inside of her, of things that she has to deal with too from that level.
“The way that sheâs been able to overcome things that her body is changing and things that maybe arenât ideal that come up through her pregnancy that she has to deal with, and just how do we move forward together. I think you just realize that there are bigger things out there.
“Your job is obviously important, but other things are just as important if not more, so Gianna has honestly been amazing. It puts it into perspective for me like, âHey, if I have a tough day, itâs nothing compared to if she has a tough dayâ because she is having to deal with this and making sure that our child is all good and that she is being healthy.”
Dega Prep no Different
Blaney and the Jonathan Hassler led team know their points situation before Sunday’s race at Talladega. For some, it could cause them to alter how they ready for the weekend when it comes to practice, qualifying and the race itself.
For the No. 12 Ford team, they know what needs to done.
“It stinks where we are on points, but weâve still got two races left and I donât personally think we are in a must-win quite yet,” Blaney said. “At Talladega, you never know what can happen. Our prep is really no different.
“Itâs how do we try to be efficient through the stages and gather up all the stage points. That could change. Letâs say the first two stages donât go our way and, alright, maybe now itâs a must-win type scenario.
“That might switch up a little bit. But, as far as our prep this week, itâs kind of business as usual and try to go gather the most points we can and go try to figure out a way to win the race.”
Green flag is 2 p.m. ET on NBC-TV, MRN and Sirius XM Radio Ch. 90 for NCS race.
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