Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Team Penske announced Wednesday morning that Ryan Blaney, driver of the No. 12 Ford, will return to the team after signing a multiyear contract extension.
The news comes at a pivotal time for the 28-year-old driver as Blaney is fighting for the final playoff spot in the NASCAR Cup Series. He currently holds a 26-point lead over Martin Truex Jr. on the playoff cutline.
“Ryan has become one of the top competitors in the NASCAR Cup Series and we are excited for hime to continue his career and build on his success with Team Penske,” Roger Penske said in a statement. “He has been a key part of our team for more than a decade and we have seen him grow and develop, both on and off the track.”
Blaney is in the middle of a 34-race winless streak as he hasn’t won since the 2021 regular season finale at Daytona International Speedway. This season, he’s scored eight top fives and 12 top 10s that’s landed him second in the Cup standings, 116 points behind Chase Elliott.
In 2014, Blaney made his Cup debut with Team Penske before driving full-time for Wood Brothers Racing in the No. 21 Ford from 2015-2017. He moved full-time to Penske in 2018.
Blaney owns seven career wins, 57 top fives and 108 top 10s in nine Cup Series seasons.
“Team Penske has been family to me for 10 years, so I’m incredibly excited to continue with this family for the future,” Blaney said in a statement. “Roger Penske is a legend in our sport, and I’ve always said getting to drive for him is something everyone dreams of doing. I look forward to continuing to win for Team Penske, Roger and all of our partners, as we work toward out goal of winning a Cup Series championship.”
