Ryan Blaney is not going anywhere. Team Penske announced on Wednesday morning that Blaney, who won the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion with the organization, has inked a long-term extension that goes “well into the future.”
“Ryan Blaney has developed into one of the elite drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series, and the success he’s achieved speaks for itself,” team owner Roger Penske said in a press release.“I’m confident Ryan and the No. 12 team will continue to build momentum into the future, especially positioned alongside a committed partner like Menards who’s been instrumental to our team for more than a decade.”
The full extent of Blaney’s contract was not announced. However, it is likely to be one of the longest currently in NASCAR.
Longtime Team Penske partner Menards has also signed a multiyear extension with the organization.
Ryan Blaney Commitment To Team Penske
Blaney’s extension is not just a regular contract extension. This long-term deal, likely similar to teammate Joey Logano’s current contract, will enable Penske to continue to build around the highly popular driver.
“Roger’s commitment to me and my career has been something a race car driver could only dream of – not only getting the opportunity in the first place, but sticking with me through the highs and lows for more than a decade,” Blaney said.
“To still be a part of Team Penske – the wins, the championships, the people – and continuing to grow my career with the unwavering support of Roger and the entire organization has been the opportunity of a lifetime. We’re going to keep pushing to deliver more wins and championships and to do that with the support of John Menard and the Menard family is truly an honor.”
Menards initially joined Penske in 2016, and the home improvement firm has stayed dedicated to Penske’s NASCAR and IndyCar Series teams.
“We’ve enjoyed a tremendous relationship with Team Penske, and we’re excited to continue that partnership for the future,” said John Menard, President and CEO of Menards. “Ryan and Austin Cindric have both done a tremendous amount for our brand, vendors and our customers, and they represent us with professionalism and passion. Team Penske shares our dedication to excellence, and we look forward to achieving more success together on and off the track.”
Blaney first joined Team Penske in 2018 after two years with Wood Brothers Racing. He scored a win in the No. 21 Ford at Pocono Raceway, which led to his promotion with Penske.
In Blaney’s first three years with Penske, he scored just one win each season. However, from 2021 until now — besides a winless 2022 season — Blaney has scored three or more victories each season.
Though Blaney had options on the free agent market, he opted to remain with Team Penske, showcasing his loyalty to Mr. Penske himself.
Team Penske’s Future
Now that Team Penske has secured Blaney to a long-term deal, its next step is to solidify its No. 2 car. Austin Cindric, who is the son of Penske legend Tim Cindric, currently pilots the entry.
Cindric’s contract reportedly expires at the end of the year. He has three Cup Series wins, including the Daytona 500, since going full time in 2022. However, with a plethora of free agents, Penske may look elsewhere. Cindric currently sits 15th in the Cup standings with a top five and three top 10s. Through 11 races, he has an average finish of 19th, which would be his best since his rookie campaign.
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