In a delightful twist of humor, Ryan Blaney, the former Cup Series champion, recently took to X to share a lighthearted parenting moment sparked by none other than the legendary Jimmie Johnson. Blaney, who welcomed his first child, Charley Bennett Blaney, in November 2025, cleverly referenced Johnson’s iconic quote, “I’m far from done, JA,” which he originally used to respond to relentless retirement trolls. This phrase, a cheeky nod to critics, quickly became a staple among fans and even inspired a t-shirt for Blaney’s friends and team.
In his recent post, Blaney sported that very shirt while playfully reflecting on the exhausting realities of fatherhood. After tackling three messy diaper changes in just twenty minutes, he shared a photo of himself in the t-shirt with the caption: “Thinking I’m in the clear for a bit after finishing up my 3rd blownout diaper change in 20 minutes.” This candid moment not only showcases the joys and challenges of new parenting but also highlights Blaney’s ability to connect with fans through relatable humor.
The story of Ryan and his wife, Gianna Tulio, adds another layer of charm. The couple first crossed paths in 2018, got engaged during the 2023 off-season, and celebrated their wedding on December 12, 2024. Their journey culminated in the joyous announcement of their first child in July, leading to the arrival of baby Charley in November.
But Blaney’s life isn’t just about diapers and dad jokes. In a thrilling turn of events on the racetrack, he secured his second victory of the season at the Coke Zero Sugar 400, a win that came with a bold celebration. Known for being cautious with victory donuts in his “cursed” paint scheme Ford Mustang, Blaney let loose this time, performing burnouts that electrified the crowd.
Reflecting on the significance of this victory, Blaney remarked, “Also, I mainly did it for Advance Auto Parts because that paint scheme at speedways has been cursed. I’ve gotten right hooked with that scheme more times than I can count.” His victory, a long-awaited redemption for a paint job that had seen more than its fair share of misfortune, was not just a win on the track but a moment of triumph for Blaney and his team.
Despite his impressive performance throughout the season, including four victories and a solid finish in sixth place, Blaney faced disappointment after missing a spot in the Championship 4 race, ending a two-year streak of victories at Martinsville Speedway. Meanwhile, Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron advanced to the final race, setting the stage for an intense championship showdown.
With the blend of parental humor and racing success, Ryan Blaney continues to capture the hearts of fans both on and off the track, proving that whether he’s changing diapers or burning rubber, he’s far from done making an impact in the world of NASCAR.
