March 6, 2020 | By Lee Spencer

Bright future: Team Penske locks up Ryan Blaney

PHOENIX—The Captain will continue his course with Ryan Blaney in the No. 12 Ford.

Team Penske announced a multi-year extension for the 26-year-old NASCAR Cup Series driver, who currently leads the NASCAR Cup standings.

Blaney joined the organization in 2012. The third-generation racer has since won three Cup races and qualified for the Playoffs over the last three seasons.

“Ryan is a true talent with a long runway ahead of him, and we are excited to have him as a part of the future of Team Penske,” said Roger Penske. “Since joining our team, Ryan has developed into a championship-caliber driver and his personality and engagement with fans has made him a terrific ambassador for NASCAR. 

“In addition, Ryan has done a great job of working with our partners to support their activation and investment throughout each year. I am looking forward to even more success together.”

Team Penske recruited Blaney midway through the 2012 season. He patiently ran a limited schedule in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with his first win coming at Kentucky Speedway in his 14th-career start. Penske tested Blaney in two Cup races in 2014 and then a 16-race schedule the following year with the Wood Brothers in the iconic No. 21 Ford.

Blaney ran his first full season of Cup in 2016 in the Wood Brothers car. His first win came the following year at Pocono Raceway, giving the Wood Brothers their 99th Cup victory. The following season Blaney moved to Penske to drive the No. 12 Ford. This season he was aligned with crew chief Todd Gordon and has been in contention to win in the first three races.

“I’ve always said, it’s been a lifelong dream to be able to drive a race car for Roger Penske,” said Blaney. “I am proud of what we have accomplished with the No. 12 Team Penske Ford and our ability to represent great brands like Menards, Advance Auto Parts, DEX Imaging and BODYARMOR.

“It’s really exciting to know I will continue to drive for this organization in 2021 and beyond. I am fortunate to be surrounded by extremely talented people throughout the organization and have no doubt we will continue to compete for wins and championships well into the future.”