Podcast Summary: The Big Suey: What'd You Say? (feat. Ryan Blaney)
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Release Date: March 20, 2025

Introduction

In the March 20, 2025 episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, hosts Dan LeBatard and Stugotz engage in a lively and insightful conversation with NASCAR Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney. Filmed from the Elser Hotel in Downtown Miami, the episode delves deep into Blaney's racing career, personal experiences, and perspectives on the evolving landscape of NASCAR.

Guest Introduction: Ryan Blaney (00:26 – 04:43)

Jonathan Zaslow kicks off the episode by introducing Ryan Blaney, highlighting his status as one of NASCAR's most popular drivers and mentioning the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series event at Homestead Miami Speedway on March 23rd. The conversation quickly touches on Blaney's physical well-being, with Jonathan humorously noting potential hearing issues from the loudness of racing.

Notable Quote:

Jonathan Zaslow (00:31): "Homestead Miami Speedway is hosting the NASCAR Cup Series this weekend... And I've got to imagine that one of the many drawbacks that happened from doing a dangerous thing like this for a living, this has to affect your hearing."

Career and Racing Insights (04:43 – 10:25)

Blaney shares his journey into racing, emphasizing the influence of his father and his early exposure to the sport. He discusses the decision-making process that led him to focus on racing over other sports like basketball and baseball, recognizing his aptitude and passion for the track.

Notable Quote:

Ryan Blaney (04:48): "I got lucky that I was able to get the opportunities and make a living off of doing this."

Blaney also touches on the adrenaline aspect of racing, clarifying that while racing is inherently thrilling, he seeks relaxation through activities like skiing and golf to decompress.

Driving Habits and Personal Stories (10:25 – 16:20)

The hosts steer the conversation toward Blaney's driving habits off the track. Contrary to his high-speed racing persona, Blaney admits to being a cautious driver in everyday situations, largely due to past experiences with speeding tickets enforced by his mother.

Notable Quote:

Ryan Blaney (06:14): "The fear of mom got put in me after that speeding ticket because it wasn't a great one."

Blaney recounts a particularly memorable speeding incident from his youth, highlighting the lasting impact his mother's intervention had on his driving behavior.

He also discusses minor frustrations with everyday drivers, such as the lack of turn signal usage, reflecting his innate understanding of road safety.

Challenges in Racing: Wrecks and Safety (16:20 – 18:12)

The dialogue shifts to the inherent dangers of racing, with Blaney candidly discussing the emotional and physical toll of wrecks. He elaborates on the psychological impact of anticipating crashes, sharing his strategies for maintaining composure in high-stress moments on the track.

Notable Quote:

Ryan Blaney (16:20): "The worst part of the life is wrecking. That sucks... It's the only complaint I have about my sport, is the wrecks don't feel very good."

Blaney also praises the advancements in racing safety over the years, acknowledging improvements while noting areas that still require attention.

Personal Life and Interests (18:12 – 22:08)

Beyond racing, Blaney shares snippets of his personal life, revealing his deep-rooted passion for the Star Wars franchise, evidenced by his Darth Vader tattoos.

Notable Quote:

Ryan Blaney (18:25): "I have Star Wars tattooed on my body... So I have a huge obsession with the franchise."

Blaney humorously discusses how his wife manages his Star Wars memorabilia, ensuring a balance between his personal interests and shared living space.

NASCAR Culture and Media Presence (22:08 – 37:49)

The conversation delves into the modern landscape of NASCAR, focusing on the dual role of drivers as both athletes and public personalities. Blaney emphasizes the importance of media engagement and sponsorship obligations, likening drivers to CEOs who must adeptly manage public relations to grow the sport.

Notable Quote:

Ryan Blaney (35:32): "And we're trying to grow the sport... You have to essentially be a CEO of your team because you're often representing them in public."

Blaney contrasts the media responsibilities in NASCAR with those in other sports like college basketball, highlighting the unique challenges NASCAR drivers face in maintaining a marketable and relatable image.

Interactive Segments and Humor (37:49 – 32:00)

Hosts engage Blaney in light-hearted segments, including a humorous attempt to pronounce a San Antonio Spur player's name and reminiscing about awkward personal anecdotes. These segments showcase the show's signature blend of sports discussion and comedic relief, creating an engaging and entertaining atmosphere.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts (39:01 – 42:08)

As the episode wraps up, Blaney reflects on the support system within his team and the importance of maintaining positive relationships with sponsors and partners. He underscores the privilege of being able to race professionally and expresses gratitude for the opportunities and experiences it affords him.

Notable Quote:

Ryan Blaney (15:36): "It's a privilege to be able to, you know, to drive cars for a living."

Blaney's insights offer a comprehensive look into the life of a NASCAR driver, blending the high-octane excitement of racing with the nuanced realities of personal and professional challenges.

Key Takeaways

• Influence of Family: Ryan Blaney's racing career was significantly shaped by his father, emphasizing the importance of familial support in pursuing professional sports.

• Balancing Act: Blaney balances the adrenaline-fueled world of racing with relaxation through sports like golf and skiing, highlighting the need for mental well-being amidst high-stress professions.

• Safety and Psychology: The emotional challenges of anticipating crashes in racing underscore the psychological resilience required to excel in NASCAR.

• Media Savvy: Modern NASCAR drivers must navigate extensive media obligations, acting as public figures and brand ambassadors to sustain and grow the sport's popularity.

• Personal Interests: Blaney's passion for Star Wars and the humorous dynamics with his wife add depth to his persona, illustrating the multifaceted lives athletes lead outside their sport.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Jonathan Zaslow (00:31): "Homestead Miami Speedway is hosting the NASCAR Cup Series this weekend... And I've got to imagine that one of the many drawbacks that happened from doing a dangerous thing like this for a living, this has to affect your hearing."

• Ryan Blaney (04:48): "I got lucky that I was able to get the opportunities and make a living off of doing this."

• Ryan Blaney (06:14): "The fear of mom got put in me after that speeding ticket because it wasn't a great one."

• Ryan Blaney (16:20): "The worst part of the life is wrecking. That sucks... It's the only complaint I have about my sport, is the wrecks don't feel very good."

• Ryan Blaney (18:25): "I have Star Wars tattooed on my body... So I have a huge obsession with the franchise."

• Ryan Blaney (35:32): "And we're trying to grow the sport... You have to essentially be a CEO of your team because you're often representing them in public."

• Ryan Blaney (15:36): "It's a privilege to be able to, you know, to drive cars for a living."

This episode offers both fans and newcomers a comprehensive glimpse into the life of Ryan Blaney and the intricate world of NASCAR, blending sports expertise with personal storytelling to create a rich and engaging narrative.