Exploring the Stories Behind Ryan Blaney’s Tattoos: A Journey of Passion and Legacy

Ryan Blaney, the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion, is more than just a force on the racetrack. Beneath his fire suit lies a canvas of tattoos, each one a chapter in the story of his life, blending personal heritage, pop culture passions, and a deep connection to his racing roots. These intricate designs have sparked curiosity among fans, offering a glimpse into the man behind the wheel of the No. 12 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. What do these tattoos mean, and what inspired Blaney to etch them permanently onto his skin? Let’s dive into the stories and origins of his ink, revealing the motivations that drive this NASCAR star both on and off the track.

For Blaney, a third-generation racer, family is at the heart of his journey. One of his most meaningful tattoos is a simple yet powerful number 10 in red, inked on the left side of his chest. This piece, which he got around 2013, serves as a daily reminder of his grandfather, Lou Blaney, a dirt track racing legend. “I got the number 10, my grandpa’s old number,” Blaney shared in an interview with RyanBlaney.com. “It was something for my grandfather who had passed away a handful of years before I got it. It’s there on my chest to look at every morning.” This tattoo connects Blaney to his lineage, a constant nod to the legacy that shaped his career from a young age.

Blaney’s connection to his family’s racing heritage doesn’t stop there. Along his ribs, he sports an intricate tattoo of his grandfather’s 1970 Sprint car, a detailed piece that captures the essence of his family’s racing history. This artwork serves as a daily motivator, fueling his drive to succeed in the NASCAR Cup Series. As Blaney noted, looking at this tattoo in the mirror each day reminds him of the sacrifices and triumphs of his family, pushing him to honor their legacy with every lap he takes. It’s a poignant symbol of how deeply his roots influence his pursuit of greatness.

Beyond the racetrack, Blaney’s passion for Star Wars is no secret, and his body art reflects this lifelong fandom. On his right thigh, a striking tattoo of Darth Vader commands attention, complete with the Death Star and a depiction of Vader’s iconic battle with Obi-Wan Kenobi. This massive piece is a testament to Blaney’s love for the franchise, which began in childhood. “I was young. The first ‘Star Wars’ movie I ever saw was ‘Episode I’ and it came out in ’99, so I was 6, 7 years old,” Blaney recalled in a 2021 interview with The Athletic. “My uncle, my mom’s brother, was a big ‘Star Wars’ fan, and he kind of got me more into it. I remember I saw ‘Phantom Menace’ as a kid — I had Mom take me to the movie theater to go see it — and I was like, ‘This is amazing. This is crazy.’”

This tattoo isn’t just a tribute to a beloved franchise; it’s a reflection of Blaney’s playful and unapologetic personality. His Star Wars fandom extends beyond ink, with memorabilia like a 2-foot-tall stuffed Darth Vader holding a candy cane, which he proudly displays as a Christmas decoration. “One of my favorite things I got is a 2-foot-tall stuffed Darth Vader, and he’s holding a big candy cane,” Blaney said in the same Athletic interview. “I like to put that one out for Christmas, like right next to the tree, because I think it’s funny.” His wife, Gianna Tulio, initially had reservations about his Star Wars obsession but came to appreciate the tattoo’s significance. “She didn’t mind it. Tattoos are things that personally have some meaning to you; my girlfriend has tattoos that mean something to her, and so she understood mine and what they mean to me,” Blaney explained.

Blaney’s love for Star Wars took a humorous turn in 2019 when he donned a Princess Leia costume for Halloween, complete with the iconic metal bikini from “Return of the Jedi.” The costume, which went viral on social media, sparked both laughter and admiration among fans. “I just thought it was a funny costume,” Blaney told NBC Sports. “Halloween you can dress as whoever you want and it was my house so I figured I could do whatever I wanted. I thought it was a pretty risque outfit.” The event also brought attention to his Darth Vader tattoo, further cementing his status as NASCAR’s biggest Star Wars fan. This lighthearted moment showcased Blaney’s ability to embrace his passions without fear of judgment, endearing him to fans who appreciate his authenticity.

While the number 10, Sprint car, and Darth Vader tattoos are the most prominent, Blaney’s body art continues to evolve. A Reddit thread from 2022 speculated that he has at least four tattoos, including a newer piece on his knee spotted in an Instagram post. Though details about this tattoo remain scarce, it adds to the intrigue surrounding Blaney’s ink. Fans on social media have expressed admiration for his bold choices, with many inspired to get tattoos of their own that reflect personal passions. “Ryan Blaney’s tattoos have sparked a range of reactions from fans, with many expressing admiration for his bold and meaningful body art,” noted a 2024 article on ftp.toptransport.com.eg. His tattoos have become a talking point in the NASCAR community, challenging traditional perceptions of athletes and highlighting the growing acceptance of self-expression in sports.

Blaney’s tattoos have even inspired friendly wagers beyond the NASCAR world. In 2023, IndyCar star Josef Newgarden, a fellow Team Penske driver, made a bold promise: if Blaney won the NASCAR Cup Series championship, Newgarden would get a tattoo of Blaney’s face on his thigh. When Blaney clinched the title at Phoenix Raceway, Newgarden followed through, revealing a temporary tattoo of Blaney’s face alongside the Bill France Cup. “If you win this championship, I’m getting your face tattooed on my thigh,” Newgarden texted Blaney before the race, as reported by On3.com. Blaney, amused by the gesture, responded with a smiley face, later joking about the size of the tattoo on social media. This playful exchange highlighted the camaraderie within Team Penske and added a lighthearted chapter to Blaney’s tattoo legacy.

Ryan Blaney’s tattoos are more than just ink; they’re a window into his soul, blending his racing heritage, personal passions, and authentic personality. From honoring his grandfather’s legacy to celebrating his love for Star Wars, each piece tells a story that resonates with fans. His willingness to embrace self-expression challenges stereotypes in the sports world, inspiring others to celebrate their individuality. As Blaney continues to dominate the NASCAR circuit, currently sitting fourth in the 2025 Cup Series standings with two wins and 14 top-ten finishes, his tattoos remain a constant reminder of what drives him. They’re not just art—they’re a roadmap of his journey, etched in ink for the world to see.

In a sport defined by speed and precision, Blaney’s tattoos offer a slower, more reflective glimpse into his life. They spark curiosity, foster connection, and remind us that even champions carry personal stories close to their hearts. Whether it’s the number 10 honoring his grandfather or the towering Darth Vader on his thigh, Blaney’s ink is a testament to a life lived with passion, purpose, and a touch of galactic flair. As he gears up for the 2025 playoffs, fans will undoubtedly keep an eye on both his racing prowess and the possibility of new tattoos adding to his evolving story.