In a stunning development that has rocked the NASCAR garage, Ryan Blaney has officially walked away from Team Penske, citing a deepening rift over alleged team orders that, he claims, have repeatedly undermined his efforts on the track. The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion made the emotional announcement in an unplanned media appearance following Sunday’s race at Sonoma Raceway, delivering a candid and cutting statement:
“I’m leaving. I can’t take it any longer. They don’t see my value anymore — and I won’t be someone’s pawn.”
Blaney, who has been with Team Penske since 2018, was reportedly at the center of a team orders controversy during the final stages of the Sonoma race, where internal communications appeared to direct him to yield position to teammate Joey Logano. This came after a similar situation played out earlier this season at Martinsville, where Blaney lost a potential win due to strategic reshuffling within the team.
While team orders are not uncommon in motorsports, fans and insiders were quick to point out a disturbing trend: Blaney, despite being one of the most consistent drivers in recent years, has been repeatedly asked to make sacrifices for his teammates — raising questions about favoritism and internal politics at Penske.
“I’ve put everything into this team,” Blaney continued. “And when you start getting treated like a number instead of a driver, it’s time to go. I race to win, not to follow a script.”
Team Penske issued a brief, carefully worded statement shortly after Blaney’s departure announcement, thanking him for his contributions and confirming that both parties had “mutually agreed to part ways.” However, sources close to the situation suggest the split was anything but mutual.
The news has ignited a firestorm within the NASCAR community. Fans, many of whom admire Blaney for his quiet professionalism and on-track tenacity, flooded social media with support, using hashtags like #FreeBlaney and #LetBlaneyRace.
As for what’s next, Blaney did not confirm immediate plans but hinted he’s already had conversations with other teams:
“There are teams out there that race for wins, not agendas. That’s where I want to be.”
With the season still underway and Silly Season now officially in chaos, Ryan Blaney’s departure from Team Penske marks the end of an era — and possibly the beginning of a major shake-up in the NASCAR power structure.
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