NASCAR champion Ryan Blaney hits back at critics on social media

2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney has hit back at criticism fired his way following Sunday's race at Sonoma.

Blaney would eventually go on to be classified as 36th in California, but earlier in the race, he had been racing right near the front of the order having qualified in seventh.

On lap 30, Blaney was in fourth position and looking to make a move around the outside of Chase Briscoe in the No. 19. Ultimately, he failed to pull this off, however, running out of room and dipping a tire into the dirt after being squeezed by his rival.

The Team Penske star quickly got on the radio to voice his frustrations, but when the No. 12 got close to the No. 19 later in the race, he did not try any dirty moves or to exact his revenge.

This led to some criticism from fans on X, with one account claiming that Blaney was 'all bark, no bite'.

READ MORE: Kyle Busch gets NASCAR playoff boost as Hendrick Motorsports star suffers demotion setback

Ryan Blaney hits back at criticism

That comment caught Blaney's attention post-race, with the Team Penske star deciding to respond to his critic with a classy response.

"Maybe it’s because I was raised correctly and don’t wreck people and put the guys who work on this stuff for hours on end in a tough spot," the Team Penske star wrote.

"Yes I get upset in the moment but it’s a way to vent and let things go.

"I do wish I wasn’t that way and people didn’t judge me for it but it’s who I am unfortunately."

Maybe it’s because I was raised correctly and don’t wreck people and put the guys who work on this stuff for hours on end in a tough spot. Yes I get upset in the moment but it’s a way to vent and let things go. I do wish I wasn’t that way and people didn’t judge me for it but… https://t.co/xXxut0WGUF

— Ryan Blaney (@Blaney) July 14, 2025

It is the second time in recent weeks that Blaney has been involved in an exchange on Twitter after being taunted by Spire Motorsports following his exit from the In-Season Challenge.

Blaney did so after losing his matchup with their driver, Carson Hocevar, and post-race after Atlanta, Spire poked fun at the Team Penske driver, photoshopping Hocevar's face onto a popular swap meme in which 'he' proposes exchanging 'a trip to round two' for an 'L'.

"Thanks for accepting our trade, Ryan Blaney," Spire Motorsports captioned the image.

Blaney hit back on that occasion just like he did above, that time reminding Spire that he still owed Hocevar for wrecking him in February's race at Atlanta.

"Still owe y’all for this one. Thanks for reminding me," the Team Penske star wrote, accompanied by a screenshot of his No. 12 being spun around by Hocevar's No. 77.

READ MORE: Denny Hamlin hit with NASCAR penalty as four Cup Series drivers guilty of same offence

Related

NASCAR Cup Series

NASCAR star issues Ross Chastain threat after Sonoma incident

• Today 15:00

NASCAR Cup Series

NASCAR legend Kyle Busch issues verdict on recent Cup Series beef

• Today 14:00