“He was one of the first guys to talk to me, and that really meant a lot… He certainly means a lot to the sport, not only things he’s done on the track, but things he does away from the track. He’s been a huge mentor for young kids trying to get into it.” Ryan Blaney said this in 2017 when Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced his retirement. The NASCAR icon bid adieu to the sport nearly a decade ago, but the lessons he has imparted stay with his mentees. Especially Ryan Blaney, who has put his mentor’s actions into practice with his latest racing venture.
Before the bright lights, TV deals, and sold-out stadiums, NASCAR’s heartbeat was in the dirt—literally. Grassroots racing- from Friday night duels on dusty bullrings to Saturday showdowns under hand-built bleachers, it’s where the next generation of drivers, mechanics, and fans are born. But in today’s high-stakes motorsports world, these hometown tracks often face uphill battles. There are fading crowds, financial struggles, and ownership changes. Still, a few in the NASCAR community are stepping up to keep those roots alive. And now, the 2023 Cup Series Champion, Ryan Blaney, is already following in the footsteps of his famous family, making a move that proves his commitment goes far beyond the big leagues.
Ryan Blaney steps into track ownership to preserve family legacy
Sharon Speedway, located in Hartford, Ohio, is one of the oldest continuously operating dirt tracks in the country, opening its doors in 1929. The Blaney family’s connection runs deep: Ryan’s grandfather, Lou Blaney, was a legendary racer and part-owner, while his father, Dave Blaney, has been involved in the track’s ownership since 2002. Now, with Ryan joining the team, three generations of Blaneys have helped shape the track’s legacy.
On a recent episode of the SiriusXM podcast, the Team Penske driver revealed he’s now a part-owner of Sharon Speedway, a track that’s been central to his family for generations. “I am now a part owner with my dad,” said Blaney. “Another great guy, my dad’s known for a long time, Will Thomas, all three of us are owners at Sharon Speedway.”
For Ryan, the decision was personal. “The track that my dad grew up on, five-six miles down the road, that he ran for a long time,” Ryan shared. “My grandfather ran there a lot.” His father, Dave Blaney, known as the “Buckeye Bullet,” won countless races on dirt tracks, and his grandfather, Lou Blaney, was a local legend. Blaney’s connection goes far beyond bloodlines. “I used to sell brochures and answer phones for tickets,” Blaney recalled with a laugh. The track is steeped in family history and racing legacy, something that Blaney is very keen on prolonging.
Following in the footsteps of his mentor Dale Jr., the primary goal for Blaney is to keep short-track racing alive. Dale Jr. famously revived North Wilkesboro Speedway, which is now an annual host to the Cup Series’ All-Star race. In light of keeping grassroots racing alive, Blaney added, “You know, just trying to keep short track racing—whether it’s dirt or asphalt—healthy, that’s what you want.”
However, the emotional side also weighs heavily.“It just holds so many childhood memories for me and so many childhood memories for my dad, and a lot of memories of my grandpa growing up. So when you get the chance to do something, anything, and in my case, something with a race track that meant so much to my family growing up, you definitely want to be a part of it and keep it in the Blaney name. I was just really lucky that we were able to do that,” Blaney added.
Alongside Dave Blaney and local businessman Will Thomas III, Ryan now holds a one-third stake in the venue. Their vision is to modernize the facility, attract younger fans, and ensure Sharon Speedway remains a “Blaney staple.” As Ryan put it, “We’re excited for the future. I can’t wait to see what we can do with that place. We have really big plans, as far as hosting great events, great races, doing some fun stuff out there.”
Blaney’s commitment is not just about preserving history. It’s about building a vibrant future for grassroots racing. And Blaney’s not the only NASCAR star making moves like this—he’s following a familiar path set by someone very close to him. His mentor, Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. – The relentless champion of grassroots racing
Ryan Blaney’s commitment to Sharon Speedway mirrors a larger movement led by his mentor. Dale Earnhardt Jr., over the past few years, has become the face of grassroots racing’s revival. Few figures in NASCAR are as dedicated to the survival and growth of local short tracks as Earnhardt Jr. Since stepping away from full-time Cup competition, he’s poured his energy into elevating the sport’s foundation.
Earnhardt Jr. is now a co-owner of the zMAX CARS Tour. He has partnered with Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton, and Justin Marks to rescue and expand the Southeast’s premier late model series. His vision is clear: “We have a lot of work ahead of us to create and maintain opportunities.” Dale Jr. doesn’t want it to be a one-time event. Rather, they are aiming for the series to become standard in grassroots racing. Thus, they are adapting and innovating their approach.
His latest project, the Throwback Classic at Hickory Motor Speedway, is set to offer over $200,000 in prize money. This is an unprecedented purse for pavement late models. The winner’s share of $50,000 for Late Model Stock and $30,000 for Pro Late Model dwarfs the typical grassroots payouts. We are all aware that these events often struggle to reach five figures. “The goal is to raise the floor of grassroots racing by making it more enticing for drivers and teams to compete,” Earnhardt Jr. explained.
Beyond the CARS Tour, Earnhardt Jr.’s influence extends through philanthropy and media. The Dale Jr. Foundation funds children’s health and education. On the other hand, his charity funds iRacing events and memorabilia auctions that support local causes. He also brings national attention to grassroots racing as a commentator and competitor, drawing new fans and sponsors to the short track scene.
As Earnhardt Jr. continues to innovate and invest, he’s not just preserving history. He’s building a future where grassroots racing thrives as the lifeblood of NASCAR. Will his bold approach inspire the next generation of stars and save the sport’s foundation for years to come? Let us know in the comments!
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