Ryan Blaney admits he was ‘JEALOUS’ of Chase Elliott when he won the Cup championship in 2020
Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott are two of the fan favourites of the sport.
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Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney (Via IMAGO)
Team Penske Racing’s Ryan Blaney won his maiden NASCAR title in 2023 following a clutch 2023 season that saw him step up his game by a mile in the final five races of the season. He was honored for his achievements at the 2023 NASCAR Awards Night at the Nashville Broadway, alongside Xfinity champion Cole Custer and Truck Champion Ben Rhodes.
Ahead of the event, 23Xi Racing’s Bubba Wallace, who is one of the closest friends Blaney admitted that he is jealous to see him as the champion and living the dream he has been fighting for as well. While responding to the words from Wallace, Blaney pointed out that he had a similar feeling when their other close friend, Chase Elliott won the Cup with HMS in 2020.
He revealed that when Elliott won his maiden title he was happy for him. But seeing one of his great friends with whom he started his NASCAR journey and who is a similar age group made him jealous of Elliott. He wanted to be in the place of Elliott, who started his full-time Cup career the same year (2016) as him.
There's seeing a friend do it, and it’s other part of seeing another young guy around your age. When Chase won the championship in 2020, he and I are really great friends, I was super happy for him. But I was also kind of jealous because I want to be that guy. I want to be in that spot.Blaney said, as reported by ABC News.
Ryan Blaney explains why his and Bubba Wallace’s reactions were natural
Blaney went on to give a reason why he thinks his or Wallace’s reactions were natural. He pointed out that people often compare themselves with their peers in the same age bracket and internally when they see the other one achieving success they get some thoughts. Some might not express it, but Blaney, Wallace, and Elliott have a strong bond and such revelation doesn’t have many negative effects.
You always kind of compare yourself to your age range. You get jealous of the guys in your group that have success. And I’m the same way. I think everyone is internally, whether they express it or not.
Going into the 2024 season, for both Wallace and Elliott the primary target is to secure a win and end the streak. It will help them position themselves better in the next-season championship battle. For Blaney next year will be off remaining consistent and trying hard to defend his title.
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Justin P Joy
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