Ryan Blaney claims the ‘dump rednecks’ stigma over NASCAR is reducing

Ryan Blaney sees a positive change for good in NASCAR's perception.

Ryan Blaney claims the ‘dump rednecks’ stigma over NASCAR is reducing

Bubba Wallace and Ryan Blaney (Via IMAGO)

Despite being the premier stock car racing series in the world, NASCAR has long been stereotyped as a ‘southern boys racing in circles.’ One of the major reasons for the labeling was the fact that NASCAR fandom is mostly conservative and has deep roots in southern states of the United States of America.

But over the last few years, NASCAR has been trying to diversify its fanbase, and the reigning Cup series champion, Ryan Blaney, believes their attempts might have paid off, and NASCAR is no longer perceived with the same stigma. He said during his recent appearance on The Money Lap podcast that NASCAR is being perceived more positively than ever.

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He went on back his arguments with the new NASCAR-Netflix documentary Series, NASCAR: Full Speed, and other projects. He believes such ventures from the sanctioning body are helping to erase the labeling of ‘dump rednecks” from the sport.

I think it [the perception] is turning in a positive way, you know. NASCAR gets this, or it did for a long time, it gets this label on it’s like, ‘Oh you’re just country, southern boys running around in circles,’ you know? That’s just the stigma it had for a long time. It’s things like the Netflix deal and all this access, it’s showing that we’re not all just like, dumb rednecks.
Blaney said via The Money Lap podcast.

Ryan Blaney details how this perception might have changed

The Team Penske racing No:12 Ford Mustang driver believes that racing fans now understand the personalities, the blood, sweat, and tears behind the racing scenes. When these were shared with the public, the perspective changed.

Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney
Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney (Via IMAGO)
There’s personality behind it, there’s a lot that goes into these things and to make cars go around the race track it’s a lot of blood, sweat, and tears that go into it. I feel like once you show that, people appreciate it, they just get a new perspective on things, which is good.
Blaney said.

Ryan Blaney, being the current champion of the sport, will only boost this positive image of the sport. He is among the most likable characters, with his never giving up attitude defining his career. Blaney has previously also confirmed that he is now ready to do his part to be a role model for the next generation.

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