Ryan Blaney might’ve come up just short of back-to-back NASCAR titles, but if you think he’s kicking back this offseason, think again. Blaney’s offseason schedule is anything but typical. While December usually marks his “check-out” period—he’s a firm believer in unplugging until January 1st—this year, it’s all systems go Instead of coasting through December with some well-deserved R&R, Blaney’s calendar is booked solid—and it’s not just because of racing.

The big news? He’s tying the knot! But don’t get too excited about the honeymoon photos. Blaney dropped an update that might cause some side-eye from his soon-to-be wife, Gianna Tulio.

Love, laps, and a packed December

Ryan Blaney talked to the media at the 2024 NASCAR Awards in Charlotte. The Team Penske driver was asked how much this off-season means to him, considering he will be getting married in December. “I love the offseason no matter what’s going on until January 1st. I really take like from season in to January Ist I’m checked out and then but New Year rolls around and you know get ready to go back to work and and start the new year but yeah this winter will be pretty busy with getting married in just under 3 weeks,” he told the reporters.

Blaney is getting married to Gianna Tulio reportedly on December 12, having gotten engaged a year ago. But it seems after their wedding, Blaney has plans to get back into the preparation mode for the new season, putting honeymoon plans on hold. When asked whether he would be taking his honeymoon before returning to prepare for the new season, he answered,

“Unfortunately, no, so we’re gonna have to postpone it a little bit, but that’s fine,” casually brushing off any suggestions that it’ll cause an issue back home.

So, what’s the rush? Blaney’s focus is crystal clear: another shot at NASCAR glory. After narrowly losing to his Penske teammate Joey Logano in the 2024 championship by just 0.33 seconds, Blaney’s determined to hit the ground running. But it doesn’t take away the excitement of starting a new chapter.

“We’re excited to do this and tie the knots and gives us something to look forward to. So it’ll be a busy one but we’ll still have a lot of fun with uh with what we’re doing,” he added. His wedding is just weeks away, and instead of lounging by the beach afterward, he’s gearing up for early training sessions and strategy meetings for 2025.

His fiancée, Gianna Tulio, has been by his side through thick and thin. The two met sometime before 2020 and quickly became fan favorites with their adorable Instagram posts and public appearances. From celebrating Valentine’s Day at the track to walking the NASCAR Awards red carpet, they’ve been through it all together.

Their engagement in December 2023 was straight out of a rom-com. Blaney popped the question, and Tulio captioned the moment, “12•12•23. I said yes to my forever.” What is more intriguing though is how Blaney had a fun exchange with Tulio’s father when he decided to propose to her last year.

Blaney had made up his mind to propose on a December trip to a mountain resort in central Washington before he won the NASCAR Cup Series championship. But before getting on the plane, he realized he had yet to call her father for permission. “I called him up, and I’m like, ‘Hey, Mr. Tulio, I’m about to get on this plane and I just had a question I was wanting to ask you before I asked Gianna here in a handful of days to marry me. I just wanted to make sure it was OK with you,’” Blaney recalled. However, what happened next took the 2023 Cup Series Champion by surprise.

“Well, you know, Ryan, let me think about it for a couple days,” he said. I was like, ‘Well, OK,’ and he goes, ‘I’m messing with you,’” Blaney said. Well, now the wedding bells are on the horizon, and Blaney’s racing career looms larger. He’s used to balancing life in the fast lane, but postponing the honeymoon? That’s a bold move.

Blaney’s choice might seem surprising, but for someone as laser-focused as him, it’s all about keeping his eyes on the prize. Fans can’t help but wonder if Tulio’s rolling her eyes at his jam-packed schedule—or if she’s just as prepared to support his championship dreams as ever.

A season to remember and a future to chase

The 2024 NASCAR season was one of the most competitive in recent memory, and Team Penske dominated the headlines. Joey Logano’s third Cup Series title was the cherry on top of Penske’s incredible year, but Blaney was right there, keeping the pressure on.

Ryan Blaney’s season had its highlights, with three wins and countless battles that kept fans on the edge of their seats. But it all came down to the wire, and losing the championship by a fraction of a second to his teammate stung. Still, if there’s one thing Blaney has proven, it’s that he’s not just Logano’s sidekick —he’s a star in his own right.

Crew chief Paul Wolfe credited the friendly rivalry between Blaney and Logano for pushing the team to new heights. “The #12 and #22 specifically… I don’t know how we could work much closer together,” Wolfe said. “It challenges each of us to look at things a little differently.”

That dynamic has been a game-changer for Penske, and Blaney’s determined to make 2025 his year. Despite the heartbreak of 2024, he’s already focused on reclaiming the crown. Between saying “I do” and diving back into training, Ryan Blaney’s setting the stage for what could be another stellar season.

So, will skipping the honeymoon pay off? Only time will tell. Here’s hoping he doesn’t end up sleeping on the couch for a month.