Sydney Sweeney and the NASCAR world react to Ryan Blaney and wife Gianna’s much-awaited news about their son

Ryan Blaney and his wife, Gianna Tulio, welcomed their first child this week, drawing warm reactions from across NASCAR and the entertainment world.

The couple announced the birth of their son through an Instagram post on Saturday, revealing his name and birth date:

“Charley Bennett Blaney 🤍 11/17.”

The Blaneys had first announced the pregnancy in the summer, revealing they were expecting a baby on December 6. With Charley arriving a little earlier than expected, the announcement brought an immediate wave of congratulations from celebrities, drivers, and their families, who had closely followed the couple’s path.

One of the more recognisable names to respond was actress Sydney Sweeney, who wrote:

“Congrats!!!!!!!!❤️❤️❤️.”

Sydney Sweeney's comment on Ryan Blaney and Gianna Blaney's post. Source: @giannatulio via Instagram.

Sweeney had met Ryan Blaney during the Phoenix championship weekend earlier this month, where she served as NASCAR’s pre-race celebrity guest. She presented the championship checkered flag and posted a set of photos celebrating Blaney after his win at the Phoenix race.

Several NASCAR names followed to wish the couple for their newborn. Seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson responded with:

“👏👏👏👏👏.”

Haley Dillon, wife of Ty Dillon, added:

“He’s absolutely precious 🩵 congratulations you guys! So happy for you all!”

Jordan Fish, partner of Denny Hamlin, wrote:

“Oh my goodness! What a wonderful early Thanksgiving gift from God! He is perfect ❤️.”

Daniel Suárez’s wife chimed in too:

“Congrats!!🤍🤍”

The list continued across the garage. Todd Gilliland’s wife Marissa, FOX Sports anchor Kaitlyn Vincie, pit reporter Jamie Little, and part-time racer Katherine Legge all shared their own messages.

Gianna’s posts about the tougher stretches of her early months made the journey familiar to fans. The early delivery closed a long stretch for the couple, as their plan of having a child in the offseason worked.

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How Ryan Blaney first crossed paths with Sydney Sweeney during his Phoenix win

Sydney Sweeney, Steven Sweeney, and Ryan Blaney (C) at Phoenix Raceway. Source: Getty

Ryan Blaney’s connection with Sydney Sweeney began earlier this month, when she served as a special guest for NASCAR’s season finale. She handled the pre-race flag presentation, addressed the crowd, and met with each of the Championship 4 drivers during introductions.

Blaney, who won the race, shared a brief exchange with the actress before the start of the race. After the checkered flag, Sweeney posted a congratulatory message for him.

Blaney’s 2025 season ended with four wins and another Phoenix victory, as he shifted his attention fully to family life. An offseason birth was something he had hoped for, giving him time at home without travel or race preparation.

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Edited by Hitesh Nigam