Ryan Blaney is the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion. With that comes great responsibility as the sport’s main ambassador, including regularly making appearances and giving interviews with media outlets from around the world. On Wednesday, the Team Penske driver made a somber appearance at Arlington National Cemetery not as the champion, but as the winner of last year’s Coca-Cola 600.
NEWS | Coca-Cola 600 winner Ryan @Blaney visits Arlington National Cemetery to lay wreath at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 🇺🇸
FULL STORY 📰: https://t.co/sZLylpZmt9 pic.twitter.com/SbLAsTPtdU
— Charlotte Motor Speedway (@CLTMotorSpdwy) May 2, 2024
Blaney joined Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith, Charlotte Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager Greg Walter and North Carolina Rep. Richard Hudson in laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, continuing an annual tradition for the defending Coke 600 race winner to kick off Military Appreciation Month.
Ryan Blaney Talks About Experience
After his visit to the national cemetery was complete, the Team Penske X account shared a video of the 30-year-old driver talking about his moving experience.
A recap of @Blaney’s day at @ArlingtonNatl. pic.twitter.com/DuzG9f9lLy
— Team Penske (@Team_Penske) May 1, 2024
“We just finished up our day at the Arlington National Cemetery and what an unbelievable experience,” he said. “Very, very humbling for sure, to be able to witness the changing of the guard, to be part of the wreath ceremony was absolutely incredible. Appreciate everybody out here for letting us come visit. Appreciate Charlotte Motor Speedway for tagging along with me out here. Looking forward to getting back to the 600 on this Memorial Day weekend, and really honoring the men and women who have served and who have given their lives. Unbelievable day.”