TULSA, Okla. — Ryan Blaney has won a NASCAR Cup Series championship, raced on the sport’s biggest stages and battled the best stock car drivers in the world. Saturday night, the Team Penske driver took time to recognize something just as meaningful.
Blaney praised a heroic Chili Bowl Nationals run by 14-year-old Jett Barnes, who raced his way into the A-main feature in one of dirt racing’s most unforgiving arenas. Barnes didn’t leave Tulsa with the Golden Driller, but he left an impression that mattered just as much.
Barnes advanced to the A-main by winning his B-main, a pressure-packed race that often ends dreams as quickly as it creates them. Against seasoned veterans and national champions, Barnes kept his composure, raced smart and drove aggressively when it counted.
The Tulsa Expo Center demands perfection. Every lap is tight, every mistake is costly and age offers no advantage. Barnes met the moment, showing throttle control, patience and toughness well beyond his years.
Blaney’s praise echoed what the building already knew. The Chili Bowl is about proving you belong. On Saturday night, Barnes did exactly that.
The performance also reflected the event itself. From track preparation to the broadcast crew and a packed house of passionate fans, the Chili Bowl once again delivered a world-class showcase of grassroots racing at its best.
In the meantime, catch Ryan Blaney back in action at Bowman Gray for the Clash, in just under two weeks.
Yeah, this kid is going places. What a drive, young man.
See you on the big stage soon.
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