Ryan Blaney 2017 Season Recap

By Kathy Sheldon | Published: December 5, 2017 11

Chris Trotman | Getty Images

1 of 11

Chris Graythen | Getty Images for Texas Motor Speedway

Ryan Blaney, driver of the No. 21 Ford for Wood Brothers Racing, finished ninth in the 2017 Monster Energy Series standings. Here are the highlights from his second full year at NASCAR's top level.

2 of 11

Jerry Markland | Getty Images

We had an inkling that 2017 would be a very good year for Blaney when he finished second to Kurt Busch in the Daytona 500. He started 36th in the No. 21 Wood Brothers Ford but stayed out of trouble and showed good speed.

3 of 11

Sean Gardner | Getty Images

Blaney's first Coors Light Pole Award came in 2017, at Kansas for the May race.

4 of 11

Chris Trotman | Getty Images

Blaney's qualifying speed transferred to the night race at Kansas in May, where he finished fourth -- his second top-five finish of the season.

5 of 11

Jerry Markland | Getty Images

Blaney was among several drivers who performed broadcast duties for Fox Sports during the driver takeover of the NASCAR XFINITY Series Pocono Green 250.

6 of 11

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

Pocono's June weekend was a big one for Blaney, who kicked it off by taking photos with his friend Darrell Wallace Jr. Blaney piloted the famed No. 21 Wood Brothers Ford and Bubba made his first of four 2017 starts in the iconic No. 43 Richard Petty Motorsports Ford.

7 of 11

Chris Trotman | Getty Images

Saving the best for last in a packed weekend, Blaney broke through for his first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series victory in the Axalta Presents the Pocono 400. He led just 10 laps, but it was the last 10. It was Wood Brothers Racing's 99th win.

8 of 11

Sean Gardner | Getty Images

Blaney joined future Team Penske teammate Brad Keselowski in the NASCAR Playoffs. Blaney will drive the No. 12 Team Penske Ford in 2018.

9 of 11

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

Blaney ran well in the fall race at Kansas, finishing third, and it was enough to advance him to the Round of 8. He finished the season ranked ninth.

10 of 11

Jonathan Ferrey | Getty Images

Off the track, Ryan Blaney launched the NASCAR.com 'Glass Case of Emotion' podcast with co-hosts Kim Coon and Chuck Bush. The show was live from 'After the Lap' during Champion's Week festivities in Las Vegas.

11 of 11

David Becker | Getty Images

If there were an award for hair, Ryan Blaney would have claimed that, too, in 2017. Just ask Twitter.