DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 11: Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Menards/Peak Ford, stands by his car during qualifying for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 11, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Ryan Blaney 2018 season recap

By Kathy Sheldon | Published: December 12, 2018 10

Robert Laberge | Getty Images

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Robert Laberge | Getty Images

After driving for Team Penske-affiliated Wood Brothers Racing in 2017, Ryan Blaney moved to Penske in the No. 12 Ford in 2018.

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BRISTOL, TN - APRIL 15: Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 REV Ford, and Harrison Rhodes, driver of the #51 Industrial Construction Experts Inc. Chevrolet, are involved in an on-track incident during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on April 15, 2018 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Robert Laberge | Getty Images

Ryan Blaney was out front and had led 100 of 119 laps in the spring race at Bristol Motor Speedway before being caught up in a six-car wreck triggered by Trevor Bayne.

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MARTINSVILLE, VA - MARCH 24: Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Menards/Libman Ford, leads Paul Menard, driver of the #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford, during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series STP 500 at Martinsville Speedway on March 24, 2018 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Brian Lawdermilk | Getty Images

Ryan Blaney served notice early that he would be a contender in 2018, capturing five top 10s in the season's first seven races, including a third-place finish at Martinsville.

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 10: Brad Keselowski, driver of the #2 Discount Tire Ford, Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford, Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 BODYARMOR Ford, pose for a photo with the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series trophy after making the playoffs following the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Big Machine Vodka 400 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on September 10, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Brian Lawdermilk | Getty Images

All three Team Penske Ford drivers qualified for the 2018 NASCAR Playoffs.

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LAS VEGAS, NV - SEPTEMBER 13: Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, and Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Menard's Fordduring the NASCAR Burnout Boulevard Fueled by Sunoco on September 13, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Chris Graythen | Getty Images

Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott put on a show together at the Burnout Boulevard Fueled by Sunoco event kicking off the NASCAR Playoffs at Las Vegas.

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CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 30: Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Menards/Pennzoil Ford, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America Roval 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on September 30, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Brian Lawdermilk | Getty Images

Amid much anticipation, Ryan Blaney won the inaugural race on the Charlotte Road Course, which also led to him advancing to the Round of 12 in the NASCAR Playoffs.

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NASCAR Digital Media

Ryan Blaney made this young fan's day at Charlotte after handing over his checkered flag from the Bank of America Roval 400.

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FORT WORTH, TX - NOVEMBER 02: Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Accella/Carlisle Ford, poses for a photo after winning the pole award during qualifying for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series AAA Texas 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on November 2, 2018 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Brian Lawdermilk | Getty Images

Ryan Blaney clinched the pole and grabbed a second-place finish in the NASCAR Playoffs at Texas Motor Speedway, showing grit after missing the Round of 8.

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LAS VEGAS, NV - SEPTEMBER 14: A detail of the emoji for Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 PPG Ford, in the garage during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Series South Point Hotel and Casino 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on September 14, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jonathan Ferrey | Getty Images

Ryan Blaney's NASCAR Playoffs emoji was a talking point over the last 10 races. He finished the playoffs ranked 10th.

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Kim Coons talks with Ryan Blaney prior to the 2018 NASCAR Awards banquet.

Zack Albert | NASCAR Digital Media

But did the playoffs emoji reflect Ryan Blaney or did Blaney become the emoji?
Kim Coon interviews her fellow Glass Case of Emotion podcast host Blaney at the NASCAR Awards in Las Vegas.