Loudon, New Hampshire, September 22, 2025 – As Ryan Blaney crossed the finish line at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, not only was there the roar of his car but also the cheers from the hearts of fans everywhere. But behind the dramatic third win for the Team Penske driver at Mobil 1 301 – the opening race of the Round of 12 of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs – was the touching image of Gianna Tulio, his 27-year-old fiancée, who “exploded” with a congratulatory message that sent social media into a frenzy. “You are my king of the track! This is for us, forever proud of you Ryan!” – Tulio’s Instagram status quickly received millions of likes, turning a private moment into a global phenomenon.
Let’s rewind the clock to Sunday afternoon, September 21. Ryan Blaney, 31, started from second place, led 116 of 301 laps – nearly 39% of the race – and passed Josh Berry in the final seconds by just 0.937 seconds. This was his second victory at the New Hampshire “Magic Mile”, solidifying his second playoff position with 2,098 points, behind only Kyle Larson. Blaney, son of the legendary Dave Blaney, couldn’t hide his joy: “New Hampshire is always special. This win is motivation for the playoffs!” But as he stepped onto the podium, holding the shiny silver trophy, his phone rang continuously – it was a FaceTime call from Gianna.
Gianna Tulio, the famous model who won Miss Hooters International 2021, couldn’t be at the track due to a busy schedule in Florida. But she turned her regret into positive energy. Shortly after Blaney finished, Tulio posted a short video: an image of him holding the trophy, mixed with old clips from the 2023 championship, with the caption “So proud of you, my champion! Let’s chase more checkered flags together ❤️”. The video went viral at a dizzying speed, reaching 5 million views in just 24 hours, surpassing the official NASCAR highlight. Fans commented: “Gianna is a true inspiration to Ryan!” and “NASCAR’s perfect couple!”
Blaney and Tulio’s love story began in 2018 at a bar in Las Vegas, when he was in a difficult period with a 59-game winless streak. They got engaged on Christmas 2023, shortly after Blaney’s first Cup Series championship – a “perfect” year that he called “the year of love and speed”. Tulio, born on July 31, 1998, is not only his “other half” but also his spiritual pillar. She regularly participates in charity events for the Ryan Blaney Family Foundation, focusing on brain health – an area Blaney has become passionate about after his racing accidents. In Nashville in June 2025, when Blaney won the first race of the season, he borrowed a PR phone to FaceTime her right in victory lane, fulfilling the promise “if you win, you have to call me first”. This time, despite being thousands of miles away, Tulio kept his word: “I’m always with you, whether in the stands or on the screen.”
Tulio’s congratulations did not stop at words. She revealed that she would fly straight to Kansas Speedway for the next race (September 28), bringing with her a “surprise gift” – a bracelet engraved with both of their names and a checkered flag symbol. In the tense playoff context, when Blaney faced Larson, Hamlin and Byron, Tulio’s support became a “secret weapon”. As she once told USA Network: “Ryan doesn’t just race, he races for our dream. Every win is for both of us.”
Their story is reminiscent of iconic NASCAR couples like Chase Elliott and his ex-girlfriend, but Blaney-Tulio stands out for its authenticity. With 16 career wins, Blaney is aiming for his second championship. And with Tulio by his side, who’s to say he won’t “make history” in Phoenix? NASCAR isn’t just about speed – it’s about love, and Gianna Tulio is the “fuel” for Ryan Blaney.
