Ryan Blaney launches Ten Runner whiskey brand honoring his family's legacy

In a significant step outside of his racing commitments, NASCAR driver Ryan Blaney has recently established a new whiskey brand named Ten Runner. This venture reflects Blaney's desire to create a unique identity in an industry he is passionate about, while honoring the rich racing heritage of his family. As a third-generation racer, Blaney has deeply rooted connections to the sport, particularly through the number 10, which has been significant in his family's history due to his grandfather, father, and uncle racing cars numbered 10 throughout their careers. The name Ten Runner pays tribute to those who were involved in running liquor during Prohibition, cleverly intertwining his family's racing legacy with the American spirit of craft distillation. Blaney's whiskey is crafted to be 103-proof and is described as hand-crafted, with influences from Kentucky’s whiskey-making traditions. The production process involves careful blending and tasting sessions, a learning experience for Blaney as he navigates this unfamiliar industry. He emphasizes the importance of a smooth yet distinctive taste, preferring his whiskey neat or on the rocks. Throughout these discussions, it is clear that Blaney views this project not only as a business opportunity but also as a personal passion that brings together elements of his heritage and enjoyment of whiskey. The Ten Runner brand's mission reflects Blaney's values of honoring legends while building a legacy of his own. As part of the larger narrative, Blaney also balances his life as a professional race car driver with his interests outside of racing, exhibiting a reserved demeanor but transforming into a competitive spirit during races. Recently, he won the Coca-Cola Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway, showcasing his successful career while also embarking on this new journey with his whiskey brand. This duality in Blaney’s life highlights the diverse interests of contemporary athletes, showing that they can embody both competitive drive and personal passion projects that may seem unrelated to their primary profession. Ryan Blaney’s venture into whiskey distillation not only solidifies his place in the racing world but also sets the stage for a potential expansion into other business ventures. Such activities can pave the way for future opportunities that blend his interests within the world of motorsports and entrepreneurship, expanding his influence and legacy beyond the racetrack.