Ryan Blaney will be running one of Team Penske’s most recognizable paint schemes when NASCAR heads to Pocono Raceway this weekend.
The No. 12 Ford will feature a throwback design inspired by Ryan Newman’s 2008 Daytona 500-winning car.
The tribute forms part of Team Penske’s 60th anniversary celebrations and pays homage to one of the organisation’s most memorable moments.
Both Blaney and Newman were present for the scheme’s unveiling at the Penske shop earlier this week. Members of the original Daytona 500-winning crew also attended, adding another layer of significance to the reveal.
Blaney will carry one of Penske’s most iconic schemes
The design recreates Newman’s iconic Alltel livery, featuring its light blue base and distinctive white accents. It was the same look that carried Newman to victory in the 50th running of the Daytona 500.
The win remains one of the defining moments in Team Penske’s NASCAR history. Newman led a Penske 1-2 finish that day, with teammate Kurt Busch crossing the line in second.
For Blaney, who spent several years racing against Newman, the scheme holds personal meaning. He described it as one of his favourite paint schemes from his childhood and a fitting way to celebrate Penske’s history.
“That win has a lot of history. That paint scheme is very memorable. It’s one of my favorite paint schemes growing up. The Alltel scheme was really iconic.
“The blue is beautiful, and with the 60th anniversary of Penske, we’re really utilizing a lot of iconic wins for the organization. I had the pleasure to race with Ryan for a handful of years before he retired.
“He’s one of my favorite drivers to watch growing up and heck of a competitor. We’re really honored to be able to run it this weekend at Pocono.”
The tribute also honours Roy McCauley’s legacy
Blaney’s car will also feature a commemorative sticker recognising former crew chief Roy McCauley, who passed away in 2024. McCauley played a key role in Newman’s success at Team Penske and was atop the pit box for the Daytona 500-winning season.
The tribute ensures the throwback is about more than just the paint scheme. It also acknowledges one of the most influential figures behind Newman’s success during his Penske years.
Newman said the internal nature of the tribute made it especially meaningful. He also reflected on McCauley’s lasting impact on the organisation and his own career.
“Throwback schemes have always been cool, but keeping it internally is a different kind of special. Really proud and honored to be a part of the history at Penske. Ryan and I have always had a good relationship.
“It’s cool to see the car go back in that livery at a track where we won our first race at. We dominated the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series back in ’05. We won six out of nine races and had a great experience. Roy was such a big part of so many things here at Penske after he was a crew chief.
“He had a lot of different roles and was successful at all of them. It’s really special for me to be able to put that sticker on because I know his wife Amy was a big part of it and a big supporter of what we did on the race track.”
Blaney heads into the weekend as a two-time Pocono winner and currently sits third in the Cup Series standings. The throwback scheme ensures one of Penske’s most memorable NASCAR victories will once again return to the spotlight.
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