Ryan Blaney to Host NASCAR’s New ‘On The Gas’ Series as Sport Expands Its Digital Reach Ahead of Chicagoland Return

Ryan Blaney On The Gas is one of NASCAR‘s biggest off-track initiatives of the 2026 season as the sanctioning body continues investing in original digital content to attract new fans. Rather than producing another interview-style program, NASCAR is taking a more interactive approach by putting celebrities directly into the high-speed world of stock car racing.

The series arrives at an important time for the sport. NASCAR has been expanding beyond traditional race broadcasts with documentaries, streaming content and behind-the-scenes programming that gives fans greater access to drivers and teams. “On The Gas” represents another step in that strategy by combining entertainment with authentic racing experiences.

The first episode premieres on July 1 on YouTube, with new episodes releasing every Wednesday throughout July.

What Is NASCAR’s ‘On The Gas’?

Unlike conventional sports interview shows, On The Gas places celebrity guests directly into the NASCAR environment instead of simply sitting them down for conversations.

Hosted by Ryan Blaney, each approximately 20-minute episode allows guests to experience the speed, competition, teamwork and culture that define NASCAR from the inside. The goal is to showcase what makes stock car racing unique while introducing the sport to viewers who may not normally watch race weekends.

The series is presented by BodyArmor Sports Drink and produced through NASCAR Studios alongside Full Speed Entertainment, reflecting NASCAR’s growing commitment to premium digital storytelling.

Celebrity Guests Bring New Audiences to NASCAR

The inaugural season features personalities from entertainment, sports and digital media, creating crossover appeal beyond traditional motorsports fans.

Each guest experiences NASCAR differently, helping explain various aspects of racing to audiences who may be unfamiliar with the sport while also creating entertaining interactions with Blaney.

Ryan Blaney Embraces His Role as NASCAR Ambassador

Blaney has become one of NASCAR’s most recognizable personalities thanks to his relaxed demeanor, quick wit and willingness to participate in projects beyond race weekends.

Speaking about the series, the Team Penske driver emphasized how enjoyable it was introducing celebrities to the excitement of NASCAR.

“Getting the chance to share what makes NASCAR so exciting with people from different worlds was a lot of fun. I think fans are going to enjoy seeing these big personalities experience the speed, competition, and culture of our sport up close.”

His personality makes him a natural choice to front a project aimed at making NASCAR more approachable for first-time viewers.

NASCAR Continues Expanding Beyond Racing

“On The Gas” is part of a broader effort to grow NASCAR’s presence across streaming platforms and digital entertainment.

Over the past year, the sport has increasingly embraced original programming that highlights drivers away from the racetrack while offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at the personalities who compete every weekend.

Blaney has been heavily involved in those efforts.

Earlier this season, he appeared in “NASCAR vs. Navy: The San Diego Mini Movie” alongside fellow Cup Series drivers Noah Gragson and Carson Hocevar. He also starred in “Eli Manning Presents: The Undercovers – Ryan Blaney,” where he surprised Team Penske fans while disguised in elaborate makeup.

These appearances have helped position Blaney as one of NASCAR’s leading ambassadors both on and off the track.

Why NASCAR Is Investing in Original Content

The sports media landscape has changed dramatically in recent years, with younger audiences consuming more content through YouTube, streaming services and social media than traditional television.

By producing original digital programming, NASCAR can:

• Introduce new fans to the sport.
• Showcase drivers’ personalities.
• Create year-round engagement beyond race weekends.
• Reach audiences outside traditional motorsports circles.
• Strengthen commercial partnerships with sponsors.

Programs like “On The Gas” help transform NASCAR from a weekend sporting event into an entertainment brand with continuous fan engagement.

Blaney Also Eyes Success at Chicagoland Speedway

While preparing for the launch of his new series, Ryan Blaney remains firmly focused on championship ambitions.

The Team Penske driver currently sits third in the NASCAR Cup Series standings and returns to Chicagoland Speedway with positive memories of the 1.5-mile oval.

Blaney owns two top-10 finishes in four Cup starts at the circuit and participated in Goodyear tire testing there earlier this year.

After testing, he praised the character of the aging racing surface.

“The track was in really good shape. The surface is pretty worn out, but I’m excited to get back there. I think it’s going to put on a great show.”

He also highlighted the multiple racing grooves that should create exciting side-by-side competition throughout the weekend.

Ford Eyes Historic Milestone at Chicagoland

The upcoming race carries added significance beyond the championship battle.

Ford enters the weekend searching for its 750th NASCAR Cup Series victory, a remarkable milestone that reflects decades of success in America’s premier stock car championship.

Blaney has already delivered Ford’s only Cup victory of the 2026 season at Phoenix, making him one of the manufacturer’s strongest hopes for reaching the landmark achievement.

How ‘On The Gas’ Differs From Traditional Motorsports Shows

Many motorsports programs focus heavily on race analysis, technical discussions or post-race interviews. “On The Gas” instead emphasizes storytelling and firsthand experiences.

Rather than expecting guests to understand NASCAR before participating, the series allows them to discover the sport naturally through immersive activities. That approach makes the content more accessible to casual viewers while remaining entertaining for longtime racing fans.

What Success Could Mean for NASCAR

If the series resonates with audiences, it could encourage NASCAR to develop additional digital-first programming featuring current drivers, teams and celebrity collaborations.

Successful crossover content also strengthens NASCAR’s ability to attract younger demographics and new commercial partners, two key priorities as sports organizations compete for attention across an increasingly crowded media landscape.

For Ryan Blaney, the project further establishes him as one of the sport’s most marketable figures and demonstrates his growing influence beyond simply competing on Sundays.

Conclusion

Ryan Blaney’s new “On The Gas” series highlights NASCAR’s evolving approach to fan engagement, combining celebrity entertainment with authentic racing experiences in an effort to introduce the sport to new audiences. As the first episode launches on July 1, Blaney will simultaneously pursue success at Chicagoland Speedway, where both championship points and a historic milestone for Ford are on the line.

Whether on the racetrack or in front of the camera, Blaney continues to play an increasingly important role in shaping NASCAR’s future—both as a championship contender and as one of the sport’s leading ambassadors.