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In a delightful turn of events during a fiercely competitive NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway, Team Penske driver Ryan Blaney found himself on the receiving end of an unexpected, yet utterly charming, radio message. Amidst the high-octane action and strategic calls, Blaney's four-year-old nephew, Bodie, managed to breach the team's communication lines, delivering a sweet and straightforward instruction: \"Hi Uncle Ryan... win the race.\" This innocent act, which unfolded during a caution period, brought a moment of laughter and lightheartedness to the intense atmosphere, showcasing a unique intersection of family life and professional sport.

Ryan Blaney's Nephew Bodie Delivers Heartwarming Radio Message During Bristol NASCAR Race

On Saturday night at Bristol Motor Speedway, NASCAR Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney was immersed in one of the season's most unpredictable races. Suddenly, a voice unfamiliar to the Team Penske No. 12 crew crackled over his radio. The voice, belonging to his four-year-old nephew, Bodie, delivered a simple yet powerful message: \"Hi Uncle Ryan... win the race.\"

This unexpected interlude sparked immediate amusement among Blaney and his team. Blaney, recognizing the voice, playfully responded, \"Hey mom, get Bodie off the radio.\" The 2023 Cup Series champion later reflected on the incident during a Tuesday Ford Racing teleconference, describing it as \"awesome\" and noting that it fortunately occurred during a prolonged caution period, ensuring no on-track disruption.

Bodie, accompanied by his other nephew Louie, was present at the track this past weekend. Blaney explained that his wife, Gianna, had a radio in their bus, which Bodie apparently discovered. \"Neither of us knew that the button worked,\" Blaney recounted. \"I thought it was an obsolete button to where they have that as far as they can make the button not work if you push it, but apparently it does.\" Bodie, a \"smart kid,\" remembered a previous conversation with Blaney about the radio, likening it to a \"walkie-talkie,\" and cleverly figured out how to activate it, providing his uncle with an unintentional but well-received burst of motivation.

Blaney emphasized that the timing couldn't have been better. \"It was at a great time. It was under caution. There was not much going on and I got a real good kick out of it. We all did.\" The incident offered a welcome moment of \"levity\" during a race characterized by frequent caution flags, reminding everyone of the human element amidst the competitive fervor. Despite the humor, Blaney acknowledged the need to address the radio's accessibility to prevent future accidental transmissions, though he expressed admiration for his nephew's ingenuity.

This charming moment highlights the often-unseen personal lives of professional athletes and reminds us that even in the most demanding environments, human connections and unexpected moments of innocence can cut through the tension. It underscores the idea that sports, at their core, are about passion, family, and the occasional delightful surprise that brings a smile to everyone's face, both on and off the track. Such instances serve as a refreshing reminder that beyond the pursuit of victory, there are heartwarming stories waiting to be told.

IndyCar has officially released its comprehensive schedule for the 2026 season, marking a significant step forward for the racing series. The calendar promises an action-packed year with 17 races, emphasizing a dynamic start and the reintroduction of a classic venue. This announcement follows months of anticipation and sets the stage for an exciting season of competitive motorsport.

IndyCar\u2019s Expanded 2026 Season: Key Dates and Venues

The 2026 IndyCar Series will commence with an accelerated start in March, featuring four races over five weeks. The season opener, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, is set for Sunday, March 1, continuing a tradition as the opening event for the fifth consecutive year on the vibrant streets of St. Pete, Florida. A significant highlight of the early season is the return to Phoenix Raceway on March 7, marking the first event there since 2018. This race will debut the track's reconfigured 'dogleg' layout and will be a joint venture with NASCAR, promising a thrilling weekend for motorsport enthusiasts.

Following Phoenix, the series will head to Arlington, Texas, for the inaugural IndyCar Grand Prix of Arlington on March 15. This new addition introduces a 14-turn, 2.73-mile street circuit, a collaborative effort between IndyCar, the Dallas Cowboys, and REV Entertainment. March concludes with Round 4 at Barber Motorsports Park on March 29, bringing the series back to its scenic natural-terrain road course.

After a brief interlude, the racing resumes on April 19 with the 42nd edition of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. May will be dedicated to the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, featuring a road course race on May 9, qualifying for the 110th Indianapolis 500 on May 16-17, and the highly anticipated main event, the Indianapolis 500, on May 24. Summer continues with the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix on May 31, followed by an evening oval race at World Wide Technology Raceway on June 7. The season then moves to Road America on June 21 and Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on July 5, maintaining a diverse mix of street circuits, ovals, and road courses.

The Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Superspeedway will shift to July 19, taking place under the lights on the 1.33-mile concrete oval, strategically scheduled after FOX's broadcast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final. August will be a busy month with four consecutive events, including Portland International Raceway on August 9, the new Streets of Markham in Ontario on August 16, and a doubleheader at the historic Milwaukee Mile on August 29-30.

The championship will culminate on September 6 with the Grand Prix of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, which will host the season finale. Notably absent from the 2026 calendar are Iowa Speedway, Thermal Club, and a previously considered street race in Washington D.C., as well as Mexico.

Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles expressed enthusiasm for the new schedule, highlighting the sport's growth and dynamic showcase of its stars and venues. IndyCar President J. Douglas Boles added that the season's start, especially the joint weekend with NASCAR at Phoenix, promises to be an unmissable event for racing fans. Start times for the 2026 events and the INDY NXT by Firestone schedule are expected to be announced shortly.

The newly unveiled 2026 IndyCar schedule demonstrates a clear commitment to expanding the series' reach and diversifying its racing venues. The integration of new and returning tracks, coupled with strategic broadcast partnerships, suggests a forward-thinking approach to engage a wider audience and enhance the racing experience. The emphasis on a strong, early-season presence, particularly with the joint NASCAR-IndyCar weekend, could be a significant draw for motorsport fans, potentially boosting viewership and attendance. However, the exclusion of certain venues might raise questions among some traditional followers, indicating a balance between innovation and preserving established favorites. Overall, this ambitious calendar aims to deliver an exhilarating and competitive season, reinforcing IndyCar's position in the global motorsport landscape.