Who Is NASCAR Driver Ryan Blaney's Wife? All About Gianna Blaney (Who Was Crowned Miss Hooters International in 2021!)

Ryan Blaney has found a lifelong teammate in his wife, Gianna Blaney.

The NASCAR driver first met Gianna in 2018 while they were both in Las Vegas for separate events. They began dating in July 2020 and got engaged in December 2023.

"3 years with this absolute gem," Ryan wrote on Instagram in July 2023. "Thank you for being my love and best friend."

During an appearance on TODAY a year later, the hosts asked Ryan if wedding planning or winning the NASCAR championship was harder, to which he responded, "Planning a wedding. That's for sure. But she's been amazing and we're looking forward to it," he added.

The pair wed on Dec. 12, 2024, a day that Gianna described to PEOPLE as a "dream come true."

"The thing we love most about each other is all the things we have in common," she said of her husband. "Then, the things we don't have in common, we find joy in those differences and embrace our differences."

So who is Ryan Blaney's wife? Here's everything to know about Gianna Blaney and her relationship with the NASCAR driver.

She grew up in Pennsylvania and Florida

Gianna grew up in Philadelphia before moving to South Florida for her senior year of high school, according to West Palm Beach news outlet WPTV.

Although she has since moved away, Gianna frequently returns to her "old stomping grounds" in Boca Raton, Fla.

According to her LinkedIn profile, she received her associate's degree in business administration and management from Palm Beach State College.

She won Miss Hooters International in 2021

In August 2021, Gianna was crowned Miss Hooters International and wrote on Instagram that she had been chosen to be "the new face" of the company.

"I have never felt so much love, happiness and support until this past week," she wrote. "Thank you to everyone who has supported this journey of mine and watched my growth with this company."

The next month, she wrote on Instagram that just when she thought things "couldn't get better," she was also chosen to be the "2022 Hooters Calendar Cover Girl."

According to her LinkedIn, Gianna began working at the restaurant chain in early 2017. She has also designed swimsuits for Tortuga Bikini, volunteered for several charities and worked as a social media influencer and model.

They started dating in July 2020

Ryan and Gianna began dating in July 2020, though they first crossed paths in 2018 at MGM Grand's Losers Bar in Las Vegas. He was in town for a NASCAR race, while Gianna was there for a Hooters modeling job.

In July 2021, Gianna penned an Instagram tribute in honor of their one year dating anniversary, writing, "A whole year of unconditional love, pure happiness and new experiences / adventures for the both of us."

"Thank you for showing me true love and what it feels like," she added. "Happy Anniversary hun. Cheers to many more years around the sun together, I love you 3000."

They got married in December 2024

Ryan and Gianna tied the knot on Dec. 12, 2024 — exactly one year after they got engaged in Leavenworth, Wash. The "Winter Enchantment: A Candlelit Aspen Affair" themed event took place at Hotel Jerome in Aspen, Colo.

Although up to 200 guests were in attendance, Gianna told PEOPLE that they aimed to "keep the wedding as intimate as possible," including exchanging their vows before they got ready in the morning.

"Ryan really helps calm my nerves. I'm most relaxed in the morning, sipping my coffee with him, so we decided to read our vows privately to one another," Gianna said. "I did not have my hair or makeup done [yet] so our first look would still be more than special."

She added, "It was everything I have ever dreamt of as a little girl for a wedding … the most magical night of my life."

They live in North Carolina

According to Gianna's Instagram, she and Ryan moved to North Carolina in November 2021.

"I can finally call you home," she wrote. "Cheers to our next chapter love."

The couple reside in Huntersville, N.C., per Ryan's Instagram bio, which is only a few hours from High Point, N.C., where the racecar driver grew up, according to local outlet Fox8.

She frequently attends his races — and has competed in one of her own

Gianna has consistently supported Ryan's career over the years, from being by his side on race day and celebrating his victories to attending award ceremonies and red carpet events.

In June 2023, Gianna hit the tracks herself and raced in the Better Half Dash for Motor Racing Outreach. This time, the roles were reversed, with Ryan watching proudly from the sidelines. He served as her spotter for the race and later shared on Instagram that he had a "blast" guiding her on the track.

She “couldn’t be more proud” of Ryan

In October 2023, Gianna posted photos on Instagram of her and Ryan from Talladega Superspeedway and wrote that she "couldn't be more proud of this man."

"I went through every emotion that day!" she added.

The next month — when Ryan won the 2023 NASCAR Cup championship at Phoenix Raceway — Gianna wrote on Instagram that she "never had any doubts" in him.

"You made history and I'm so honored I was able to be there for you & watch you fight for it," she wrote.

Read the original article on People