NASCAR champion Ryan Blaney makes huge change before defending title in 2024

Ryan Blaney is set to be spotted by former NASCAR driver Tim Fedewa next season with Josh Williams announcing that he is leaving Team Penske. Blaney, the 2023 Cup Series champion, has worked alongside Williams for almost a decade with the pair now set to part ways despite their recent success.

Williams' departure from the team follows on from nine years of working alongside Blaney as his spotter. The duo started working together with Blaney in his rookie season with Wood Brothers Racing. The pair would go on to enjoy ten race wins during a strong partnership - including the recent 2023 Cup Series win.

Despite their successful relationship, Williams is moving on to pastures new as he revealed via a post on social media.

"Last weeks NASCAR banquet was my last call as spotter for the 12 team and Team Penske," the post read. "After 9 years it was time to personally and professionally make a change for myself and my family.

Follow us on X for the best and latest in sports news.

"Im forever grateful to everyone I’ve gotten to work with at TP, especially those that have become lifelong friends. I’m proud knowing the last 6 races were it and going out with a Talladega win, a Martinsville clock, and capping it off with a Cup Series Championship. We couldn’t have finished it off any better.

"I’m really excited for what the future has in store and looking forward to sharing those plans soon! I can’t wait to get to the coliseum! Happy Holidays"

The post saw Blaney react to his 333,000 followers on X, adding: "It’s been a fun ride for the past 9 years together, from all the race wins to the championship. No better way to go out together than on top! You’re one of the very best brother. Cheers."

While there is yet to be an official confirmation on Williams' replacement, FOX Sports has revealed that Kevin Harvick’s spotter, Tim Fedewa will join Blaney in the new year.

Fedewa joins the team with a wealth of experience both beside and behind the driving wheel. The 56-year-old has 333 races to his name, including four wins and 66 top-ten finishes, and has recently been a spotter for Cup driver Kevin Harvick.

Despite the new changes surrounding the team, Blaney has reaffirmed his eagerness to get back underway with the team. Speaking at the NASCAR awards ceremony, the 29-year-old said: "I am ready to get back behind the wheel."

The sentiment was also echoed by team owner Roger Penske, who has enjoyed back-to-back wins with Blaney's teammate Joey Logano having on the 2022 Cup title.

"You win one and you hope you can win it [again] because you start all over again," Penske said. "They don't give you an extra lap ahead of everybody after you win one."