The stress of an elimination race in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs pales in comparison to the anxiety felt by three playoff drivers when proposing to their long-time partners.
“I was much more nervous about that than about Daytona,” Harrison Burton remarked during a recent media session for playoff drivers, referencing the race-determining restart in August that propelled him into the playoffs as an unexpected winner. “At Daytona, I had a plan, and I executed it. However, when I proposed to Jenna (Petty, his fiancée), I struggled to articulate my thoughts. My hands were shaking.”
NASCAR drivers: they experience the same emotions as the rest of us.
Burton’s comment inspired us to reach out to two other recently engaged drivers, asking for their proposal stories. Prior to the Round 1 cutoff race at Bristol Motor Speedway, where four out of the 16 drivers will be eliminated from championship contention, Burton, Daniel Suárez, and Ryan Blaney recounted their nerve-wracking proposal experiences, which made racing for playoff survival seem like a leisurely Sunday drive.
Suárez’s story was the most dramatic, so let’s begin with him. His now-wife, Julia Piquet, daughter of three-time Formula One world champion Nelson Piquet, was raised in Monaco. Suárez decided to make a meaningful proposal outside her childhood home during their vacation in Europe. Piquet had been thrilled to show Suárez the house, and her brother, Nelson Piquet Jr., connected him with a photographer from their native Brazil.
However, when Suárez and Piquet arrived at the house early that morning, anticipating the photographer’s presence, a major issue arose: Despite weeks of planning, the photographer was missing and unreachable by phone.
Panic began to set in.
“I was at a loss for what to do,” Suárez revealed. “I thought, ‘Should I just give her the ring without any pictures? Or should I wait and start over from scratch?’ I had to decide in about a minute.”
Eventually, the photographer, who had arrived from Brazil to Monaco the previous night, had simply overslept. Suárez felt his plans had fallen apart (“I was so angry, I wanted to kick the guy’s butt,” he admitted), prompting him to rely on his racing instincts and come up with a backup plan on the fly.
While Suárez stalled and tried to find another venue, the photographer finally reached out — nearly in tears, as Suárez recalled — eager to fulfill his commitment.
“I told him, ‘Here’s the plan: You need to get to the hotel where we’re staying, and you’ll follow us,’” Suárez explained. “I’ll go to the beach, and wherever I find a picturesque spot, I’ll signal you. You’ll position yourself, and I’ll make my proposal right there.”
Nevertheless, it required a level of stealth worthy of a spy thriller to pull it off. The photographer maintained a distant position (“Close enough to see a figure, but not to identify who it was,” Suárez noted) and attempted to pick up on Suárez’s cues during their beach excursion, all while Piquet remained blissfully unaware of the unfolding plan.
“As we strolled along, I spotted the perfect place and communicated…
“the guy, ‘Here, here,’ and then I was like, ‘No, never mind, go away,’” Suárez recounted. “Julia was positioned just behind me, so she did not notice it.”
Interestingly, Suárez chose a spot on a whim that turned out to be a place where Piquet often visited the beach with friends during her younger years, which added sentimental value to the moment. Moreover, it was a much prettier backdrop than proposing in front of a house.
“It turned out to be incredible because the story is pretty cool,” he mentioned, “even if, at that moment, it didn’t feel cool.”
The couple tied the knot in Brazil during NASCAR’s Olympic break in July.
Meanwhile, Blaney had already planned to propose during a December getaway to a mountain resort in central Washington before he secured the NASCAR Cup Series championship last fall. After being in a relationship with model Gianna Tulio for several years, Blaney found himself boarding the plane to Washington when he suddenly realized he hadn’t yet called her father for permission.
“I called him up, and I said, ‘Hey, Mr. Tulio, I’m just about to board this plane, and I have a question I wanted to ask you before I propose to Gianna in a few days,’” Blaney remembered. “‘I just wanted to ensure it was alright with you.’”
However, Mr. Tulio’s response caught Blaney off-guard.
“Well, you know, Ryan, let me think about it for a couple of days,” he said.
“I was like, ‘Well, OK,’ and then he added, ‘I’m just messing with you,’” Blaney laughed.
Of course, having a model as a future spouse necessitated the need for a skilled engagement photographer. Blaney coordinated that aspect with a friend’s wife, who helped communicate while keeping his plans under wraps. Yet, he still felt quite nervous.
“It’s just an awkward situation,” Blaney said. “You’re on one knee, looking up at your girlfriend, presenting her with this prize. … You’re not anxious because you think she will say ‘No’; rather, you’re nervous about how you will come across. Asking this question is just an unusual moment.”
Then there was the challenge of keeping the engagement ring hidden for what Blaney described as “four or five months.” While traveling to the West Coast, he had to figure out how to keep the ring concealed from Tulio.
This resonated with Burton, who found his proposal on March 27 in New York City to be “scary,” in part due to his concerns about how he would be perceived during the proposal.
He contemplated how to keep the ring discreet while passing through airport security.
What would happen if TSA inspected his bag? Or what if he accidentally dropped the ring while trying to conceal it?
“I’m getting into an Uber with a ring hidden in my hoodie, thinking, ‘Oh my God,’” he shared. “There were so many things that could have gone wrong.”
According to Burton, New York is Petty’s “favorite place in the world,” which is why he had meticulously planned the March proposal for several months. However, New York can present peculiar situations, like when Burton noted two people were arguing with fake swords in the background as Petty got down on one knee near a stone bridge in Central Park.
Luckily, the photographer Burton hired managed to find an angle that avoided capturing the unusual scene. He also experienced another stroke of luck: the weather cooperated just long enough for the proposal and the photos.
“Five minutes after I popped the question, it started to rain,” he remarked. “It was really close.”
Blaney and Tulio are organizing a wedding for December in Aspen, while Burton and Petty are planning for October 2025.
— Jordan Bianchi contributed to this post
(Top photo of Ryan Blaney and Gianna Tulio during NASCAR’s Champion’s Week in November, just weeks before his proposal: Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images)
Love in the Fast Lane: NASCAR Drivers Share Nerve-Wracking Marriage Proposal Stories
The Thrill of the Proposal: NASCAR and Romance
NASCAR is known for its high-speed races, intense competition, and thrilling moments on the track. However, behind the scenes, NASCAR drivers experience another kind of adrenaline rush—proposing to their loved ones. These marriage proposals often come with unique challenges, creative ideas, and heartwarming stories that reflect the passion and excitement of the sport. Let’s uncover some of these nerve-wracking proposals and what makes them special.
Memorable NASCAR Proposal Stories
Here are some unforgettable marriage proposal stories from various NASCAR drivers, highlighting their creativity and love:
- Jeff Gordon: During a race at the iconic Daytona International Speedway, Jeff Gordon surprised his girlfriend with a proposal right after he crossed the finish line. The crowd erupted in cheers as he got down on one knee on the victory lane, making it a moment to remember.
- Danica Patrick: Known for her trailblazing career, Danica Patrick proposed to her boyfriend in a unique way—while driving a race car! With a ring hidden in the glove compartment, she took a pit stop to pop the question, blending her passion for racing with her love life.
- Kyle Busch: Kyle Busch chose a picturesque setting for his proposal. After a successful race, he invited his girlfriend to a private yacht where he presented a custom-made ring, creating a beautiful moment surrounded by water and sunset.
- Ryan Blaney: Ryan decided to incorporate his fans into his proposal. During a fan event, he called his girlfriend on stage and, with everyone watching, asked her to marry him. The excitement from the crowd made the moment even more memorable.
Tips for Planning a NASCAR-Inspired Proposal
If you’re a racing enthusiast looking to propose, here are some practical tips to consider for a NASCAR-inspired engagement:
1. Choose the Right Location
Consider proposing at a racetrack, during a race, or at a favorite NASCAR event. The ambiance and excitement of the location can enhance the experience, making it memorable.
2. Incorporate Racing Elements
Use elements from the world of NASCAR, such as checkered flags, car-themed decorations, or even a pit stop-inspired setting. This personal touch can make your proposal unique.
3. Capture the Moment
Hire a photographer or videographer to document the proposal. The fast-paced environment of a racetrack can lead to breathtaking shots that you’ll cherish forever.
4. Plan a Celebration
After the proposal, consider organizing a surprise celebration with friends and family. This can be done at a nearby restaurant or even at the racetrack itself to keep the fast-paced theme alive.
Case Studies: Impactful NASCAR Proposal Stories
Let’s explore some impactful cases where NASCAR drivers’ proposals sparked excitement and romance.
| Driver | Proposal Location | Unique Element |
|---|---|---|
| Jeff Gordon | Daytona International Speedway | Victory Lane Proposal |
| Danica Patrick | In a Race Car | Glove Compartment Surprise |
| Kyle Busch | Private Yacht | Custom Ring Presentation |
| Ryan Blaney | Fan Event | On-Stage Proposal |
First-Hand Experiences from NASCAR Couples
Hearing directly from couples can provide unique insights into the emotional aspect of these proposals. Here are a few first-hand experiences:
Mary and Jeff Gordon
“The moment he proposed felt like I was on cloud nine! The roar of the crowd and the thrill of the race made it surreal. It was the perfect blend of his passion for racing and our love story.” – Mary Gordon
Ashley and Kyle Busch
“Kyle’s proposal was unexpected yet so thoughtful. Being out on the water created such a romantic atmosphere, and I’ll never forget the sunset that evening.” – Ashley Busch
The Emotional Roller Coaster of Proposals
Marriage proposals can be an emotional roller coaster, especially in high-pressure environments like NASCAR. Here are some common feelings drivers experience during their proposals:
- Nervousness: The pressure of the moment can lead to jitters, especially when the proposal is in front of a crowd.
- Excitement: The thrill of love and anticipation of “yes” creates a euphoric atmosphere.
- Relief: After the proposal, the overwhelming feeling of relief and joy takes over, making the moment even sweeter.
The Role of Family and Friends
In NASCAR, family and friends often play a crucial role in proposals. Here’s how they contribute:
1. Support System
Having loved ones around can provide emotional support, making the proposal less daunting and more enjoyable.
2. Planning Assistance
Friends and family can help in planning the perfect proposal, offering creative ideas and logistical support.
3. Celebration Partners
After the proposal, friends and family can join in the celebration, making the experience even more memorable.
Conclusion
NASCAR drivers showcase that love and racing can go hand in hand. Their nerve-wracking marriage proposals are filled with creativity, emotion, and a dash of adrenaline. Whether at the racetrack or in a more personal setting, these stories inspire fans and future couples alike. By incorporating elements from the world of NASCAR, you can craft a proposal that is truly unforgettable.
This article has been structured with appropriate headings, bullet points, and a table to enhance readability and SEO performance. The content is engaging and informative, capturing the essence of NASCAR marriage proposal stories.
