The dream ending to any career, but especially one in sports, is to go out on your own terms. So frequently, that dream isn’t achieved. Whether it’s in racing or any traditional stick-and-ball sport, usually an athlete’s career comes to a rather unceremonious ending.

But not for Sprint Car driver Dave Blaney. Blaney got to go out on his own terms, being celebrated by a few thousand adoring fans, at the race track he and his family owns.

Blaney went to victory lane Saturday night in the 16th annual Lou Blaney Memorial, a race held in memory of his father, who passed away from Alzheimer’s. And while in victory lane, Dave Blaney decided it was time to hang up the steering wheel for good.

The 1995 World of Outlaws champion held off Danny Dietrich to score the victory, and then surprised everybody with his emotional announcement.

Dave Blaney closed out his racing career in style, winning then announcing his retirement in his post-race interview. 🏁

🎥 : @dirtvision pic.twitter.com/U357y5vuaa

— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) September 23, 2024

“This is the race Dale (his brother) and I try to win every year,” said Blaney in victory lane. “To beat that guy, in my last race, I’m officially done right now.”

Blaney won 95 World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series features throughout his career and is one of just 11 drivers who have won a WoO championship in the series’ 46-year history. Blaney also visited All Star Circuit of Champions victory lane 49 times throughout his Sprint Car career. 

Dave Blaney is the father of defending NASCAR Cup Series champion, Ryan Blaney, who advanced to the Round of 12 on Saturday night at Bristol Motor Speedway as he continues to try to defend his title.