Ryan Ellis‘ full-time Xfinity Series campaign is more than just a racing announcement—it’s a heartfelt journey filled with personal meaning and untold stories. Driving the No. 71 car for DGM Racing in 2025, Ryan Ellis is set to bring back a number with deep roots in his past. But why is this number so special to him? And how does it connect to his team’s history?
Key Highlights
- Ryan Ellis will drive the No. 71 car for DGM Racing in the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series full-time.
- The No. 71 car has personal significance to Ellis, marking his early racing career and family ties.
- DGM Racing owner Mario Gosselin also shares a historic connection with the No. 71 from his debut.
- Sweetwater Construction Corp. is a key sponsor, supporting Ellis in at least four major races.
- The 2025 season starts at Daytona International Speedway with high hopes for Ellis and DGM Racing.
Ryan Ellis to Drive No. 71 in 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Season
As Ryan Ellis gears up to take the wheel of the No. 71 car for the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, both he and DGM Racing are poised to make a considerable impact in the motorsport arena. The collaboration marks the beginning of a new chapter, with Ellis taking on a full-time role in the NASCAR Xfinity Series—a tactical move that signals ambition and a drive for excellence.
The choice of the No. 71 is particularly remarkable, as this number has been absent from the series for over a decade, adding a layer of intrigue and expectation to the venture.
Ellis, originally from Ashburn, Virginia, brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the team. His prior stints in part-time roles have equipped him with a detailed understanding of the sport, which he is set to utilize in this new, more demanding position.
The partnership with DGM Racing represents a synergy of talent and resources, aimed at elevating both parties within the competitive landscape of NASCAR.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on the No. 71 car, with expectations set high for both performance and tactical expertise. This collaboration has the potential to redefine trajectories, not just for Ellis and DGM Racing, but also for the legacy of the No. 71 in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The Personal Significance of No. 71 for Ryan Ellis
The number 71 holds a profound personal significance for Ryan Ellis, transcending its mere numerical value to become a symbol of his lifelong adventure in motorsport. From the nascent stages of his career, the No. 71 has been a constant companion, initially emblazoned on the go-karts that marked the beginning of Ellis’s racing odyssey. This numeral has woven itself into the fabric of his personal and professional identity, establishing a legacy that traces back to his childhood.
Ellis’s dedication to the No. 71 is not merely a product of habit but rather a reflection of deeper familial ties and personal history. According to Ellis, the representative number may serve as an homage to his grandfather, Vic, who raced under the number 51 two generations earlier. While the exact origins of Ellis’s attachment to the No. 71 remain shrouded in nostalgia, its enduring presence in his life is undeniable.
“I ran the [No. 71] on everything growing up — go-karts, hockey jerseys, legends cars, and even video games,” said Ellis. “My father and I can’t quite remember how it started, but it could be considered homage to my grandpa, Vic, who ran the car number 51 two generations prior.”
“To be able to run it in a premier series like the NASCAR Xfinity Series is something that I’ve dreamt of since I was a kid creating my own schemes in NASCAR video games.” -Ryan Ellis
It adorned not only his racing vehicles but also his hockey jerseys and virtual avatars in video games—a reflection of its pervasive influence.
As Ellis steps into the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving the No. 71 carries an extra layer of significance. It represents the tangible realization of a childhood dream, a tribute to years of dedication and perseverance in the sport he cherishes.
The Shared History Between DGM Racing and No. 71
A confluence of historical significance surrounds the No. 71 at DGM Racing, intertwining the personal and professional narratives of both Ryan Ellis and team owner Mario Gosselin. The number is not merely an identifier on the racetrack but a symbol of heritage and personal milestones. For Gosselin, the number holds a dual resonance. It marked his entry into the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 1998 at Myrtle Beach Speedway, serving as a foundational moment in his racing career.
Additionally, the number 71 signifies a personal connection, as both he and his wife Michelle share the birth year of 1971. This confluence of professional and personal milestones amplifies the symbolic weight of the number.
The selection of the No. 71 for the 2025 campaign is representative of a new chapter, harmoniously aligning the histories of Ellis and the Gosselins. It highlights a seamless blend of legacy and future aspirations, creating a fertile ground for success. Ronald Witt of Sweetwater Construction played a crucial role in actualizing this opportunity, demonstrating enthusiasm for Ellis’s dream of racing under this storied number.
“Working with Ryan is awesome, and I continue to be proud of the relationship that we’ve forged on and off the track. I’m also looking forward to the move to DGM Racing to capitalize on the competitive advantages that the Gosselins and their organization bring as a race team. Supporting Ryan as he takes on the No. 71 is a fitting way to celebrate this new chapter.” – Ronald Witt
This shared history between DGM Racing and the No. 71 depicts a profound connection that transcends mere numerals, embodying a rich tapestry of past achievements and future ambitions. As Ellis commences his full-time NASCAR Xfinity debut, the number 71 stands as a reflection of enduring legacies and new beginnings within the racing world.
Sponsorship and 2025 Season Kickoff Details
Kicking off the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, the tactical partnership between DGM Racing and Sweetwater Construction Corp. signifies a crucial moment for Ryan Ellis‘s racing career. This collaboration is not merely a financial arrangement; it embodies a mutual commitment to excellence and the calculated advancement of Ellis’s potential within the competitive landscape of NASCAR.
Sweetwater Construction Corp.’s decision to sponsor Ellis in at least four significant races, commencing at Pocono Raceway, highlights their confidence in his capabilities and the promising path of the No. 71 team.
The endorsement by Sweetwater Construction Corp. is a validation of the growing synergy between Ellis and his sponsors, with Witt, a key figure at Sweetwater, expressing strong personal and professional support. Witt emphasized the importance of this sponsorship, noting that backing Ellis as he undertakes the No. 71 car is a commendable way to welcome this new chapter.
The 2025 season will begin on February 15 at the iconic Daytona International Speedway, setting the stage for Ellis’s debut in the No. 71 car under the national spotlight. With coverage available on The CW, this season promises heightened exposure and engagement opportunities for Ellis and his sponsors.
News in Brief: Ryan Ellis’ Full-Time Xfinity Series Campaign
The integration of Ryan Ellis into DGM Racing for the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season signifies a tactical alignment rooted in both historical reverence and forward-looking ambition. The selection of the iconic No. 71 car highlights a deep personal and historical connection and sets a foundation for potential competitive success. With robust sponsorship backing and a clear vision for the season’s commencement, this collaboration is poised to make a significant impact on the racing circuit.
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