Layne Riggs, now forging his own path in NASCAR, revealed that his earliest inspirations didn’t come from stars like Dale Earnhardt Jr. but from his father, Scott Riggs. The influence of Dale Earnhardt Jr NASCAR Inspiration was clear during Riggs’s recent debut appearance on Jeff Gluck’s 12 Questions series, where he discussed the beginnings of his career and what truly sparked his passion for racing.
For many up-and-coming drivers, racing ambitions are born from watching celebrated figures such as Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and Dale Earnhardt dominate the track. Yet, Layne Riggs recalls that his path was shaped most directly by time spent with his father at racetracks, joining NASCAR’s tradition of multi-generational drivers like Bill and Chase Elliott or Ryan Blaney, who all followed in the footsteps of family before fame.
Why Racing Legends Weren’t His Role Models
During his chat on the 12 Questions segment, Riggs fielded a question about his first autograph, offering a candid perspective on his childhood memories around racing greats.
“Not really (because) of having Dad in the sport. I remember sitting with him at driver intros as a kid. I specifically remember him, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr., all sitting there chatting. Back then, I didn’t think it was anything. I was like, ‘These guys are racing against my dad, I don’t like these guys.’”
— Layne Riggs
As a young spectator, Riggs viewed these NASCAR titans as mere competitors to his father, rather than icons to idolize. Only looking back does he recognize how remarkable those experiences were—moments many fans could only dream of, even as he found them ordinary at the time.
Scott Riggs’s Influence on Layne’s NASCAR Journey
When asked by Brad Keselowski about his most cherished childhood memory watching his father race, Layne Riggs recalled a vivid experience from 2012, observing Scott Riggs in the No. 92 truck at Martinsville.
“He (Scott Riggs) ran Ricky Benton’s No. 92 truck at Charlotte and Martinsville (in 2012, when Layne was 10). I remember going to Martinsville and watching. The equipment wasn’t amazing, but he made the best of it. He finished fifth, and I was pulling so hard for him.”
— Layne Riggs
Despite the truck’s lack of raw power, Riggs remembered his father finding ways to outperform more well-equipped rivals by taking clever racing lines, which fueled Layne’s admiration. This race stood out as one of Scott Riggs’s last truly competitive showings at NASCAR’s highest tiers, cementing his place as Layne’s biggest role model.
Layne’s perception of racing shifted over time. Initially, he cared little for NASCAR, believing that having a father as a professional driver was commonplace.
“Yeah, my dad is a race car driver, isn’t everybody’s dad a race car driver? This is kind of boring.”
— Layne Riggs
However, as he matured, the uniqueness of his upbringing became clear, igniting the drive that would define his career.
A Reluctant Start Gives Way to Racing Ambition
Layne admitted an initial lack of enthusiasm for racing until his late elementary years, finding more interest in school sports. He tried baseball, basketball, and soccer but wasn’t able to stand out athletically, which intensified his search for something fulfilling. Over time, the realization set in that few people grow up with a father in professional sports, much less NASCAR, and that realization became central to his motivation for pursuing a racing career.
Despite being surrounded by legends like Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson, and Jeff Gordon, Layne’s driving force was always the support and example set by his father.
Scott Riggs’s influence did not end when Layne began competing. Even after Scott’s professional days, he rarely missed his son’s races, helping him at the track and playing an active role with Layne’s Front Row Motorsports team. Scott’s presence remains consistent, demonstrating a deep familial bond that propelled Layne’s racing journey.
The Importance of Family Legacy and Inspiration in NASCAR
Layne Riggs’s story is a reminder that while high-profile figures like Dale Earnhardt Jr. inspire millions, for some drivers, passion comes directly from personal connections and family legacy. The continued involvement of Scott Riggs, both as a mentor and hands-on supporter, has been a defining feature of Layne’s path, highlighting the emotional highs and lows that can come with a family deeply embedded in the NASCAR world.
Looking forward, Layne Riggs continues to embrace the lessons learned from watching his father’s persistence, resourcefulness, and unwavering support. Though he grew up alongside racing heroes, it was Scott Riggs who provided the most meaningful example for Layne, shaping his ambitions and fueling his own aspirations within the intense, emotional landscape of professional NASCAR racing.
.@LayneRiggs99 makes his first visit to the 12 Questions series this week: https://t.co/yiICjRobM2
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) September 24, 2025
