Ryan Ellis and DGM Racing are set to part ways after the conclusion of the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, a surprising development that was revealed by the team right before the upcoming race at Martinsville Speedway. The Ryan Ellis NASCAR Xfinity split marks a sudden turn, coming after a year of steady performances and ongoing team plans.
DGM Racing Parts Ways with Ryan Ellis After 2025 Season
DGM Racing took to their official X account to share the news of ending their association with Ryan Ellis following the 2025 season. The announcement comes as a surprise, especially since the team and Ellis had built momentum during a crucial stretch of the season with Classic Collision as a sponsor for their final run together.
Ellis’ tenure in the Xfinity Series began in 2012 when he raced for Hamilton Means Racing, driving the #52 Chevy. Over the years, he worked his way up in the sport, joining Alpha Prime Racing by 2023 and becoming a full-time driver there the following year. His move to DGM Racing in 2025, alongside Jesse Iwuji Motorsports, saw him take the wheel of the #71 Chevy as a full-time competitor.
Ellis’ Performance and Results in the 2025 Season
This season, Ryan Ellis managed several top-20 finishes, with a highlight performance at Charlotte Motor Speedway that earned his first top-10 finish for the team. These efforts helped place Ellis 28th in the Xfinity Series driver standings, accumulating 388 points in 31 starts so far. His results also contributed to the #71 Chevy’s 29th position in the owners’ standings, showing consistent improvement and teamwork throughout the year.
DGM Racing acknowledged Ellis’ achievements and expressed appreciation for his contributions as they prepare for their final races together. The team communicated their sentiments publicly:
“We wish Ryan the best in his next chapter and look forward to finishing the year strong with Classic Collision on board for our last race together.”
The split, described as unexpected, appeared to be initiated by Ellis. The team provided clarification on the driver’s role in the decision:
“To clarify, @ryanellisracing is fully aware as this was HIS decision. We were already putting 2026 plans into motion… until we weren’t. It’s still a shock to us as well.”
Ellis’ Long-Awaited Chance to Race #71 in NASCAR
Before joining DGM Racing, Ellis had never raced using the number that held personal significance for him—the #71. The California native, whose passion for racing began at an early age, saw his childhood dream become reality this season when he finally drove the #71 Chevy in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Ellis reflected on his connection to the number in a post shared with his fans:
“Growing up, I was always number 71. Go-karts, quarter midgets, legends cars, and every level of hockey I competed in.”
He followed up by acknowledging how special it was to race with that number in NASCAR, expressing his appreciation to DGM Racing for the opportunity:
“In every NASCAR video game I played, I created a 71 car, dreaming it would be real one day. I never thought I’d be lucky enough to race it in NASCAR. Thank you, @dgm_racing_!”
This deep connection to #71 also holds meaning for team owner Mario Gosselin, whose own Xfinity Series debut involved the #71 car back in 1998. Notably, both Mario and his wife were born in 1971, adding another layer of sentiment to the number’s significance within the team.
What Lies Ahead for Ryan Ellis and DGM Racing
The announcement of the Ryan Ellis NASCAR Xfinity split leaves the future uncertain for both parties. While DGM Racing had already started planning for the 2026 season with Ellis, the reversal signals a major shift in their development strategy. Fans and observers now look to the final races of the year, anticipating how both Ellis and the team will approach their farewell and what future opportunities may emerge.
The move underscores how quickly plans can change in the world of NASCAR and the Xfinity Series, especially for drivers and teams striving for success at every lap. Both Ryan Ellis and DGM Racing will close out their partnership with high expectations, reflecting on the achievements and memories forged throughout their collaboration.
To clarify, @ryanellisracing is fully aware as this was HIS decision. We were already putting 2026 plans into motion… until we weren’t. It’s still a shock to us as well. https://t.co/PbNlf3c9Ts
— DGM Racing (@DGMRacingFL) October 26, 2025
