Ryan Ellis leaves DGM Racing in a surprising move announced just before the 2025 Martinsville race, ending his time as the No. 71 Chevrolet driver after the upcoming Phoenix Championship Weekend. The departure, confirmed as Ellis’s own choice, has caught both fans and the racing community off-guard, prompting questions about the future for both parties.
Team Issues Statement as Rumors Swirl
DGM Racing informed the public that Ryan Ellis would not return to drive the No. 71 Chevrolet after the Phoenix finale, placing focus on sponsor Classic Collision for the final event. The news broke ahead of Martinsville, rattling fans and industry observers unprepared for such a development. The announcement’s timing led to confusion and speculation online, as some questioned how and when the driver was notified about the split.
DGM Racing will part ways with Ryan Ellis, Driver of the No. 71 Chevrolet, following Championship Weekend in Phoenix. 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.
— DGM Racing
Reactions from the NASCAR fan base reflected surprise, with comments surfacing about the abruptness of the announcement. The confusion was underscored by reactions on social media, with one user expressing:
Y’all tell him on the radio or something? What on earth?
— Person on X (formerly Twitter)
The team clarified that Ellis initiated the move. They emphasized there was no internal dispute and expressed their own surprise at how discussions for the following season upended so suddenly. The organization indicated that while plans for 2026 had already been set in motion, they ultimately paused due to Ellis’s 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.
— DGM Racing (@DGMRacingFL) October 26, 2025
Ellis’s Season with DGM and His Impact
Ryan Ellis, age 28, came to DGM Racing at the start of the season without prior personal ties to the organization. Despite limited resources available to the team, Ellis achieved three top-10 finishes. As of the announcement, he sits 28th in the overall driver standings after 31 races, a solid showing given the competitive nature of the field and the relative size of the team.
Personal Reflections and Emotional Messages
The response to Ellis’s departure has been intense and charged, reflecting both his impact on the team and the suddenness of the shift. Ellis addressed his followers and teammates with heartfelt words, showing respect and gratitude towards DGM Racing:
When I came to @DGMRacingFL this year, it was one of the few teams I knew no one at. In the year we’ve worked together, the Gosselin family, and everyone who works for DGM have truly become family.
— Ryan Ellis, Driver
Ellis’s message made clear his departure wasn’t rooted in conflict or dissatisfaction, but rather a personal choice to move on. This rare window into the emotional bonds within a NASCAR team highlighted how much more there is to racing than lap times and results. Fans and observers noted that such changes serve as a reminder of the human side of motorsports, where relationships matter just as much as competition.
Looking Ahead to Phoenix and Beyond
With only the Phoenix Championship race remaining, attention has shifted to how both Ellis and DGM Racing will close out their partnership. The team stated their intention to finish the season strongly, with Classic Collision remaining as sponsor for their last event together. As the Martinsville race approaches, speculation is already building about what the future holds: Will Ellis secure a drive elsewhere for 2026? Who will fill the No. 71 seat going forward?
While official answers to these questions remain unclear, the end of the season promises to be emotional for all involved. Regardless of the statistics Ellis leaves behind, his visible mutual respect and gratitude have proven meaningful to the team and fans alike. The impact of Ryan Ellis leaves DGM Racing will be felt long after the final race flag drops in Phoenix.
Our time together was much too young, but we wish you the best in what’s yet to come. pic.twitter.com/LR69HWUGvs
— DGM Racing (@DGMRacingFL) October 25, 2025
Yall tell him on the radio or something? 😂 what on earth
— Zach (@Team54Updates) October 26, 2025
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.
— DGM Racing (@DGMRacingFL) October 26, 2025
When I came to @DGMRacingFL this year, it was one of the few teams I knew no one at. In the year we’ve worked together, the Gosselin family, and everyone who works for DGM has truly become family. Not just to me, but also to my family and friends. I know that phrase is often… https://t.co/u4m99ncnl4
— Ryan Ellis (@ryanellisracing) October 26, 2025
