Ryan Ellis Bio
Early Life and Background
Ryan James Ellis was born on November 29, 1989, in Torrance, California. He is a third-generation racecar driver, and his early exposure to racing began at the age of four when he started driving Quarter Midgets. Over the next seven years, he became Virginia’s all-time QMA leader, achieving significant success in open-wheel racing. Ellis graduated from Stone Bridge High School in 2008 and later attended George Mason University and Appalachian State University.
Path to NASCAR
Ellis transitioned to the NASCAR scene in 2006, quickly establishing himself as a rookie pacesetter in the Late Model Stock Car division at Old Dominion Speedway. He also competed in various road racing events, winning multiple championships with the National Auto Sport Association (NASA). His early achievements included winning the 2005 Virginia State Legends Pro Championship and the 2009 Teen Mazda West Coast Championship, which set the stage for his entry into professional racing.
Ryan Ellis Career
Early Career (2010–2013)
Ellis’s professional racing career took off in 2010 when he competed in the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup, securing two wins and multiple podium finishes. He continued to excel in road racing, winning the Grand-Am ST Rookie of the Year award in 2011 after a successful season that included a victory at Daytona International Speedway. He also drove for various teams in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, showcasing his versatility as a driver.
NASCAR Breakthrough (2014–Present)
In 2014, Ellis made his debut in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, driving for FDNY Racing. He later transitioned to the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Cup Series, making his Cup debut in the 2015 Quicken Loans Race for Heroes 500. Over the years, he has driven for several teams, including BK Racing and Alpha Prime Racing, with varying degrees of success. In 2022, he joined Alpha Prime Racing on a part-time schedule and achieved a career-best thirteenth place finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
In 2024, Ellis was announced to drive the No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro SS for Young’s Motorsports, marking a significant step in his career. He is expected to compete full-time in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2025.
Ryan Ellis’s Driving Style and Strengths
Ellis is known for his adaptability and competitive spirit, excelling in both oval and road racing formats. His experience in various racing disciplines has honed his skills, making him a well-rounded driver capable of handling diverse racing conditions.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Throughout his career, Ellis has secured several notable achievements, including multiple championships in Legends Cars and road racing. His victory in the Grand-Am ST Rookie of the Year award highlights his potential and dedication to the sport.
Ryan Ellis Career Wins
Ryan Ellis has achieved significant success in various racing series, although he has yet to secure a win in the NASCAR national series. His notable victories include championships in Legends Cars and road racing events.
Current NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Highlights
As of 2025, Ellis will compete full-time in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, driving the No. 02 Chevrolet Camaro SS for Young’s Motorsports. He aims to build on his previous experiences and secure his first career win in the series.
Previous NASCAR Series Achievements
Ellis has competed in the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, with his best finishes being 58th in the Cup Series and 29th in the Truck Series. His journey through these series has provided valuable experience as he continues to pursue success in NASCAR.
Ryan Ellis Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
Ryan Ellis comes from a racing family, with his father, Jim Ellis, and mother, Jane Ellis, supporting his racing endeavors from a young age. He has a younger sister named Kara, and the family has been instrumental in his development as a driver.
Personal Life
Ellis resides in Huntersville, North Carolina, with his wife, Allison Ellis, who is known for her philanthropic efforts. He is also an avid hockey player and has played professionally, showcasing his passion for sports beyond racing.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a pivotal year for Ryan Ellis as he competes full-time in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. With a new team and a dedicated focus on improving his performance, Ellis aims to secure his first career win. His experience in various racing formats will be crucial as he navigates the challenges of the season, with expectations of strong finishes and potential playoff contention.
