Ryan Ellis Bio
Early Life and Background
Ryan James Ellis was born on November 29, 1989, in Torrance, California, and raised in Ashburn, Virginia. He is a third-generation racecar driver, which influenced his early exposure to motorsports. Ellis began driving Quarter Midgets at the age of four, quickly establishing himself as a talented young racer. He attended Stone Bridge High School, graduating in 2008, and later pursued higher education at George Mason University and Appalachian State University.
Path to NASCAR
Ellis’s racing career began in Quarter Midgets, where he became Virginia’s all-time leader. He transitioned to the Legends Cars series at age twelve, achieving national success and winning the Virginia State Pro Championship in 2005. His early career included a mix of NASCAR Late Model Stock Car racing and road racing with the National Auto Sport Association, where he garnered multiple championships and accolades.
Ryan Ellis Career
Early Career (1994–2013)
Ellis’s early career was marked by significant achievements in various racing series. He won the Virginia State Legends Pro Championship in 2005 and the Teen Mazda West Coast Championship in 2009. In 2011, he was recognized as the NASA SU National Champion and earned the Grand-Am ST Rookie of the Year award in 2011 after a successful stint in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge.
NASCAR Breakthrough (2014–Present)
Ellis made his NASCAR debut in 2014, competing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. He drove for FDNY Racing and participated in various events in the Xfinity Series. His first Sprint Cup Series race occurred in 2015 at the Quicken Loans Race for Heroes 500, where he finished 40th. Over the years, he has driven for several teams, including BK Racing and Alpha Prime Racing, and has continued to build his presence in the sport.
In 2021, Ellis returned to the NASCAR Xfinity Series with B.J. McLeod Motorsports, participating in a seven-race schedule. His performance improved significantly in 2022 with Alpha Prime Racing, where he achieved a career-best thirteenth-place finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. As of 2024, he is set to join DGM Racing for a full-time season, driving the No. 71 car.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Ellis is known for his adaptability across different racing formats, showcasing a strong understanding of both oval and road course racing. His experience in various series has honed his skills in racecraft, strategy, and vehicle dynamics, making him a versatile competitor on the track.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Throughout his career, Ellis has secured several notable wins and accolades, including multiple championships in Legends Cars and road racing. His recognition as the Grand-Am ST Rookie of the Year in 2011 stands out as a significant milestone in his racing journey.
Ryan Ellis Career Wins
Ryan Ellis has achieved notable success across various racing series, including wins in Legends Cars and championships in road racing. However, he has yet to secure a win in the NASCAR national series.
Current NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Highlights
As of 2025, Ellis competes full-time in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, driving the No. 02 Chevrolet Camaro SS for Young’s Motorsports. He has shown consistent improvement, with a best finish of 23rd in the series. His career in this series continues to develop as he seeks to secure his first win.
Previous NASCAR Series Achievements
Ellis has competed in the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, with his best finish being 29th in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2015. His experience across these series has contributed to his growth as a driver, preparing him for future challenges.
Ryan Ellis Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
Ryan Ellis comes from a family with a rich racing heritage, being a third-generation driver. His parents, Jim and Jane Ellis, have supported his racing endeavors throughout his career. He has a younger sister named Kara, and he currently resides in Huntersville, North Carolina, with his wife, Allison Ellis.
Personal Life
Outside of racing, Ellis is known for his philanthropic efforts and love for dogs, which his wife shares. He is also an avid hockey player, having played professionally and recreationally. Ellis is a dedicated fan of the Washington Capitals and has incorporated his passion for hockey into his racing persona.
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 at DGM Racing, he aims to build on his previous experiences and secure his first career win. The season has started with promising results, and Ellis is focused on improving his standings and making a significant impact in the series. His performance will be closely monitored as he seeks to capitalize on his growing momentum and establish himself as a contender in the NASCAR landscape.
