Ryan James Ellis Bio
Ryan James Ellis (born November 29, 1989) is an American professional stock car racing driver. He competes full-time in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, driving the No. 02 Chevrolet Camaro SS for Young’s Motorsports. Ellis has also competed in the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, demonstrating versatility across multiple racing disciplines.
A third-generation racecar driver, Ellis began driving Quarter Midgets at age four and became one of Virginia’s most successful open-wheel racers. His career includes numerous championships and accolades, highlighting his talent on various track types.
Early Life and Background
Ryan James Ellis was born in Torrance, California, and grew up in a racing family with parents Jim and Jane Ellis. He has a younger sister named Kara. Ellis attended Stone Bridge High School, graduating in 2008, and pursued higher education at George Mason University and Appalachian State University. He is a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity.
Ellis began racing Quarter Midgets at four years old, quickly establishing himself as a formidable competitor in Virginia. His early success in open-wheel racing laid the foundation for his transition to larger racing series. Outside of racing, Ellis is an avid hockey player and a dedicated fan of the Washington Capitals, often incorporating hockey themes into his racing gear.
Path to NASCAR
Ellis entered NASCAR’s Late Model Stock Car division in 2006, quickly becoming the Rookie pacesetter at Old Dominion Speedway. Concurrently, he competed in Legends Car racing and road racing with the National Auto Sport Association (NASA), winning multiple regional championships and earning national recognition.
His success in NASA and Legends Car competition led to opportunities in the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup and the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge. Ellis earned the 2011 Grand-Am ST Rookie of the Year award, showcasing his adaptability and skill in sports car racing before fully transitioning to NASCAR’s national series.
Ryan James Ellis Career
Early Career (1994–2005)
Ellis began his racing career in Quarter Midgets, becoming Virginia’s all-time leader in QMA competition. He progressed to Legends Car racing at age twelve, winning multiple Young Lion and Semi-Pro titles. In 2005, Ellis captured the Virginia State Legends Pro Championship and finished fourth in the National Pro Series, establishing himself as a top competitor on short tracks.
During this period, Ellis gained extensive experience on oval tracks across Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. His success in Legends racing provided a strong foundation for his future endeavors in road racing and stock car competition.
Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup and Sports Car Racing (2008–2013)
In 2009, Ellis was selected among fifteen drivers nationwide to compete in the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup. That year, he also dominated the Teen Mazda Challenge on the West Coast, winning the championship. Ellis demonstrated strong road racing skills, finishing as runner-up in the Mazda MX-5 Cup Shootout and earning multiple podiums and track records in the TDI Cup.
Ellis transitioned to the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge in 2011, winning the season opener at Daytona and earning the ST Rookie of the Year title. He continued to compete successfully in sports car racing through 2013, securing wins and pole positions despite team changes and mechanical setbacks.
NASCAR Breakthrough and National Series Competition (2014–Present)
Ellis made his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut in 2014 with FDNY Racing, running a partial schedule. He also competed in the Xfinity Series and made his Sprint Cup Series debut in 2014 with Circle Sport. In 2016, Ellis drove part-time in the Cup Series for BK Racing and served as a public relations representative for Go Fas Racing and Matt DiBenedetto.
After a brief hiatus from driving in 2020, Ellis returned to the Xfinity Series in 2021 with B. J. McLeod Motorsports. In 2022, he joined Alpha Prime Racing on a partial schedule, achieving a career-best 13th-place finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Ellis expanded his role with Alpha Prime in 2023 and is set to compete full-time with DGM Racing in 2025.
Young’s Motorsports Era (Present)
Currently, Ellis drives the No. 02 Chevrolet Camaro SS for Young’s Motorsports full-time in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. He continues to build momentum with consistent performances and aims to leverage his extensive experience across racing disciplines to achieve further success.
Driving Style and Strengths
Ellis is known for his versatility, excelling on both oval and road courses. His background in open-wheel and sports car racing contributes to his strong race craft and strategic approach. Ellis maintains productive relationships with his teams and crew chiefs, enhancing his competitive edge.
Notable Races and Milestones
Ellis has achieved significant milestones including his first NASCAR top-ten finish in 2025 at Charlotte. He is recognized for his performances at Virginia short tracks and his adaptability across racing formats, marking him as a respected competitor in the NASCAR community.
Ryan James Ellis Career Wins
Throughout his career, Ellis has accumulated wins across multiple racing series, including the Virginia State Legends Pro Championship in 2005, the Teen Mazda West Coast Championship in 2009, and the NASA SU National Championship in 2011. His NASCAR national series wins are developing as he continues to compete full-time.
Other Wins & Performances
Ellis has notable achievements in sports car racing, including multiple wins and pole positions in the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge. His early success in Legends Car and NASA competitions established his reputation as a versatile and skilled driver.
Ryan James Ellis Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Ryan Ellis is a third-generation racecar driver, with a family deeply rooted in motorsports. His father, Jim Ellis, and mother, Jane Ellis, supported his racing pursuits from an early age. This lineage has influenced his dedication and passion for racing.
Personal Life
Ellis resides in Huntersville, North Carolina, with his wife Allison Ellis, who is known locally for her philanthropic work. Outside of racing, Ellis is active in the hockey community, playing recreationally and professionally. He also hosts a racing podcast and participates in motorsports media engagements.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Ryan Ellis is set to drive full-time for DGM Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, piloting the No. 71 car. Early in the season, he achieved his first top-ten finish at Charlotte, signaling a positive trajectory. Ellis aims to build on this momentum with consistent performances and strong team collaboration.
The season outlook is optimistic as Ellis leverages his extensive experience and adaptability to contend for competitive results. His partnership with DGM Racing is expected to provide a stable platform for career growth and further success in national NASCAR competition.
