Ryan Vargas

Player Information

Ryan John Vargas (born September 23, 2000) is an American professional stock car racing driver who last competed part-time in the NASCAR Canada Series, driving the No. 28 Dodge Challenger for DJK Racing as well as part-time in the ARCA Menards Series, driving the No. 67 Chevrolet/Ford for Maples Motorsports. He has previously competed in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, and the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series.
Birthdate:
23 September 2000
Full Name:
Ryan John Vargas
Birthplace:
La Mirada, California, U.S.
Nationality:
United States
Gender:
Male
Education:
La Mirada High School (High School)
Career Started:
2012
Notable Achievements:
2016, 2017 Wendell Scott Trailblazer Award Winner (2016, 2017), 2023 Comcast Community Champion (2023)
Car Number:
28
Car Model:
Dodge Challenger

Ryan John Vargas Bio

Ryan John Vargas (born September 23, 2000) is an American professional stock car racing driver known for competing part-time in the NASCAR Canada Series and the ARCA Menards Series. He has also raced in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, and the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series.

Early Life and Background

Ryan John Vargas was born in La Mirada, California, United States. He was born with craniosynostosis, a condition affecting the skull. Vargas attended La Mirada High School during his formative years. His early exposure to racing began in 2012 when he started competing in Bandolero cars at Irwindale Speedway, marking the beginning of his motorsports journey.

Progressing through the ranks, Vargas moved up to Super Stock and super late model racing by 2015. His early career development included competing in various regional racing series, which helped him build foundational skills and gain valuable experience on different tracks.

Path to NASCAR

In 2018, Vargas signed with Rev Racing to compete full-time in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. Despite a challenging start with finishes outside the top ten, he improved to finish ninth at Langley Speedway and ended the season sixth in points with six top-ten finishes. This performance showcased his potential and helped him transition to higher levels of NASCAR competition.

Following his time in K&N Pro Series East, Vargas returned to Irwindale Speedway in 2019 for a full season of Super Late Model racing and also competed in Late Model Stock Car races in the East. These experiences further honed his racecraft and prepared him for national NASCAR series opportunities.

Ryan John Vargas Career

Early Career (2012–2018)

Ryan Vargas began his racing career in 2012 in Bandolero cars at Irwindale Speedway. By 2015, he advanced to Super Stock and super late model racing, gaining experience in competitive regional series. His early years included racing for teams such as Lee Faulk Racing and participating in various late model events to develop his skills.

In 2018, Vargas made a significant step by joining Rev Racing for a full season in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. He demonstrated steady progress throughout the season, finishing sixth in the championship standings with multiple top-ten results, establishing himself as a promising young talent.

NASCAR Xfinity Series Breakthrough (2019–2023)

Vargas made his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut in July 2019 at Iowa Speedway driving for JD Motorsports. He returned to the series in 2020 on a multi-race deal and later secured a six-race sponsorship from TikTok, which expanded his schedule. In 2021, Vargas competed full-time in the Xfinity Series with JD Motorsports, driving the No. 6 car before switching to the No. 4 car mid-season to improve qualifying chances.

In 2022, Vargas initially planned to continue full-time with JD Motorsports but moved to Mike Harmon Racing’s No. 47 car for select races. He achieved his second top-ten finish at Daytona that year. In 2023, after failing to qualify for two Xfinity races, Vargas transitioned to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, participating in seven races and earning one top-ten finish. He also competed in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series, securing two top-ten finishes in four races.

DJK Racing Era and NASCAR Canada Series (2024–Present)

In 2024, Vargas committed to racing full-time in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series, achieving five top-ten finishes and finishing tenth in the standings. In 2025, he announced his debut in the NASCAR Canada Series driving the No. 28 Dodge Challenger for DJK Racing. Despite missing two races due to funding issues, Vargas finished seventh in the standings with seven top-ten finishes and one podium.

Driving Style and Strengths

Ryan Vargas is known for his adaptability across various racing series and track types. His experience in late models and diverse NASCAR series has developed his racecraft and strategic approach. Vargas demonstrates resilience and the ability to compete effectively in both short tracks and road courses.

Notable Races and Milestones

Vargas earned recognition as the Wendell Scott Trailblazer Award winner in 2016 and 2017, highlighting his impact as a rising driver. His top-ten finishes in the Xfinity and Euro Series, along with his milestone debut in the NASCAR Canada Series, mark key moments in his career progression.

Ryan John Vargas Career Wins

While Ryan Vargas has yet to secure a major series win, his consistent top-ten finishes across multiple NASCAR series demonstrate his competitive presence and potential for future victories.

NASCAR Xfinity Series Highlights

Vargas made his Xfinity Series debut in 2019 and competed full-time in 2021. He achieved multiple top-ten finishes, including a notable sixth-place finish at Daytona in 2022. His tenure in the series provided valuable experience against strong competition.

Other Wins & Performances

In addition to his Xfinity Series efforts, Vargas has shown strong performances in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, earning several top-ten finishes and demonstrating versatility across different racing platforms.

Ryan John Vargas Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

Details about Ryan Vargas’s family background and racing lineage are not publicly documented.

Personal Life

Ryan Vargas was born with craniosynostosis and attended La Mirada High School. Further personal details, including marital status and family, are not publicly available.

2025 Season Performance

In 2025, Ryan Vargas is set to compete full-time in the NASCAR Canada Series driving the No. 28 Dodge Challenger for DJK Racing. Despite funding challenges that caused him to miss two races, Vargas maintained strong form with seven top-ten finishes and a podium, finishing seventh in the championship standings. This season represents a significant step as he aims to establish himself further in the Canadian NASCAR circuit.

His participation in the ARCA Menards Series and continued involvement in the Whelen Euro Series complement his schedule, showcasing his commitment to broadening his racing experience and competitiveness across multiple platforms.