MOORESVILLE, N.C.: We are pleased to announce that Ryan Vargas, along with anchor partner Critical Path Security Canada, will contest a majority of the NASCAR Canada Series Schedule in the No. 28 Critical Path Security Canada Dodge Challenger with DJ Kennington Racing, with intentions of securing additional partners for a full- time effort.
“The NASCAR Canada Series has been one that I’ve wanted to compete in for quite some time now,” says 24-year-old Vargas. “I’ve watched DJ and his team have incredible success over the last several years and when it became evident that Critical Path and I wanted to make this jump north, I knew he’d be the team I’d call.
“It means the world to me to continue representing Critical Path Security on an international stage; last year we had a blast in EuroNASCAR, Collecting a category win and several podiums and I hope to continue improving on that performance with DJK Racing on the Canadian Side!”
This campaign will mark the second straight year the American driver will take on an International NASCAR Series Schedule.
Last season, Vargas competed full-time in the NASCAR Euro Series, securing a Top-10 points finish. “It’s really special getting the chance to expand my racing portfolio out of the U.S. and get the chance to race on some of the world’s best circuits. This year, with the Canadian schedule having more ovals than Europe and aligning with DJ’s team, I believe this is one of the best opportunities I’ve had to be competitive in NASCAR.”
“I am very excited to work together (with Ryan), share knowledge and make our program the best it can be,” said Team Owner DJ Kennington. “Excited for Ryan’s expertise in social media and online formats, which will take our program to a higher level!”
Patrick Kelley, CEO of Critical Path Security, expressed enthusiasm about this upcoming campaign: “Our journey with Ryan Vargas in Europe was nothing short of extraordinary, and we’re excited to continue this partnership closer to home, partnered with Critical Path Security – Canada. Ryan embodies resilience, skill, and the competitive spirit that aligns perfectly with our company’s mission and values.
“Sponsoring him in the NASCAR Canada Series provides an exceptional platform to showcase our innovative cybersecurity solutions to a passionate North American audience.”
The 2025 NASCAR Canada Series schedule kicks off May 18 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario. Coverage for every NASCAR Canada Series race will be LIVE on REV TV in Canada and LIVE on YouTube for U.S. fans.
About Ryan Vargas:
Ryan started racing at 11 years old in 2012 and proved to be a quick learner, winning dozens of races and championships in lower divisions. Now 24 years old, Vargas has become a known name in the sport of NASCAR. In 2018, Ryan was signed onto the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program and competed in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East for Rev Racing, finishing 6th overall in the standings.
In addition, Ryan was selected to be part of the NASCAR Next Program. In 2019, Vargas made the jump to the NASCAR Xfinity Series and later the Truck Series, garnering numerous top-20s and top-10s in his young NASCAR Career.
Ryan’s impressive 12-year racing career includes the 2016 and 2017 Wendell Scott Trailblazer Award, which is the highest honor given to a minority (in Ryan’s case, Hispanic) or female racer who competes in the NWAAS. Ryan is the first and only driver in NASCAR history to receive the prestigious award more than once.
Along with that, Vargas continues to use his diagnosis of Craniosynostosis (a skull deformation he had surgery for at 11 months old) to inspire young fans across the country to pursue their dreams no matter what. In November of 2023, Ryan was named the 2023 Comcast Community Champion for his efforts as a board member of FACES: The National Craniofacial Association.
As part of the award, FACES was given a donation of $60,000 to go towards grants for medical travel, events and the annual FACES Camp. In January 2024, Ryan was also recognized with the 2023 NMPA Q1 Pocono Spirit Award for his contributions with FACES.
About Critical Path Security:
Critical Path Security was founded on a deep knowledge of cyber security and how it applies to a wide array of industry verticals. Our professionals have the breadth of experience and depth of knowledge to solve unique security problems; including those that typically plague the corporate landscape.
We understand that every organization is different and will have it’s own set of unique challenges. Our cyber security team has protected corporate assets for more than 20 years both nationally and internationally.
Our clients span numerous industries, including retail, manufacturing, healthcare, defense, national power grid, maritime, avionics, cellular communications, financial services, and entertainment. We are the single source experts for over 400 federally regulated institutions. We also frequently appear in the media commentating about the state of information security. Common topics generally pertain to both corporate and national interests.
Critical Path Security offers managed detection and response, vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, security awareness training and incident response, to name a few.
For a complete list of the services we provide, please see our professional services and managed services pages.
Furthermore, please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or security-related concerns.
About DJ Kennington:
D.J. Kennington, born on July 15, 1977, in St. Thomas, Ontario, is a prominent Canadian stock car racing driver and owner of DJK Racing, where he pilots the No. 17 Dodge Challenger in the NASCAR Canada Series.
Kennington has secured two series championships in 2010 and 2012 and has amassed 24 wins, 161 top-ten finishes, and 15 pole positions over 189 starts. Notably, in the 2012 season, he set a series record by winning five consecutive races. Beyond the Canada Series, Kennington has competed in NASCAR’s top divisions, including 16 starts in the Cup Series, 51 in the Xfinity Series, and 12 in the Craftsman Truck Series.
His extensive experience and consistent performance have solidified his status as a leading figure in Canadian motorsports.