Once a racer, always a racer.
While Ryan Ellis isn’t a full-time competitor in the NASCAR Xfinity Series anymore, when opportunity knocks, he answers. And with two weekends off in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) this summer in June and August, Ellis won’t be at the beach soaking in the sun.
Instead, Ellis who serves as the public relations representative for Go Fas Racing and driver Corey Lajoie on Sundays will strap into B.J. McLeod’s No. 99 Toyota Supra at Iowa Speedway and Road America respectively.
Known for digging the trenches and finding his own self-funding to fulfill a dream of racing in NASCAR’s top three national series, Ellis has partnered with Country music group Wes Cook Band who will promote patriotism.
Last year, Wes Cook Band’s song “I Stand For The Flag” caught the attention of Ellis when they were featured on FOX and Friends. Nathan Stoops, Wes Cook Band manager and Ellis’s team began to brainstorm about how to fulfill their partnership to its full potential.
Together, “I Stand For The Flag” will serve as the inspiration for the design on Ellis’ No. 99 race car this summer – while hoping to promote patriotism throughout the industry.
“I am thrilled to represent not only the Wes Cook Band but also this song which has significant meaning to me,” said Ellis. “It’s great to have the support of my new friends, the Wes Cook Band in my return to the race car.
“I know they love America, just as much as I do, and I know the NASCAR fans share the same love for this great country. I couldn’t think of two better race tracks too. Iowa and Road America are such amazing facilities with race fans who crave great NASCAR racing. I’m excited about this summer and can’t thank B.J. McLeod Motorsports too for the opportunity.”
Stoops says their band and songs fit right into NASCAR’s wheelhouse – so the partnership with Ellis made instant sense.
“We wrote this song as a love letter to America – an olive branch that promotes unity and patriotism,” he said. “We’re thrilled for the opportunity to spread this message to such a patriotic audience as the NASCAR fans. We know they love America, just like we do!”
Ellis will also carry support for the two-race stint from Enlisted Nine, Audio Video Specialists, Top Cover and Nine Line Apparel.
“It takes every dollar and a lot of people to make this work,” added Ellis. “To have the support of everyone at Go Fas Racing too just proves how much of a family sport NASCAR is. I would not have this opportunity without all of my marketing partners, and I appreciate them coming on board and can’t wait to get to the track in June.”
Taking the route to NASCAR from the sports car arena, Ellis has fought to stay in the stock car world. From driving for underfunded teams, driving for free and even making the decision to give up the steering wheel for a computer, all the trials and tribulations for the Ashburn, Va. native have been difficult – but the 29-year-old says he wouldn’t trade the experiences for anything.
“I’ve been through a lot in my career – but it’s made me a better person,” explained Ellis. “I love this sport and the people in it. While I’m not driving every week, I still find my heart racing when that green flag waves. I have some lofty goals for Iowa and Road America and with some luck, we’ll be able to accomplish them and see maybe what we can do for the future.
“Iowa and Road America is going to pretty special for me and the Wes Cook Band.”
Across Cup, Trucks and Xfinity, Ellis has 77 starts from the 2.5-mile superspeedway of Daytona to the half-mile bullring of Bristol Motor Speedway – but for Ellis, he hopes for an opportunity for a top-10 finish.
“It’s going to be a challenge for a top-10 finish – but not impossible,” added Ellis who will run his 49th and 50th Xfinity races this year. “We’ve seen how race strategies have created some unique scenarios and some surprise players at both Iowa and Road America in the past and I’m hoping that this year’s races will provide some of the same scenarios.
“No matter what, I’m thankful for the opportunity to race on Saturdays and be a part of a great organization on Sunday with Go Fas Racing.
“Life is good.”
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
