Racing cars also gave Ryan an opportunity to raise awareness of Down syndrome. In November of 2016, Ryan met a family whose son, Zachary, was born with Down Syndrome. When Ryan found out the family was involved with the nonprofit organization The Upside of Down, he decided to support the cause.

“When I saw Zachary playing with my old monster truck cars, I wanted to give him the experience that I have when I’m racing cars,” Ryan said. “I want to support their cause to make people aware of Down syndrome and grasp hold of what to expect when they have a child with Down Syndrome.”

If he’s not at a race track, Ryan’s spending his time maintaining a 4.0 gpa and studying for two honors classes and a pre-Advanced Placement course. After school, he’s practicing and competing on La Mirada High’s track and field team. This is all on top of finding racing sponsorships and funding, which typically go toward new tires and fuel for every race.

“I know racing takes a lot of effort and time from me and my parents, and I’m always going to work my hardest because I know my parents are doing the same for me,” Ryan said. “My parents are working overtime to support my racing and I can’t be more thankful for their support.”

Ryan wants to eventually move up the ranks in NASCAR, and if he’s unable to reach the top tiers, he’ll still find a career working with automobiles.

“I love cars – I always have as a kid and I still do now,” Ryan said. “That will never change.”