Episode 131: Ryan Ellis

Ryan Ellis joins Davey (14:20) for an episode full of laughs, memories, reflection and even some trivia. A new father, Ellis details what life has been like with minimal sleep while working his 9-5 job AND racing. Also a third-generation driver, Ellis explains how his late grandfather and father started racing, how Ryan got involved and his fond memories of the early days of go-karting. After getting selected to appear on a Discovery Channel show in the Jetta-TDI Cup Series, Ellis seemed to be on the ride, but his confidence was fluctuating. He explains why, and details his Grand-Am experiences and how Jimmy Means gave him a start in NASCAR, something he admittedly wasn't seeking out. From Obaika Racing to BK Racing and everywhere in between, Ellis has been through the ringer. He tells the good, bad and ugly stories of his time working for countless car owners and why he made it a point to stay out of the way in his first ever Cup start, which also happened to be his hero Jeff Gordon's penultimate one. The journey to where he is now has made Ellis appreciate the sport more, and he explains why. Plus, why being an Asian-American never ended up helping him in the NASCAR Diversity program, his thoughts on CBD sponsorships, his love of hockey, why he decided to get a college degree and how it's helped him in the real world and in racing, how his Kansas Cup start with Rick Ware Racing came about, the awesome partnerships he has on the BJ McLeod Motorsports Xfinity car this weekend at Martinsville and more. Davey also beings his girlfriend Robin, noted Washington Capitals super fan, on to go head-to-head with Ellis answering Caps trivia questions. Who won and is the bigger fan? You'll have to find out. Davey also touches on Kyle Larson's ninth victory of the season and third in a row, Ty Gibbs' memorable day, previews the penultimate race of the season at Martinsville and Papa Segal pays homage to "The Mayor" Jeff Burton.