MOORESVILLE, N.C. – Driver Ryan Ellis and sponsor Keen Parts/CorvetteParts.net will join Alpha Prime Racing for multiple NASCAR Xfinity Series races next season.
While his schedule is still being finalized, Ellis is expected to compete in five NASCAR Xfinity Series races next year.
Ellis has made starts in all three NASCAR National divisions, including 56 starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He has one career top-15 finish, which came in the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Daytona Int’l Speedway in 2016.
“He doesn’t quit,” team co-owner Tommy Joe Martins said of Ellis. “He’s a talented race car driver. He’s just never found a home out here. He’s had to bounce around and just make it work. He’s willing to drive anything, but he’s never been in top-15 level equipment. We want to give him that chance.
“I had over a hundred NASCAR starts before I got a top-10,” Martins continued. “I look at Ryan and what he’s done to stay around – driving for no money, driving for small teams. He’s really impressed me anytime I’ve ever raced with him. He’s a great addition, and he’s going to surprise some people.”
Ellis gives all the credit to his sponsors.
“I can’t reiterate enough how appreciative I am of Tom & T.J. of CorvetteParts.net giving me a chance to compete with an extremely strong program at APR,” Ellis said. “The Keen’s support of my career means so much to me. We’ve been friends since meeting at GFR and it means so much that they continue to support my dream with their amazing family-owned business. The Keen’s and their brand are extremely well known and respected in and outside of the garage area. We want to continue to help driver sales so we can grow this partnership.”
CorvetteParts.net is a family-owned business owned by Tom and T.J. Keen. They sell parts and accessories for Corvette-lovers of all generations. They have been loyal NASCAR sponsors and friends of many within the industry since 2011, supporting drivers of all levels since then.
T.J. Keen shares her driver’s anticipation.
“We at Keen Parts/CorvetteParts.net are excited to be joining Alpha Prime Racing and Ryan Ellis in the Xfinity Series for a number of races in 2022,” T.J. Keen said. “We’re looking forward to continuing our relationship with Ryan and are really excited to be working with Tommy and his growing team.”
The relationship Ellis had with Martins, a fellow underfunded driver, helped foster the deal.
“Tommy and I have been good friends for many years now and this is the perfect time to begin working together,” Ellis said. “Martins Motorsports was a well-run, competitive, highly respected program from the ground up and I can’t wait to be a part of what they’re putting together at Alpha Prime Racing. It’s a big opportunity for me, the Keen’s, and all our other partners.”
Pending changes, Ellis’ first race is expected to be at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway on April 8.