NASCAR driver Ryan Ellis is turning his love of speed into a different kind of race — one that encourages children to pick up a book.
Growing up, Ellis spent countless afternoons curled up with the Harry Potter series, often camping out overnight to be among the first to get the newest release.
A Childhood Fueled by Storytelling
Those early experiences taught him that a good story can transport readers to new worlds, a lesson he now wants to pass on to the next generation.
Today, Ellis reads bedtime stories to his four‑year‑old daughter, who has developed a particular fondness for Disney‑related titles that stretch across many pages.
Reading Becomes a Family Ritual
The nightly ritual has not only sparked her imagination but also reshaped Ellis’s own habits; he finds himself devouring longer works than ever before.
He frequently shares anecdotes about the excitement of turning pages with her, emphasizing how shared reading can strengthen bonds and boost confidence in young readers.
Beyond his own family, Ellis is collaborating with local schools and community centers to host reading workshops, hoping to create a ripple effect that reaches children who might otherwise overlook the joy of books.
His message is clear: reading is not a solitary pastime but a shared adventure that can be as thrilling as any race on the track.
As he looks ahead, Ellis plans to expand his literacy initiatives, aiming to bring author visits and book giveaways to tracks and pits across the country.
For now, the driver says the greatest victory is seeing a child’s eyes light up when they finish a chapter on their own.