Ryan Jones of Arvada thrives on competition. But unlike most kids his age, the 13-year-old seventh-grader at Oberon Middle School has had the opportunity to travel across the country and drive quarter-midget race cars to satisfy his desire.
“I don’t think I am much different from most other kids in school,” Ryan said, “except that I might know a little bit more about cars than they do. I have really good friends, and they let me talk about my racing.”
Quarter midgets aren’t remote-control toys; they’re open-wheel cars with a cage surrounding the drivers, who range from 5 to 16 years old.
Ryan’s family is not new to racing. His parents, Ray and Nikki Jones, were longtime drag racers who met at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison some 20 years ago. In fact, Nikki was pregnant with Ryan when she drove a Ford Mustang to a “quick 16” victory at Bandimere in August 1997. Nikki said it wasn’t easy getting out of the car after the race, with her baby bump and all, but somehow she managed. And just a few months later, Ryan was born.
“Ryan has this in his blood,” Nikki said.
It wasn’t until he turned 5, however, that Ryan actually began piloting his own race car.
At the 13th annual Silver State WinterNationals from Dec. 2-5, Ryan won the heavy mod title, giving him four national titles in 2010 and seven overall, and he finished second in the heavy world formula class and third in the heavy 160. For cashing in on his talents in Las Vegas, Ryan has earned The Denver Post Youth Excellence in Sports award for December.
“Ryan is definitely driven to succeed,” Nikki said, pun unintended. “He’s already working out to be in shape for the new season. He loves to race and realizes what it takes to be competitive. He is always working toward that.”
Ryan has realistic goals for his future — to race locally, be competitive and drive faster cars. His dream is to make it all the way to NASCAR to compete at the highest level of racing.
But there are rules and obligations that come first.
“Racing is certainly very high on our priority list, but the family rules have always been school first and then racing,” Ray said. “During the season, we spend 12 to 15 hours per week in the garage at night after a full day of work. Ryan is responsible for loading and unloading the trailer, scraping and cleaning tires, helps with setup duties and makes sure all his cars are ready to roll. He is also responsible for all of his own gear, such as his race suit, gloves and other safety items.”
When asked if he feels as though he has to sacrifice a lot of other things to race, Ryan said: “I am having fun. I gave up some local racing this year so we could go to bigger ones, but I don’t really miss out on anything. Racing has taught me to be patient, to think and to problem-solve. It has also given me self-confidence.”
And along the way, Ryan has gained some new friends.
Former local racer Chris Eggleston, who had some starts in the NASCAR Camping World Truck series last year, has been an influence in Ryan’s young life.
“When Chris races at Colorado National, I walk over and talk to him.” Ryan said. “He’s really nice, and his family has helped me a lot as I was growing up.”
Ryan, who also plays for an Arvada Edge soccer team that has advanced to a regional qualifier in Salt Lake City in June, holds track records across the country; the family traveled more than 7,000 miles to race in 2010. Last summer, he added national titles (heavy mod and Briggs heavy world formula) in Indianapolis and (heavy mod) in Texas.
“My Grand National wins this summer were awesome,” Ryan said. “The celebration, carrying the checkered flag, drinking the traditional milk, and kissing the bricks at Indy are really some of my favorite moments of racing so far.”
To which Nikki responded with a laugh, “That milk bottle still sits in my living room.”
The traditions of the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway have trickled down to quarter- midget racers.
Debi Supan has been the editor of Coast 2 Coast Racing News, a publication exclusive to quarter-midget racing, since 1994.
Know a top athlete? Youth Excellence in Sports honors those 17 or younger who have excelled in any athletic endeavor unaffiliated with the Colorado High School Activities Association. To submit your choice for the top individual or team achievement that occurred during January, visit for an online form or fax a brief description of the achievement to 303-866-9004 (Attention: “Youth Excellence”). Pictures of the monthly winners go on display at the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame at Invesco Field.
