How Ryan Johnston Started Racing at Age 5 — The Beginning of “Flyin Ryan”
Every racing career starts somewhere, and for Ohio dirt track driver Ryan Johnston, that journey began long before the No. 11 modified ever hit the track. Long before championships, awards, and feature races, Ryan’s introduction to motorsports started at just five years old behind the wheel of a go-kart.
Today, fans know him as “Flyin Ryan,” but the foundation of that nickname was built during those early laps learning the basics of racing, competition, and confidence.
The First Laps at Thompson Kart Raceway
Ryan Johnston’s racing career began at Thompson Kart Raceway, where he first discovered the excitement of competitive racing. Like many grassroots racers, karting provided the perfect environment to learn car control, racing lines, and race-day discipline.
At five years old, every lap was a learning experience. Kart racing taught Ryan how to:
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Understand speed and momentum
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Navigate traffic and passing opportunities
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Develop consistency lap after lap
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Build confidence behind the wheel
Those early seasons laid the groundwork for everything that followed. Kart racing isn’t just an entry point into motorsports — it’s where drivers develop instincts that stay with them throughout their careers.
Moving Up to Junior Sprints at Goods Raceway
As Ryan’s skills developed, the next step came at Goods Raceway, where he advanced into Junior Sprint racing. The transition from go-karts to sprint-style racing introduced new challenges, including increased speed, more powerful equipment, and deeper competition.
Junior Sprint racing helped Ryan refine his racecraft while learning how to adapt to changing dirt track conditions — a skill essential for success in grassroots motorsports.
It didn’t take long for results to follow. Through dedication and steady improvement, Ryan earned major recognition during this stage of his career, including:
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2021 Goods Raceway Jr. Sprint Champion
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2021 Twin State Driver of the Year
These achievements marked an important milestone and confirmed that Ryan’s progression through the racing ranks was only beginning.
The Dwarf Car Chapter
Continuing his development at Goods Raceway, Ryan moved into the Dwarf Car division, gaining valuable experience with heavier, more complex race cars. This stage of his career focused heavily on learning vehicle setup, race strategy, and adapting driving style to different racing formats.
Each division brought new lessons, helping Ryan build versatility as a driver while preparing him for the next level of competition.
Grassroots racing requires patience and persistence, and every season added knowledge that would later translate into success in modified racing.
Becoming “Flyin Ryan”
As Ryan’s speed and confidence grew, so did his reputation among fans and competitors. His aggressive yet controlled driving style earned him the nickname “Flyin Ryan,” a name that quickly stuck at the track.
At home, family members — especially his mom — still call him “RyRy,” a reminder that behind the helmet is a racer whose journey has always been supported by family and community.
Nicknames are common in dirt track racing culture, and for Ryan, the name reflects both his driving style and the connection he shares with fans who follow his progress each season.
From Grassroots Racing to Modified Competition
All of those early experiences eventually led Ryan Johnston into Sportsman Modified dirt track racing, one of the most competitive divisions in grassroots motorsports.
Today, Ryan competes primarily at Sharon Speedway and regional racing venues, continuing to build on the skills first learned in karting years earlier.
The transition from go-karts to modifieds represents years of dedication, progression, and hard work — a journey shared by many successful dirt track drivers but unique in its own path and milestones.
Career highlights along the way include:
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Sportsman Classic Champion (2024)
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Hard Charger Award (2024)
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Rookie of the Year (2025)
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4th Place Overall Points – Sportsman Modifieds at Goods Raceway (2025)
Each accomplishment reflects steady growth and a commitment to improving every time the car hits the track.
Racing Never Stops — Even Off the Track
When Ryan isn’t racing at the speedway, he continues developing his skills through iRacing, a professional-level racing simulator used by drivers worldwide.
Sim racing allows him to practice race strategy, reaction timing, and track awareness between race weekends. Modern motorsports blends real-world experience with digital training, helping drivers stay sharp year-round.
The Journey Continues
From a five-year-old racer at Thompson Kart Raceway to competing in modified dirt track events today, Ryan Johnston’s journey reflects the heart of grassroots racing — progression, persistence, and passion for the sport.
As the R&R Racing team continues through the 2026 season, fans can follow Ryan’s progress, race results, and behind-the-scenes moments right here on the official website.
The story of “Flyin Ryan” is still being written — one race at a time.
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