(Photo: Kevin Ritchie | The Podium Finish)
Ryan Vargas knows that 2023 will look completely different. But it’s something that he’s embracing.
After four seasons with JD Motorsports, Vargas, 22, decided to pursue other opportunities. He signed with Clayton Harmon Keller Racing to become an anchor driver and consultant for the team.
“This season is going to be a completely different year for me, taking over a lot of different roles, trying to wear a lot of different hats,” Vargas told The Podium Finish. “It’s a lot of incredible stuff going on. But a lot of people who care and a lot of people who want to build a successful organization.”
Vargas made 68 starts with JD Motorsports starting in 2019 at Iowa Speedway. An online personality, Vargas got sponsorship from TikTok in 2020, when he recorded his first top 10 at Texas Motor Speedway.
Vargas served as the primary driver of the No. 6 car in 2021 and 2022, recording a career-best sixth-place finish at Daytona International Speedway last summer.
But at season’s end, Vargas was ready to make a switch.
“It was time for a change, especially for myself trying to branch out, take on new opportunities and look out where my priorities are,” Vargas said. “I wanted this year to be different. I wanted this year to be something that I could be excited about and really build upon.”
CHK Racing rebranded from Mike Harmon Racing over the off-season thanks to support from Gary Keller and Mike Clayton.
Last season, Vargas made two appearances in a Mike Harmon-owned car. He finished 23rd at Portland International Raceway and then failed to qualify a few weeks later at Road America.
Vargas felt something special brewing when he first strapped into the car.
“I had such a fantastic time racing with Mike Harmon Racing last year at Portland and Road America,” Vargas said. “I could tell that there was a lot going in, a lot trying to build this organization.
“I just like being surrounded by these people … they believe in me.”
Away from the track, Vargas is doing everything possible to help enhance the organization. He’s helping with marketing and sponsorship, but also reviewing performance data and working in the shop.
(Photo: Josh Jones | The Podium Finish)
“I’ve just been helping a lot with the marketing side. We’ve been going over paint schemes for different races,” Vargas said. “But then also looking at the on-track performance, helping as much as I can in that area. But also working in the shop and helping as much as I can in that area.
“It’s been very fun to kind of step into this role and be more than just a driver, being in the shop and working as much as I can. But also still have the time for myself to do the things that I need to do.”
Through two races, Vargas’ No. 74 team has failed to make the show both times. A mechanical issue prevented the team from making a qualifying run at Daytona, and because of owner’s points, the team missed Auto Club Speedway after rain canceled qualifying.
But the motto — keep improving. He’ll look to make his season debut Saturday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
“We’re continuously trying to improve. It’s about knocking down doors,” Vargas said. “Everybody here has that mindset. Everybody’s very much working towards the betterment of the whole program.”
(Photo: Luis Torres | The Podium Finish)
CHK Racing isn’t Vargas’ only opportunity in 2023. He’ll make his Craftsman Truck Series debut with On Point Motorsports at Atlanta Motor Speedway later this month.
In total, Vargas will run seven Truck Series races, including Darlington Raceway and Talladega Superspeedway. His goal is to break through with top-10 finishes.
“I’m very excited about having the opportunity to really dive into a new series I’ve never raced in with a competitive team,” Vargas said. “I want to knock off some top 10s in the Truck Series, and I feel like we can run there.”
“It’s just going to be learning how the trucks drive versus the Xfinity cars. The Xfinity cars, there’s not a lot of sideforce, not a lot of downforce. The trucks, they have a big ol’ spoiler and a flat right side. And the power is different as well.”
Vargas thinks he can be successful with both teams as long as he continues to prioritize himself.
“I’m making time for myself. I’m putting myself first,” Vargas said. “I’m working on putting myself in situations that I feel comfortable in, I’m working on ingraining myself within these teams.
“It’s just a lot of people — a lot of really good people — who want to succeed together.”
