Already competing in the B.C.-based WESCAR Late Model Touring Series, Williams Lake racer Ryley Seibert will join the field this September for the NASCAR Pinty’s Series.
Seibert has completed two WESCAR races so far this season in Williams Lake on May 29 and in Prince George on June 11.
“We fought rain all weekend,” Seibert said, who has been racing since 2007.
“I qualified fifth of 15 cars. I was battling for fourth with 25 laps to go but was set back to 15th due to an incident and I worked my way back up to ninth. That’s racing.”
Seibert’s focus is now on how to better read drivers and create space to advance.
“I found the raw speed I’ve missed at that track,” he said. “I dialed in my racing line and the car was set up well.”
As for racing among the NASCAR Pinty’s Series ranks, Seibert said he’s confident.
“I can compete in any series,” he said. “For me, WESCAR and NASCAR are about honing my skills and putting time in the seat while working.”
The 24-year-old driver is also the site superintendent for Lake Excavating on the construction of a three-mile road circuit at Area 27 near Oliver, B.C., one of Canada’s newest motorsports projects.
“I had an opportunity to build a track,” Seibert said. “What driver could pass that up?”
The self-funded Seibert races as many days as he can in the season.
“I’m on site 12 hours a day,” he said. “I’ll leave at 6 p.m. for the shop and work the next day on my car. After a race I drive back to the build, usually arriving at midnight.”
Seibert noted the schedule is tough but he is determined to continue to improve in the sport.
“I work hard to race because I love it,” he said.
“Sponsors could help me get more time in the seat. But [I’m] racing anyway, on my own.”
Seibert is a third-generation driver who graduated from high school in Williams Lake. He’s competed in WESCAR and NASCAR Pinty’s Series in previous seasons and in 2010 received a scholarship to Tony Blanchard’s Race 101 where he was one of 14 drivers from North America and the youngest in Western Canada.