The NASCAR world woke up to a surprise as DGM Racing announced that Ryan Ellis will no longer drive their No. 71 Chevrolet after the 2025 Phoenix Championship Weekend. The news came just before the Martinsville race, shaking up fans across the racing community.
### DGM Racing Announcement and Its Timing
In an official statement, DGM Racing said:
“DGM Racing will part ways with Ryan Ellis, Driver of the No. 71 Chevrolet, following Championship Weekend in Phoenix. We wish Ryan the best in his next chapter and look forward to finishing the year strong with Classic Collision on board for our last race together.”
The timing of the announcement caught many off guard since it was made right before the Martinsville race. Some fans expressed confusion and disappointment, with one user on X (formerly Twitter) commenting, “Y’all tell him on the radio or something? What on earth?”
DGM Racing clarified that the decision to leave came from Ryan Ellis himself, and the team fully accepted it. They emphasized that the split is amicable, with no signs of internal conflict. Though they acknowledged the timing was awkward, both parties agreed to part ways on good terms.
### Ryan Ellis’s Performance at DGM Racing
Ryan Ellis, 28, joined DGM Racing earlier this year. Despite limited resources, he impressed by securing three top-10 finishes. After competing in 31 races, Ellis sits 28th in the driver standings—a respectable position considering the circumstances.
### Reactions from Ryan Ellis and the Racing Community
The news sparked a variety of reactions. While some were shocked, many showed support for Ellis and his decision. Ryan himself shared a heartfelt message on social media:
“When I came to @DGMRacingFL this year, it was one of the few teams I knew no one at. In the year we’ve worked together, the Gosselin family, and everyone who works for DGM have truly become family.”
His words conveyed deep respect and gratitude, making it clear that his departure is not due to anger or frustration but a mutual feeling that it’s time to move on.
### Looking Ahead: Final Race and Future Speculations
In a sport where driver-team changes happen frequently, moments like these highlight the emotional side of racing—behind the helmets and roaring engines are real people facing difficult choices.
All eyes are now on the Phoenix Championship Weekend, which will mark Ryan Ellis’s final race with DGM Racing. Both the driver and the team are focused on finishing the season “on a high note,” with sponsor Classic Collision continuing its support for the last race.
As the Martinsville event unfolds, fans are left wondering about what the future holds. Will Ryan Ellis join a new team in 2026? Can DGM Racing find another talented driver to lead the No. 71 Chevrolet? The answers remain unknown.
One thing is certain: Ryan Ellis leaves behind more than just statistics. He departs with the respect and gratitude of a team that became like family.
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