Before many children learned to tie their shoes, Ryan Heavner was immersed in the racing world. The Lincolnton boy spent many weekends competing in Go Kart races. Heavner won five championships before taking his talent to the next level, stock car racing.
Now 18, he continues to focus on the high-speed industry. He owns his own car and has competed in races hosted by ARCA, the Automobile Racing Club of America. Working your way up to NASCAR takes time and money. “It takes a lot of dedication and persistence,” said Heavner.
With a family of supporters, Heavner said he’s going to keep at it.
‘In my DNA’: Heavner, an only child, is the son of Roger and Candace Heavner. The Heavner’s own Triple H Diesel, a mechanic shop in Lincolnton. When he’s not racing cars or taking classes at Gaston College, Heavner works at the shop. Taking to the automotive industry was inevitable, Heavner said.
“My father raced since before I was born up until I was about 11. My mom raced when she was a teenager,” said Heavner. “I’ve done it my entire life. I was born with it. It’s in my DNA.”
‘Ranks of racing’: When Heavner started racing Go Karts, he stayed local. At the age of 8, he joined a traveling series that took him around the region and brought in five championships. By 12, Heavner was ready for a change. He found it in stock car racing. The youngster made the switch from dirt to asphalt tracks and was soon looking at a new level.
“I was approached by a lady who asked me if I was ready to move up in the ranks of racing,” he said.
Heavner raced for a few different teams. That came with cars, equipment and sponsorships. According to Heavner, he made history when he became the youngest person to race in a pro-cup series at the age of 14.
On his own: Heavner is no longer a part of a team. He races on his own, supported by his parents and the corporate sponsors he can secure. A person can easily sink $80,000 into a race car, Heavner said, so sponsorships are crucial.
“Sponsors in the level of racing that I do are key,” he said. “You can’t race on just a regular paycheck week to week.” Heavner has made his way into the ARCA circuit. He hoped to compete in a recent competition in Alabama, but his sponsorship fell through. Each race brings recognition and potential backers, he said.
Life in racing: Heavner says racing is his life, but he knows academics are important too. Having graduated early from Long Shoals Wesleyan Academy in Lincoln County, Heavner is in his fourth semester at Gaston College. He has also applied to the motor sports engineering program at UNC Charlotte. If Heavner’s racing career becomes a full-time job, he’ll have some decisions to make. But for now he’s willing to balance working, studying and driving.
“My whole entire life is going to revolve around racing either way. I know that for a fact,” he said.
You can reach Diane Turbyfill at 704-869-1817 and twitter.com/GazetteDiane.