The Inside Line: Ryan Beat
Racer, Team Owner, and Off-Road Entrepreneur
Ryan Beat is one of the stars of short-course off-road racing. His drive to succeed on and off the track is evident in every aspect of his life. This determination was showcased midway through the 2024 Champ Off-Road season when Ryan not only competed but also stood atop the podium at the ERX Off-Road Nationals after a non-racing injury nearly cut his season short. Like most successful athletes, the road to success begins at a young age.
Ryan Beat began his racing journey at the age of four in a family deeply involved in motorsports. His father raced stock cars and sprint cars, and his uncle was a factory motocross mechanic, which inspired Beat to start racing dirt bikes at five. By 24, the El Cajon, California native had reached the factory ranks with Kawasaki, but a 2010 injury changed his direction. During his recovery, a family friend, the owner of Black Rhino Performance, introduced Ryan to side-by-side racing, which quickly led to success. After a podium finish and a victory in the team’s early races, Ryan Beat fell in love with off-road racing.
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In 2011, a commitment to short-course truck racing began when the Heart and Huntington team offered to support him if he built the truck. The two parties reached an agreement, and the team quickly found success. This led Beat to compete under the Hart and Huntington banner in Pro-Lite, PRO2, and PRO4, making history as the first driver to race all three classes simultaneously.
In 2014, Beat ventured out on his own, founding Ryan Beat Motorsports. After years of self-taught fabrication and overcoming various challenges, the team began winning races and championships. By 2017, other racers started purchasing trucks and parts from the team, resulting in significant business growth.
In 2020, a chance encounter with a Chevrolet representative at the ERX Off-Road Nationals led to a partnership. After Chevrolet suggested moving to North Carolina for better sponsorship opportunities, Ryan Beat relocated his family and business. Since moving, they’ve connected with several brands, including Pennzoil, MoTec and a few others, and have benefited from being in a racing hub like Mooresville, North Carolina. The sacrifices and lifestyle changes necessary to succeed in motorsports highlight the importance of connections and perseverance in creating a successful career.
Social media plays an essential role in modern racing and sponsorship. Ryan Beat emphasizes the importance of athletes sharing their experiences and behind-the-scenes moments on social platforms. This approach is crucial for retaining and attracting new sponsors, as it helps fans and potential partners engage with the human aspect of racing. Audiences are interested in race car drivers’ dedication, challenges, and personal stories, making social media indispensable for fan engagement and the sport’s growth.
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Beat emphasizes the significance of supporting younger drivers and fostering the sport’s future. Before the season commenced, Ryan, Ricky Gutierrez, Johnny Holtger, Keegan Kincaid, and Chris and Amanda from Racer on Demand participated in a young driver development program established by Nex Gen. They interacted with young racers, offering insights and encouragement and believe that this kind of involvement is essential for the sport’s survival and growth.
As the 2025 AMSOIL Championship Off-Road Tour approaches in the coming months, Ryan Beat Motorsports is working on several customer trucks and preparing its team for the eight weekends and sixteen-round season. Ryan will once again compete in PRO2, while Wyatt Miller returns for a full season in PRO Spec alongside multi-discipline racer Carson Brown at select events.. The team provides customer support for the PRO drivers Ricky Gutierrez and Zach Szymik.