Ryder Wells is a former karting champion and micro-sprint racer from Lumberton, Texas. He is 17 years old and began racing karts in 2016. In late 2015, Ryder found kart racing videos online, and he was instantly hooked! It didn't take long for him and his father, Zach Wells, to find a local track and get Ryder in a kart of his own.

He quickly progressed through karting and moved into a successful stint in micro sprints, winning numerous races and being named the rookie of the year, as well as, track champion at Gulf Coast Speedway. But like all racers, Ryder wanted to go faster and moved into racing Pro Trucks across the southern United States. He missed winning the championship in his first year by a single point at Houston Raceway Park. He went on to race at Five Flags Speedway ahead of the 2023 Snowball Derby.

In 2024, with guidance and support from his parents, he made the decision to sell all of his racing equipment, clean out his race shop, and make the move to Mooresville, N.C. Since arriving in the racing capital of the country, Ryder has raced late-model stock cars, where he snagged three Top 10 finishes in his first four starts. He also went back to his roots, joining up with Bell Kemenah Racing (BKR), an elite-level micro sprint team co-owned by Brian Kemenah and NASCAR Cup Series driver Christopher Bell.

During the week, he coordinates working in the shop, while maintaining good grades and attending high school via online courses. He also pilots the No. 21 BKR micro sprint and races around the country representing the team.

Racing is my highlight but having the support of my family and friends to pursue my dreams means more to me than anything.

Racing
Welding
Soccer

Zach Wells - Dad
Sheli Wells - Mom & biggest supporter
Chaise Wells - Sister & biggest cheerleader
Brian Kemenah - Crew Chief and co-owner of BKR
Jerry Jordan - Public Relations/Marketing