Every good thing meets a sad end one day. NASCAR has witnessed several racetracks closing throughout its 76-year history. It has also witnessed the revival of many. The hallowed Bowman Gray Stadium will come back to life for the 2025 Busch Light Clash. Now, another racetrack is closing in the late-model racing world – Irwindale Speedway, and this has a NASCAR racer in tears.

Ryan Vargas is known as a hardworking racer fighting his way to stock car racing’s highest ranks. The 24-year-old has cultivated an extensive racing resume. But his roots lay in Irwindale, which inspired him to dream about motorsports in the first place. So its closure drew an emotional response from him.

NASCAR driver laments about a treasured venue

Since its inception in 1999, Irwindale Speedway and Dragstrip has been host to an eclectic range of events. These include NASCAR races, demolition derbies, street-legal drag racing, and the iconic Formula Drift events at “The House of Drift”. However, in October, a sad piece of news broke in the racing community – Irwindale will cease its operations after December. Its last event, Irwindale Speedway’s Farewell Extravaganza, was held on December 21st. Ryan Vargas ran in the event with partners Critical Path Security and Swann Security. And the racer could not help but shed tears of nostalgia at his final visit to the racetrack.

Vargas, who raced full-time in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series PRO division, thought about his late model career at the end of this season instead. He traveled through Europe – the UK, Italy, Netherlands, etc. – but Irwindale drew his heart. In an emotional X post, Ryan Vargas shared how he picked up a precious piece of memorabilia from the track. “Walked the track after midnight, snagged a tiny chunk of the racing surface in turn 1&2. Gonna get a proper piece from @crew_chiefDP when I get back to NC. Really sad to see this place go. Thank you for one last ride.”

In one of the photos posted, a section of the track behind Vargas appeared to be burning. Yet in response to a fan’s inquisitive comment, “Sir what is on fire?” Vargas got poetic – “my hopes and dreams of the track reopening.” Vargas returned to Irwindale after five years, and so had that extra nostalgic edge to his words. “Irwindale to me was the place I fell in love with NASCAR,” said Vargas. “It was where my dream became a reality, where I won a track championship, a dozen or so races, and made lifelong memories with my family and friends.”

Vargas’ dedication to the things that have molded him is evident elsewhere as well.

Giving back to the community

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Ryan Vargas has over 70 starts in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck and Xfinity Series. This year, he scored his first podium finish at a Euro Series oval race, finishing third. Yet behind his achievements, Vargas has a story of struggle and overcoming a challenge. He was diagnosed with craniosynostosis, a rare birth defect in which the bones in a baby’s skull join together too early. Instead of letting this bog him down, Ryan Vargas made himself stronger – and also raised awareness for children with craniofacial differences. Vargas’ goal was to encourage these children to take on life and its challenges.

The racer received a prestigious award acknowledging his noble efforts. Vargas was the 2023 Comcast Community Champion of the Year recipient, receiving $60,000. “Ryan’s unwavering dedication to supporting those around him shines through in how he carries himself both at and beyond the track,” Matt Lederer, Comcast’s vice president of brand partnerships, said. “His impactful work, particularly in support of those suffering from craniosynostosis, exemplifies the power that selfless dedication has in making a positive difference in the lives of others. We are honored to name him as the 2023 Comcast Community Champion of the Year.”

Ryan Vargas is well aware of the important things that helped him grow in life. Irwindale is one of them, and sadly the racetrack will not host races next year.