Life throws a curveball when no one expects. That’s the thing about curveballs. When former midget racer Vic Ellis passed away due to an on-track incident, his wife, Irene Ulferts, was left a widow with a 6-month-old Jim Ellis. Today, Jim has a son who is pretty well-known in the NASCAR world, Ryan Ellis. The Xfinity Series star recently shared a video on his Twitter handle about his grandfather and it brought his grandmother to tears.

There is not much information available online about the life of Vic Ellis. But safe to say he was a passionate midget racer. The incident that took his life happened in Cedar Rapids during the 1950s. As per his wife, he was only slowing down to enter the pits when someone came around the corner at a rapid pace, and brushed up against his tire, causing his car to roll over.

NASCAR star’s grandmother hails his courage, passion and ability

Ryan Ellis is a third-generation racer, and he has always been proud of his family’s history. It was Victor Ellis who brought racing into the family and that has continued three generations since. The Xfinity Series driver had shared a video on his X handle with a heartfelt caption. It’s safe to say that he won over a lot of hearts, including that of his grandmother, who shared a beautiful message with him.

The 34-year-old shared his grandmother’s message on X, only hours after he shared the video where he honored his grandfather. Irene Ulferts opened up to her grandson, and she revealed how proud she was of him. “Your grandfather would be so proud and I pray always that he will watch over you,” she wrote to the Alpha Prime Racing driver.

She also hailed her grandson’s ability behind the wheel, saying, “I have never known anyone with the strength, courage, patience, passion, and perseverance that you have!!! And ABILITY!!!”

It was a heartfelt family moment that Ryan Ellis shared with the world, much like when he shared the video about his grandfather, Victor Ellis.

It was a documentary piece that featured Ryan as a young racer as his dad and grandmother spoke about their dear departed.

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Xfinity Series star has his father to thank for NASCAR opportunity

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As per the 34-year-old, the documentary about Victor Ellis was aired by The Discovery Channel 15 years ago. At the time, the current Xfinity Series driver was racing in the TDI Cup Series. “Seeing this still gives me goosebumps, and it’s an honor to carry on my family’s legacy,” he added in his caption.

Ryan’s father, Jim Ellis, spoke about his son’s love for racing in the video. At the time, Ryan Ellis was only getting started as a motorsports athlete. “When Ryan showed the skills and the interest and all that, doing it, I always wanted to help him have the opportunities in the sport that I didn’t get at that early age,” he said.

The Ellis family may not be one of the giants in motorsports, but they surely have a great history. Ryan Ellis is the man to carry on the family name in the world of motorsports today, and he is doing a decent enough job in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

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