Ryan is a third generation driver, and the grandson of 1975 and 1976 Knoxville Nationals champion Eddie Leavitt. Ryan started racing in 2006 at English Creek Speedway in Outlaw Dirt Karts and 600cc Micro's. He has accumulated 5 track championships and 36 feature wins at 21 different tracks in five states. He has also competed in a midget with three entries in the Chili Bowl.

Ryan moved into the 305 class in 2017, and registered his first career Knoxville win. He racked up three more in 2018, finishing second in points. In 2019, he moved up to the 360 class and earned Rookie of the Year honors in a tough field, garnering a top ten point standing.

360 Point Standing by Year:

2024 - 10th, 2023 - 8th, 2022 - 8th, 2021 - 11th, 2020 - 14th, 2019 - 10th

305 Point Standing by Year:

2018 - 2nd, 2017 - 4th