Iowa-Born NASCAR Driver Ryan Sieg Finally Wins After 17 Years, 424 Starts
Ryan Sieg, a NASCAR driver with deep Iowa ties, finally reached Victory Lane for the first time in his 17-year career, breaking a record for the longest wait in the series' history. The 39-year-old's emotional win at Daytona came in his 424th start in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, a moment that seemed impossible just weeks ago.
Sieg's journey has been marked by heartbreak, including the sudden death of his brother Shane, and five agonizing runner-up finishes. But on Saturday night, a final-lap push from Austin Hill propelled him to the front, and he held off the field for his first career victory.
What does Ryan Sieg's win mean for Iowa racing fans?
While Sieg now calls Georgia home, his racing roots run through the Midwest, and his story resonates with the hard-working, never-give-up values Iowa is known for. His father Rod started the family racing operation, and the Sieg name has been a fixture in the NASCAR garage for over a decade, representing the last of a dying breed: the small, family-owned team competing against the sport's giants.
Just weeks before his historic win, Sieg earned his first career pole at Iowa Speedway in Newton, a track that has become something of a home away from home for him. It was also at Iowa in 2017 where he scored his first runner-up finish, losing to William Byron by just over a second.
How did Ryan Sieg finally win at Daytona?
Saturday's race at Daytona International Speedway was a testament to patience and timing. Sieg started 12th and stayed out of trouble for most of the night, scoring no stage points. But as the race wound down, he methodically worked his way toward the front.
On the final restart, Sieg lined up second on the inside lane. When leader Carson Kvapil moved up the track, Sieg suddenly found himself in the lead position. Then came the break he had been waiting 17 years for: Austin Hill, the series' best superspeedway racer, lined up directly behind him and gave him a massive shove into the lead.
“This is incredible,” said Sieg after the win. “Especially doing it here at Daytona. I've been coming here since I was a baby.”
Sieg blocked both lanes for the final two laps, the only two laps he led all night, and crossed the finish line first. His brother Kyle, who was also racing in the event, and his father Rod were there to celebrate with him.
What records did Ryan Sieg break with this win?
The victory was historic on multiple levels. At 424 starts, Sieg now holds the record for the most races before a driver's first win in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series. That mark rivals the Cup Series record held by Michael Waltrip, who won his first race in his 463rd career start.
Sieg's career numbers are staggering: 538 starts across NASCAR's three national divisions, 24 top fives, 81 top tens, and over 500 laps led before finally breaking through. The win also marked the first victory for Sieg himself as a driver, though his team, RSS Racing, had previously won at Sonoma in 2023 with Aric Almirola behind the wheel.
What's next for Ryan Sieg and RSS Racing?
For Sieg, the weight of the moment is still sinking in. He drove the No. 38 car this weekend, a last-minute switch with Andy Jankowiak to ensure the latter made the field. The decision, born out of team-first thinking, turned out to be a lucky charm.
At 39 years old, Sieg shows no signs of slowing down. The win validates years of sacrifice and perseverance, and it proves that a small, family-owned team can still compete and win at the highest level of stock car racing.
“It just sucks,” Sieg said after his Texas heartbreaker in 2024. “I've been second before too many times...We gotta keep fighting.”
That fighting spirit finally paid off. For Iowa racing fans who have followed his career, Sieg's triumph is a reminder that hard work and persistence still matter, both on and off the track.
Frequently asked questions about Ryan Sieg's first NASCAR win
Where does Ryan Sieg live and where is he from?
Ryan Sieg's family racing operation, RSS Racing, is based in Georgia, but his story and Midwest racing roots have made him a favorite among Iowa fans, particularly after his recent success at Iowa Speedway.
How many races did Ryan Sieg run before his first win?
Sieg made 424 starts in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series before winning at Daytona, the most of any driver in the series' history before a first victory.
Who pushed Ryan Sieg to the lead on the final restart?
Austin Hill, widely considered the best superspeedway racer in the series, gave Sieg a decisive shove that propelled him into the lead for the final two laps.