Living in the fast lane

MOVING ON UP — Anderson native Ryan Foster, left, stands with Richard Childress of the Richard Childress Driver Development Program. After posting 124 wins in his 296 career starts, Foster has been given the opportunity to race for Childress and Golden Gate Racing in the Grand National Series.

SPEEDWAY ROOTS — Ryan Foster made his asphalt debut at the age of 15 in the Late Model series at Shasta Speedway in 1997.

Anderson native Ryan Foster has dreamt of the opportunity to drive NASCAR since he first began racing at the age of 8.

After years of frustrations and financial hardships, Foster had sold his race car and was ready to kiss his aspirations good bye.

“I was down to nothing and getting ready to quit,” said Foster. “My family and I were almost to the point where we couldn’t keep up my race car anymore.”

After selling his race car, Foster reached an agreement with the new owner that he could continue to use the car for one more year. It was his last chance to chase a childhood dream.

That agreement has proven to pay huge dividends for Foster. The 26-year-old finally caught the break he was looking for, signing a multi-year contract with Richard Childress and Golden Gate Racing.

Foster will be a part of the legendary Richard Childress’ Driver Development Program and is poised to race the Grand National Series. If things go well in the Grand National Series, Foster will make his way to the Busch Series and eventually, NASCAR.

Foster has come a long way since he made his asphalt debut in a Late Model car at the Shasta Speedway at the age of 15, but he has always showed promise.

In his second career start in the late model Foster took the checkered flag and became the youngest driver to ever win at the track. Foster proceeded to win Rookie of the Year honors that year and his asphalt career was on its way.

With the financial help of his family and the mechanical assistance of his father, Steve, Foster has continued to race all over the west coast for nearly a decade, compiling 124 wins and 169 top five finishes in 296 career starts.

With his impressive resume Foster patiently awaited the opportunity to race for a team that could provide him with the financial backing necessary to compete at his sport’s highest level. With the support of Childress, whose past drivers include Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton and the late Dale Earnhardt, Foster’s time has finally come.

“I never thought I’d get a shot so big, so fast,” said Foster. “It’s crazy, but I’m ready to prove myself.”