Ryder Laplante, an 18-year-old racing talent from Calera, OK, is embarking on his rookie season with the 2025 American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) National Tour. He'll be driving the family-owned No. 88R Maxim Chassis, powered by Moss Racing Engines and sponsored by Oklahoma Truck Driving Academy.

Laplante brings impressive credentials to the ASCS National Tour, including a championship in the National Open Wheel 600cc (NOW600) Micro Sprint Series' Restricted A-Class division in 2018. His recent experience at Rush County Speedway, where he advanced from seventh to third place, demonstrates his competitive potential against established ASCS drivers.

His racing journey has followed a strategic progression through various sprint car classes:

• 2018-2021: Micro Sprints
• 2022: Added 305 Sprint Cars
• 2023: Debuted in 410 Sprint Cars
• 2024: Focused on 360 Sprint Cars

This experience, particularly his time in 410 Sprint Cars, has given him a valuable perspective on handling 360 machines. "I started with a 410 and went down to a 360, and it kinda felt slow to me — that's why we were so good out of the gate," Laplante explains.

Looking ahead, Laplante's immediate focus is mastering the ASCS format, where qualifying performance is crucial. His long-term aspirations extend beyond the ASCS tour, as he aims to build a professional racing career at the highest levels of open-wheel competition.

Fans can catch Laplante's next ASCS National Tour appearance on Saturday, April 12, at Salina Highbanks Speedway in Salina, OK. The event will be available for live streaming on DIRTVision.

Photo Credit: Emily Schwanke

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