Take a person to the race track, and they’ll want to go back for more! In Nathan Lyons’ case, he wanted to find his way behind the wheel of a race car. He’s only been racing for a couple of years, but Lyons has found a passion that he wants to see take him to NASCAR’s highest levels or even road racing outside of the United States. In 2023, he moved from Bandoleros to Legend Cars and is receiving help to achieve his dreams from Rev Racing and the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program.
Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
Division: Young Lions
Number: 21
Team: Rev Racing/AK Performance
Favorite Ice Cream: Chocolate but somedays Vanilla
1. How old were you when you first started racing?
I was 12 years old when I first started.
2. Does racing run in your family?
I am actually a first-generation racer, so I am the first one in my family to ever go behind a car.
3. What sparked your interest in racing?
When I was six years old I went to Texas Motor Speedway for my first race, and I actually got free tickets to go there in a speed to read competition at my school. Ever since I went to that race I've been all into racing, but didn’t start until I was twelve.
4. What is your favorite racing memory?
My favorite racing memory was actually a few weeks ago when I won the [Summer] Shootout in Round 8. All of my Rev Racing teammates were there, and everybody else was there to support me when I pulled into victory lane. That will probably be one of the best memories of my lifetime.
5. Who is your biggest inspiration?
Definitely Ryan Blaney. He is a very humble driver. I’ve been to a lot of NASCAR races to see him race, and I’ve even seen him win twice now. I just love Ryan Blaney.
6. Outside of racing, do you have any other interests or hobbies?
Occasionally I'll hop on iRacing which is a racing simulator and I'll be on that for a while. I will also sometimes go play basketball in my front yard. I’ll just bounce the ball around.
7. What is your dream street car?
I would love to just have a souped up Camaro with some cool lights on it.
8. If you pulled into victory lane right now, who would you thank?
I would definitely thank Rev Racing because they are the reason I am racing in the Shootout this year, so they would definitely be the first people I would thank for my success. I would also like to thank my mom and grandma for sacrificing everything and moving to North Carolina so that I can pursue my dream of racing.
9. Do you have any pre-race rituals or things you must do before a race?
I do have a certain shirt that I wear every week, it’s become my good luck shirt. It is the Cook Out Summer Shootout shirt from last year. I don’t know why it's good luck, but I wore it Round 1 and ever since then we’ve been really consistent with finishes.
10. What track would you like to race at one day?
Texas Motor Speedway since that's my home track. It’s not really my favorite type of track, but since it’s where I'm from, I would love to race there one day just to go back.
11. If you had a walk-up song what would it be?
I am a big Rod Wave fan, so anything by him.
12. What advice do you have for other young drivers who are new to racing?
I would tell them to never give up. Last year in racing I wasn’t the best at the Summer Shootout. I raced a Bando and didn’t get the best finishes. I didn’t get podiums, I didn’t win, but I never gave up and we are out here now one round to go, competing for the championship which is something I never thought would happen. Just never give up, and you can reach your dreams if you try hard enough.
13. If not on the track where would you want to be right now?
If I’ll be honest, my vacations are usually at the track. When I go to different states I am usually racing, so Winter Nationals is technically my vacation.
14. What is your ultimate racing dream?
As most kids will say, make it to the NASCAR Cup Series. If anything, I would love to try out of the country road stuff, or do a couple IMSA races because IMSA is pretty cool too, or the 24 Hours of Daytona.
15. What goes through your head while driving?
It's mostly just to stay calm, and if you play your cards right anything can happen. Just make sure you don’t overthink it, because when you do, you end up driving crazy and you wreck and stuff. I try to stay completely calm in the car and to not overthink anything,
16. How did you get involved with the NASCAR Driver for Diversity Development class, and how has that helped you with your racing career?
Last year in June, I applied to the diversity program and thankfully I got accepted to it. They’ve helped me in so many ways. They've helped develop me, they helped me with the Shootout. Mark Green races in the Masters Division and he helps develop me as a racer. Also, they’ve helped build my social skills online, and taught me what the best social media is to be on to hopefully have a future in the Cup Series and beyond.
17. What is one thing racing has taught you that you carry into your everyday life?
Stay humble, because you can win one day and have a bad day the next. This is a really humbling sport.