With a first-place finish in the Second AEKC (2019) and a second-place finish in 2022, Ryan Wilson of Birmingham, Alabama is the most decorated American E-Kart Championship racer to date. Wilson made his debut at age 15 at AEKC 2019, August 23-25, at Accelerate Indoor Speedway & Events Chicago, qualifying at the top and never looking back. In fact, he never gave up the lead in the points standings at any time during the entire weekend.
In his second try, the 17-year-old was barely edged by Austin Partelow, 13, of Reno, Nevada at the Third AEKC (2022). Wilson made it interesting with a dramatic final-lap pass on the final heat in the race held September 23-25, at Autobahn Indoor Speedway & Events Jacksonville, yet was just one point shy of making it back-to-back championships.
Wilson’s dream is to race in the IndyCar series, yet like any great wheelman, he is up for pretty much any ride he can get. In addition to AEKC, Wilson, who comes from a racing family where both his father and grandfather had successful careers, has raced in USAC Quarter Midgets and Dirt Open Wheel.
In fact, he says he has likely moved on to other series, having walked away with $12,500 in total prize money from the last two AEKC events.
“I enjoy all types of racing, and AEKC has been great to me,” says Wilson. “It has furthered my joy and passion for racing. The competition has been some of the best I’ve encountered in any series.”