November 2, 2022 – It came down to the final event of the 2022 Blue Marble Radical Cup North America but Racing With Autism driver Austin Riley came out on top. After a dream season that saw the reigning Canadian Champion on the top step of the podium on several occasions and closed this season as the Overall North American Champ.
“What a season and what a battle we had for the title,” explained Austin Riley. “A huge thank you to my team, my family, and all of my supporters and partners for allowing me to live my dream and become the first Canadian driver with the North American title.”
While the first race of the final weekend of the season did not go as planned for Riley, contact at the end of the first lap with championship rival Mike Anzaldi put both drivers on the sidelines with damaged cars and out of the race. A podium result in the second wheel-to-wheel action of the weekend earned Riley enough points to only have to start race three to become the champion and once the green flag flew last Sunday afternoon, Austin had reached the goal that he set out to achieve from earlier this season.
Along with the Pro 1340 Championship, Austin Riley earned enough points over the 2022 season to end the year tied with Pro 1500 title holder Palmer Miller for the Overall Championship. With the tie-breaker deciding the overall winner, Riley was awarded the Overall Championship and accompanying prize package to compete in Europe based on the number of wins compared to his championship counterpart.
In a history making season, Austin Riley is the first driver with Autism to win a Radical Cup Championship around the world and is now back-to-back-to- back champions in both Canada and the United States.
Riley added, “Let’s see what comes forward for 2023 but I think I have proven my capabilities in the Pro 1340 class.”
Racing With Autism and Austin Riley would like to thank their partners and supporters for the 2022 season. A huge thank you to Spark Power Corp., Lincoln Electric, Hagerty, Ady’s Army, The Hawthorne Foundation, Hammond Manufacturing, Cal Chip Connected, 6 Sigma Sim Racing, Forest Contractors, Utech Electronics, Braidan Motorsport, ACL Bearing, ATC Coral, OPMT Racing, Nesco Appliances, FEL Motorsports as well as all family, friends, and supporters.
Austin Riley is a multi-time champion, the first race car driver with autism to win a major championship, and above all, an inspiration for all who've met him. His motto, “Just because you have autism, it doesn't mean you can't do great things,” is backed by his success both on and off the track.
