RPW Exclusive: Ryan Odasz’s Ready To Race Full-Time Again With Nelson At Fonda

Column By: LAURIE FALLIS / RPW – FONDA, NY – ‘With Ryan Odasz coming off a sixth place finish the week at Fonda Speedway in the Modified division, excitement and eagerness is in the #85 Nelson Racing Team that chances of getting into victory lane may be there.

The return of Odasz in 2019 as a full-time driver is after some years with bumps in the road. In 2012, he hung up his helmet to spend time and focus on his newborn daughter that unfortunately had health issues. Along with, just having a lot going on in his life.

“I had to step away from racing to take care of things that were a priority,” Odasz said.

Five years later, the bug returned, so he dusted off his firesuit and decided to put a car together. He felt it was time to get back to something he loved.

Odasz ran only a handful of races the next two years.

“I was horrible every time out,” he said. “I truly believed I was out too long and should just really stay in retirement.”

But, opportunity knocked in the form of Erik& Bill Nelson with their #85 machine. How did he land this ride?

“Demetrios Drellos drove this car for Nelson last year,” he said. “He wanted to go to a special race last September. This is when Erik reached out to me. A couple of months earlier, Nelson had bought parts off of me and knew I was doing some racing so I got the phone call. He asked me if I would fill in as their driver.”

Odasz didn’t know what to say.

My first reaction was being stunned,” he said. “I asked him if he was sure he wanted me of all people. I told him to ask Demetrios first, and he was okay with it.”

That’s when Ryan agreed, and he brought the #85 home to a fifth place finish in their first night together. Not only was it a solid run, but Odasz realized something. After just lap in that car, he found out in a hurry that it wasn’t him. He had problems with his own equipment.

When Drellos decided not to drive the #85 for the 2019 racing season so he could chase the Super DIRTcar Series, opportunity came knocking for an eager Odasz. The Nelson ride was available, and he jumped at it. What are goals for this team this season?

“We want to win,” he said. “I want to win a Modified race again. It’s been since 2011 since I captured my last Modified win in the Scoons #24. That was the ride I had last before I stepped away and Jeremy Wilder took over.”

Ryan reflected back on that night. If someone had told him it would be his last victory he would also be out of racing the following year, would he believe it?

“I would have told them they were nuts,” he said. “I would also have asked them what they were talking about, but that’s exactly what happened. It’s amazing how life throws curves at you and things change.”

Ryan is no stranger to the Fonda Speedway. He’s turned many laps at the “Track Of Champions.” In the early 2000’s as a Sportsman driver, he captured a handful of wins and came close to winning a title but never was able to get the elusive championship.

Why did Odasz decided to move up to the Modified ranks? After DIRT made changes in the rule package for motors in Sportsman, it was all about dollars and cents. With two cars and two motors, it would have cost him a fortune to switch all his stuff over.

Jack Johnson actually convinced Odasz to go Modified racing and he purchased a Big Block motor from Dave Camera. Success came quick as he took a victory in his first year of 2003.

Now, on to this year. The Nelson’s are supplying Ryan with a 2018 Bicknell chassis, and he loves the car.

“This thing is awesome,” he said. “It’s a great car.”

The team also has an 18-degree Big Block egine, originally built by Performance Technologies but freshened by Nelson’s engine builder John Grant, and the paint scheme on the car is the throwback to Erik’s dad, Bill, from when he raced.

I asked Ryan what the Fonda Speedway means to him?

“It’s home,” he said. “It’s very unique for sure. It’s a special track.”

Rest assured. Don’t count out Ryan Odasz and the Nelson’s Racing Team. They’re getting things in place and have their sights squarely aimed on “Checkered Board Square.”

They want to win, and are inching closer to doing so, but for Odasz, it’d be vindication. Most importantly, he wants to find his way back to victory lane in a Modified.