NASCAR Mexican American driver is fast like Sonic thanks to his 'lightning bolt'

There is a reason Mexican American NASCAR driver Ryan Vargas has a lightning bolt design on all his helmets.

The design is meant to represent his own “lightning bolt,” a scar on the side of his head, which Vargas received after undergoing corrective surgery for a condition called craniosynostosis when he was 11 months old.

At 19 years old, Vargas decided he wanted to use his scar to inspire those going through craniosynostosis. Vargas told CALÓ News that he does not do this for sympathy but to bring awareness to others going through similar struggles.

“I want to be a voice for those kids, those young adults, who are struggling with [craniosynostosis] and don't have that opportunity to live a normal life,” said Vargas.

Craniosynostosis is a rare condition that sutures a child’s skull close too early, which can cause problems with head growth and can lead to affecting brain development. 

It is often unknown what the cause is, as it is estimated that one in every 2,500 babies is born with it in the U.S.

In 2020, Vargas partnered with FACES: The National Craniofacial Association to continue to raise awareness for all craniofacial differences. With all of Vargas’ support, he was named 2023 Comcast Community Champion of the Year and was awarded $60,000 towards the FACES charity.

Vargas said he felt fortunate that he had met a lot of incredible people and created lifelong friendships in this career.

“It goes beyond blood… if you’re able to feel safe and be able to grow as a [person], you know you can do a lot,” Vargas said about growing up Mexican American.

On December 18, Vargas co-hosted “Sonic Speed Day” with NASCAR pit crew member Brehanna Daniels, an event to promote the third installment of the speedy character Sonic.Families had a chance to go fast at K1 Speed in Torrance to celebrate the release of “Sonic the Hedgehog 3.” 

The third installation of the hedgehog franchise gathers Sonic and friends to face off against Shadow, a new foe with a mysterious past and abilities that seem to overwhelm Sonic.  Jeff Fowler returns to direct the third film, along with the all-star cast Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, James Marsden and many more.

Families had a night full of racing go-karts, speeding just like the blue devil or having a quick chilli-dog break along with a special guest from the film, Sonic, Knuckles, Tails and Shadow.

CALÓ News had a chance to check out the event and talk to Vargas and Daniels about the event, how excited they are for Sonic and how opportunities in NASCAR have allowed them to give back to the community. 

Growing up with the franchise, Daniels told CALÓ News about the fond memories she shared playing the Sonic games with her twin brother — always racing with each other and establishing Sonic as a household name.

Just like Sonic, Daniels needs to be quick when she’s on the track changing the tires while also trying to avoid catching on fire, “I'm changing tires in the rear, behind where the gas tank is… sparks can come out near [my] range and I'm looking at the fire marshal, ‘If I catch fire, you got to put me out,” Daniels said.

Originally, Daniels never expected to be in NASCAR and credits it to being such a random turn in her life. From trying out for the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program to now becoming the first black woman on a NASCAR pit crew.

Achieving such a milestone was huge for Daniels’s career but being the first of anything can bring all sorts of nerves. When walking onto the track for the first time, Daniels felt all eyes on her; but having a couple of stares did not stop Daniels from believing that she belonged there.

“There's just such a power in not being the only woman, but a woman of color, in a white male-dominated sport, I just felt like I was meant to be here,” said Daniels.

“Sonic the Hedgehog 3” is now in theatres this holiday season.