Ryan Sharp

Ryan Sharp, born on April 29, 1979, in Newtonhill, Scotland, is a versatile figure in the world of motorsport, recognized both as a race car driver and a team manager. Sharp's journey began in karting, where his talent was quickly noticed after winning several local and national events. This early success led to funding from Dutch businessman Klass Zwart, enabling Sharp's entry into car racing in Junior Formula Ford. Despite facing limited funding, he progressed steadily, eventually moving to the Formula Renault Championship in 2002, a series known for its 'slicks and wings' configuration, setting it apart from Formula Ford.

In 2006, Sharp's career took a significant turn when he joined the Italian JAS Motorsport team to compete in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) as an Independent driver in the Yokohama Independent Trophy. His performance in this series was highly impressive, marking him as the first Independent driver to achieve an overall podium finish, securing 3rd place in Race 1 at Puebla, Mexico. Sharp also claimed several class victories throughout the season, notably winning a race at Brands Hatch in challenging wet conditions, showcasing his exceptional skills in the rain. He also participated in the FIA GT Championship in 2007 with JetAlliance Racing.

After his stint in car racing, Ryan returned to his roots in local kart racing in Britain. He secured multiple Scottish and British championships during this period. In 2017, he decided to retire fully from racing to dedicate his time to supporting his son, Aston, who is pursuing a professional karting career.