NASCAR rookie Layne Riggs is not only chasing victories on the track but also managing deadlines in his classroom. At just 22, Riggs balances his burgeoning career in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with pursuing an engineering degree at UNC Charlotte.
While many students dedicate their weekends to studying, Riggs spends his at the racetrack, achieving victories. He has made a remarkable start in his first full-time season, securing consecutive wins at both the Milwaukee Mile and Bristol Motor Speedway.
He mentioned the difficulties of satisfying both racing fans and professors: “You have to dedicate yourself because engineering homework is not something you can quickly spit out in 30 minutes.”
Riggs was born into a world of racing, inspired by his father, former NASCAR driver Scott Riggs. He started competing at the age of 10 in Limited Sportsman and, by 14, was already racing in the CARS Late Model Stock Tour. He consistently worked his way through smaller series before transitioning to the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series and ultimately into the Truck and Xfinity Series.
In 2023, while pursuing his truck career, Riggs made three appearances in the Xfinity Series, finishing 19th at Texas, 10th at Las Vegas, and 11th at Martinsville. As he continues to carve his niche in NASCAR, Riggs remains focused on building a solid educational background for his future.
‘‘I’m in the classroom on weekends so I focus on studies the rest of the week’
Currently in his final year as a motorsports engineering major at UNC Charlotte, Riggs recognized that his racing schedule requires efficient time management.
He stated, “I will be at a racetrack all day Friday or Saturday, so I put in the work the rest of the week to grind and stay focused.”
Riggs stands out in the NASCAR community, as “only a few drivers follow through with college,” he pointed out.
He expressed gratitude to his professors and peers for their support, saying, “My professors recognize me, call me out in class, and give me props for the wins that I’ve had. It’s awesome to get recognized for the accomplishments that I’m making outside of school.” He appreciates that at UNC, he can just be another student, engaging in the same activities as his classmates.
Riggs, piloting the #38 truck for Front Row Motorsports in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, celebrated his first series victory at The Milwaukee Mile.
A painful victory: ‘I was celebrating so hard I dislocated my shoulder’
However, his joy took a painful twist. Riggs climbed atop his #38 Ford F-150 and began jumping in celebration. In the midst of his exuberance, he dislocated his shoulder, requiring assistance from his teammates to safely come down from the truck. They successfully popped his shoulder back into place.
During a post-race interview, Riggs remarked, “Yeah, I dislocated my shoulder I was celebrating so hard. It hurts, but it was worth it. It’s not the first time it’s happened to me, but it ain’t gonna slow me down.” He is scheduled to race next at Homestead on October 26, marking the second race of the Round of 8 in the Truck Series.
As he accelerates toward success in NASCAR, Riggs emphasizes the importance of education, focusing on creating options for his future. “Ever since I started high school as a freshman and the racing was picking up, I was doing well. But at the same time, until you get that big break, you’re never guaranteed anything,” Riggs stated.
“I started at UNC Charlotte and was headbound to get my engineering degree. I want to get my degree and focus forward,” he added.
After completing his last three elective courses, Riggs is set to graduate in December.
He commended UNC Charlotte for enabling him to pursue his dual passions of racing and engineering. However, significant credit also goes to Riggs for his hard work, time management, and dedication that have made both pursuits achievable.
Racing Against Time: NASCAR Rookie Layne Riggs Balances Racing Career and Engineering Studies
Introduction to Layne Riggs
Layne Riggs is making waves in the NASCAR Truck Series as a promising rookie and a dedicated engineering student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. With a remarkable achievement of being the 2022 National Champion in the NASCAR Regional series, Riggs exemplifies the commitment and passion required to excel in two demanding fields.
The Dual Life of Layne Riggs
Balancing a racing career with academic responsibilities is no small feat. Layne Riggs manages his time effectively to pursue his goals in both arenas:
- Intense Racing Schedule: Competing in the NASCAR Truck Series requires rigorous travel and training.
- Academic Demands: As an engineering student, he faces a challenging curriculum that requires significant dedication and time management.
The Challenges of Balancing Racing and Studies
Many aspiring athletes face difficulties in managing their time, and Layne Riggs is no exception. Here are some of the specific challenges he encounters:
- Time Management: Racing events can disrupt class schedules and exam preparation.
- Physical and Mental Fatigue: The demands of racing can lead to exhaustion, both physically and mentally, impacting academic performance.
- Travel Logistics: Constant travel for races often conflicts with school commitments.
Strategies for Success
Despite these challenges, Riggs employs several strategies to maintain his performance both on the track and in the classroom:
- Effective Scheduling: Riggs utilizes calendars and planners to keep track of both racing events and academic deadlines.
- Prioritization: He prioritizes tasks based on deadlines, focusing on immediate responsibilities while planning for future commitments.
- Support Systems: Riggs leverages support from his family, friends, and academic advisors to help balance his dual commitments.
Benefits of Pursuing Education While Racing
Pursuing an education alongside a racing career provides several advantages for Layne Riggs:
- Skill Development: Engineering studies enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are valuable in racing strategy.
- Career Security: Education offers a safety net for the future, ensuring Riggs has options beyond racing.
- Networking Opportunities: College provides the chance to build relationships that may benefit his racing career.
A Day in the Life of Layne Riggs
To better understand how Layne balances his commitments, let’s take a look at a typical day:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | Wake up and go for a morning jog |
| 7:30 AM | Breakfast and review daily schedule |
| 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Attend engineering classes |
| 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch and study group |
| 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Afternoon classes or lab work |
| 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM | Practice at the racetrack |
| 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM | Homework and study time |
| 8:30 PM | Dinner and relaxation |
| 10:00 PM | Wind down and prepare for bed |
Case Study: Balancing Act of a Young Racer
One notable example of Layne Riggs’ ability to balance his commitments occurred during the 2023 racing season. Facing a critical exam week while preparing for a major race, Riggs effectively coordinated his study schedule with his practice times:
- He studied during travel downtime and utilized online resources for his engineering courses.
- Riggs communicated with his professors about his schedule, allowing for flexibility in submission deadlines.
- After the race, he dedicated focused time to catch up on any missed lectures or assignments.
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Layne Riggs
In a recent interview, Layne shared his thoughts on the journey of balancing racing and education:
“It’s not easy, but my passion for racing drives me. I know that my education will give me the tools I need for a successful future, whether in the racing world or beyond. Time management and support from my team and family are crucial for my success.” – Layne Riggs
The Role of Technology in Balancing Responsibilities
Technology plays a pivotal role in how Layne Riggs manages his commitments. Here are some ways he utilizes technology to stay organized:
- Apps for Scheduling: Using apps like Google Calendar to keep track of his classes and racing events.
- Online Learning: Taking advantage of online resources and lectures to keep up with his studies while on the road.
- Social Media: Engaging with fans and sponsors through social media, which also serves as a platform for networking.
Conclusion
Layne Riggs embodies the spirit of a modern athlete by successfully navigating the demanding worlds of NASCAR racing and higher education. His journey highlights the importance of determination, effective time management, and the ability to seek support. With his ongoing commitment to both racing and academic excellence, Layne Riggs is undoubtedly a role model for young athletes everywhere.
