Michael SatterfieldIn motorsports, the road to success is often paved with family money, factory-backed teams, and an early start in high-end karting circuits. Ellis Spiezia took a different route. A self-proclaimed outsider, the 19-year-old rising star launched his career not from the well-heeled racing academies of Europe, but from the unlikeliest of places—his living room in New Jersey, gripping a gaming wheel connected to an Xbox.
“I was just a kid messing around with a pedal setup,” Spiezia recalls. “My grandfather was a car enthusiast, but racing professionally wasn’t something we even considered a possibility.”
Yet, through sheer grit, relentless self-promotion, and an unshakable belief in the future of electric motorsport, Spiezia has become one of the most talked-about young drivers in the game. His journey has taken him from setting records at a local indoor karting track to competing in the world’s first junior electric championship, sharing grids with childhood idols like Travis Pastrana, and founding Ellysium Racing. In an industry still skeptical of EV racing, he’s not just participating—he’s redefining what’s possible.
Ellis Spiezia: A Leap of Faith—and Speed
Spiezia’s break came through an unconventional opportunity: electric karting. Unable to afford the traditional combustion racing route, his mother—a former educator with a knack for problem-solving—discovered an emerging scene in Europe. Before he knew it, Spiezia was trading in mall karts for an 85-mph professional-grade electric kart in Germany. The family left behind everything in Hoboken, NJ, to pursue a dream that, by all odds, shouldn’t have been in reach.
That leap led him to the Rotax Project E20, a German electric kart championship where he honed his skills. From there, he helped develop an electric formula car, claimed podium finishes in multiple championships, and most recently, made his rallycross debut at Nitrocross—where, true to his all-in philosophy, he literally left his mark by rolling his car in front of the grandstands.
“It was my first rallycross race, and I took the joker lap a little too hot,” he laughs. “But I got out and cheered for the crowd. If you’re gonna crash, at least make it memorable.”
Racing at the Edge of Innovation
Ellis Spiezia is acutely aware that electric racing is still finding its place. While Formula E has gained mainstream recognition, many electric racing series struggle with funding, infrastructure, and public perception. For Spiezia, that uncertainty is both a challenge and an opportunity.
“People assume electric racing is slow and boring because it’s quiet,” he says. “But the acceleration, the precision required—it’s insane. Once people experience it, their mindset shifts.”
His approach to motorsport extends beyond the track. As an early adopter of digital engagement, he built a personal brand that rivals those of far more established drivers. From TikTok to Instagram, from STEM education initiatives to developing a Roblox racing game, Spiezia is tapping into a new generation of motorsport fans.
“Younger audiences don’t engage with sports the way they used to,” he explains. “They follow individual athletes over teams, they want behind-the-scenes content, and they prefer digital experiences. If you’re not adapting to that, you’re going to get left behind.”
Ellis Spiezia: Rewriting the Rules of Racing
Unlike many young drivers who see sponsorship as a stepping stone, Spiezia understands that in the digital age, personality is as important as podiums. His media-savvy parents instilled that from the start.
“My dad used to tell me, ‘We’re going to make you the most interesting driver out there, even if you’re in last place. Don’t worry—you’ll catch up with us.’”
That philosophy has paid off. While many racers struggle to attract sponsors, Spiezia’s brand-first approach has led to partnerships with Varta Training Academy, Can-Am, and multiple gaming and tech ventures. He’s not just a competitor—he’s a content creator, a business strategist, and an ambassador for the future of motorsport.
But don’t mistake him for an influencer. “Just don’t call me that,” he says, grinning.
The Future: Full Send
Spiezia’s next move? He’s setting his sights on making the jump to the elite class of Nitrocross, piloting the formidable FC1-X—a 1,000-horsepower electric beast that epitomizes the future of rally racing. The FC1-X, developed by First Corner—a collaboration between QEV Technologies and Olsbergs MSE—boasts an all-wheel-drive system powered by four axial flux motors, collectively delivering a staggering 1,070 horsepower. This setup propels the car from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 1.4 seconds, subjecting drivers to nearly 2g of acceleration.
Designed to withstand the rigors of Nitrocross’s challenging mixed-surface tracks, the FC1-X features a tubular chassis coupled with a carbon-fiber tub to minimize weight without compromising structural integrity. Its advanced suspension system, equipped with double wishbones and adjustable settings, provides 12 inches of wheel travel, enabling the car to tackle the series’ signature 200-foot gap jumps and demanding terrains.
Nitrocross, founded by motorsports icon Travis Pastrana in 2020, has rapidly evolved into a premier racing series known for its innovative approach and electrifying events. The introduction of the electric Group E class in 2022 marked a significant shift toward sustainable racing, with the FC1-X at the forefront. The series’ commitment to sustainability is further underscored by the development of vehicles like the SIERRA Echo R-Spec, an all-electric race car producing 306 horsepower and 365 ft-lbs of torque, offering a power-to-weight ratio comparable to high-end sports cars.
Spiezia’s ambition to compete in Nitrocross’s top tier aligns seamlessly with his advocacy for electric mobility and sustainable innovation. Beyond the track, he’s intensifying his efforts to engage fans and educate the public, ensuring his influence extends far beyond racing. His fearless approach and dedication to brand-building are not just propelling his career; they’re redefining the landscape of motorsports. Whether the industry is ready or not, one thing is certain: Ellis Spiezia is not slowing down.
Ellis Spiezia Poses with family after Nitrocross Race.
Photos Courtesy of Ellysium Racing
