Finding Purpose and Performance: Ryan Chanley's Mentorship Journey

Transformational Journey

Ryan Chanley balances two demanding pursuits from his home base in Salinas, California. By trade, he's a vegetable farmer, and he's also working toward his Bachelor's degree in Operations Management & Analysis at the University of Arizona. But nine years ago, a car accident that broke his neck changed the trajectory of his life, leaving him to navigate a new path forward.

An Unexpected Discovery

Ryan found the FIA Disability in Motorsport mentorship program while browsing racing news on the Autosport website. "Since breaking my neck 9 years ago in a car accident, I have gone through struggles to find my way back to becoming who I am and what my purpose in life after my injury," he shares. Finding the program felt like a sign that it was time to explore new possibilities.

He joined as a mentee, looking for guidance on potential career paths and ways to reconnect with the motorsport world he loved.

Working with Julian

Ryan was matched with Julian as his mentor, and the relationship has been consistently positive. They've worked together on practical skills—reviewing telemetry and replays from Ryan's sim races, improving his technique and race craft. But the impact went beyond technical coaching.

"So far my experience with my first mentor, Julian, has been very positive, they have helped me realize and maximize my full potential, I have learned to believe in myself again," Ryan explains.

What stood out most to Ryan was seeing what becomes possible when you believe in your abilities. "When Julian showed me what was possible when you believe in your abilities. Even with the circumstances of my disability, I have improved so much in a short amount of time and have been able to keep myself competitive with my able-bodied peers."

A Broader Understanding of Mentorship

The experience shifted how Ryan thinks about mentorship itself. Before joining, he saw it primarily as a way to gain skills and knowledge. Working with Julian showed him there's more to it.

"This relationship profoundly changed how I view mentorship and its value," he says. "I realized that mentorship extends far beyond that—it's about building confidence, fostering personal growth, and supporting someone in overcoming challenges. The impact of having someone genuinely invested in my success showed me just how pivotal mentorship can be in transforming one's outlook on life and career paths."

Advice and Recommendations

Ryan's recommendation for anyone considering the program is straightforward: "I'd say go for it. It's more than just learning a few things; it's about finding someone who's got your back and can guide you through the tough stuff."

He emphasizes that the benefits extend beyond professional development. "You won't just grow professionally; it's a personal journey too. The connections you make here can change your perspective and open doors you didn't even know existed."

For those in motorsport looking for resources on personal and professional growth, Ryan recommends "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein. Narrated from the perspective of Enzo, a wise dog who observes his owner Denny Swift's racing career and personal challenges, the book explores themes of loyalty, resilience, and adaptability. "It's about holding it together under pressure, being adaptable, and powering through the rain on the track and in life," Ryan notes.

Moving Forward

Ryan's journey shows what mentorship can provide when you're working to rebuild confidence and find new direction. Through practical guidance on sim racing, combined with someone who genuinely believed in his potential, Ryan has found himself competing at a level he might not have thought possible.

His experience demonstrates that mentorship offers more than technical skills—it provides perspective, support, and the confidence to take on new challenges. For Ryan, that's made all the difference in finding his way forward after his injury and rediscovering his place in motorsport.