Ryan's racing career began in 2001 at the age of 13, where he raced in the Tobias Slingshot Junior Division. In 2002, he moved up to the main slingshot division. Overall he compiled 5 wins.

At the end of the 2002 season, Ryan was offered a ride for an event in a 270cc micro sprint owned be WEAN racing. He started last in the feature and moved through the field to an impressive fifth place finish.

The decision was made to move up to this division in the 2003 racing season. In two years in the 270cc Micro Sprint Division, Ryan compiled six wins and one track championship.