Austin Varco
Current or Previous Roles: Auto Racing: NASCAR, Sports-car racing, Endurance racing
Keynote: With a diagnosis of Autism and ADHD, Austin Varco is passionate about challenging stigmas in motorsports and beyond. He advocates for a data-driven, individualised approach to understanding neurodivergent athletes, rejecting the notion that traditional expectations limit success. As a professional racing driver, he is determined to reshape perceptions of neurodivergent capabilities, proving that with the right support, neurodivergent individuals can excel in high-pressure, competitive environments. Through his platform, Austin continues to educate, inspire, and drive change, showing that inclusion in sports isn’t just about participation—it’s about winning on your terms.
Austin Varco’s Bio
Austin Varco is a 25-year old American racing driver from San Diego, CA. Austin drives the Special Needz Coffee #2 Dodge RAM in the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series, the Race4Autism #2 Mazda Miata in the Spec Miata Challenge Series, and the #38 and #83 Palomar Racing BMW M3 entry in World Racing League endurance races. Leading through his passions for motorsports and diversity, Austin is using his racing career as a platform to educate, change stigmas, and create a network of empathy around Autism Spectrum Disorder. Austin’s ultimate career goal is to be the first pro driver in sports-car racing openly diagnosed with Autism - not only to participate, but win. Showing that by being understood, neurodivergent individuals can make anything possible.
He has raced at the Minor League (“Class A/AA”) professional level, including the NASCAR Weekly Series and the World Racing League. Among his proudest achievements, Austin was nominated at-large for the Mazda Road to 24 Factory Driver Shootout in both 2022 and 2023. Additionally, he secured a top-10 finish in his debut at the FIA BRSCC MX-5 Championship at Silverstone, showcasing his talent on an international stage.
Outside of racing, Austin Varco is highly competitive in everything he does. He is an avid fitness enthusiast who enjoys working out and staying active. A skilled snowboarder, he considers himself a less-than-expert surfer and a decent photographer. As the designated driver on road trips, he embraces adventure both on and off the track. He also has a keen appreciation for television, having watched It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia more than 20 times.
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