The 2025 AMSOIL Championship Off-Road season roars to life this weekend at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri, and all eyes are on Gray Leadbetter, a trailblazing off-road racer ready to make waves in the Show-Me Off-Road Shootout. At just 18 years old, Leadbetter is no stranger to breaking barriers. As the first female Pro Class champion in Championship Off-Road (COR) history, she’s now stepping into a new challenge by competing in the Pro Lite division while also pulling double duty in Pro SXS. With her signature grit, a top-tier team, and a packed schedule, Leadbetter is poised to leave her mark on the 2025 season opener.
A New Era in Pro Lite
For the first time in her career, Leadbetter is racing in the Pro Lite class, piloting the #28 On Track School/Yokohama/Pepper Palace Pro Lite truck under the banner of Ryan Beat Motorsports. This move marks a significant shift for the young driver, who made history in 2021 as COR’s inaugural female Pro Spec champion. Her transition to Pro Lite, a highly competitive division featuring lightweight, high-horsepower trucks, is a testament to her ambition and skill. Supported by Ryan Beat Motorsports—the same team that backed her Pro Spec campaigns—Leadbetter is ready to tackle the demanding Lucas Oil Speedway track.
Image credit: Gray Leadbetter
“I’m beyond pumped to kick off the 2025 season,” Leadbetter shared. “Lucas Oil Speedway is a place I’ve heard so much about from other drivers. Testing here with Ryan earlier this spring gave me a good feel for the track, and I’m ready to hit the ground running in Pro Lite.” Her enthusiasm is infectious, and with the support of her team and sponsors like On Track School, Yokohama, Pepper Palace, Sparco, and Vision Wheel, she’s well-equipped to chase podiums in her new division.
Double Duty: Pro SXS Send-Off
As if debuting in Pro Lite wasn’t enough, Leadbetter is doubling down on the excitement by competing in the Pro SXS class as well. She’s stepping in for Kyle Chaney, driving the #91 Can-Am that she piloted to a top-10 points finish last season with her own team. This weekend marks a bittersweet farewell to Pro SXS, a category where Leadbetter has excelled, and she’s determined to make her final race in the class count.
“I owe a huge thanks to Kyle Chaney for letting me race his Can-Am this weekend,” Leadbetter said. “It’s a great opportunity to close out my time in Pro SXS with a strong performance. Plus, the extra track time will help me get up to speed in both classes.” Her ability to juggle two demanding race schedules showcases her versatility and work ethic, qualities that have made her a standout in the off-road racing world.
The Lucas Oil Speedway Showdown
The Show-Me Off-Road Shootout at Lucas Oil Speedway is the perfect stage for Leadbetter’s 2025 debut. Known for its challenging layout and passionate fanbase, the Wheatland track is hosting the season opener for the first time in years, drawing top talent from across North America. The AMSOIL Championship Off-Road series, renowned for its high-octane, door-to-door racing, will feature a stacked field of Pro Lite and Pro SXS competitors, making this weekend a true test of skill and strategy.
Leadbetter’s weekend begins on Friday with practice sessions at noon for Pro Lite and 12:10 PM for Pro SXS, followed by qualifying at 3:10 PM and 3:20 PM, respectively. The real action kicks off on Saturday, with Pro Lite racing at 3:15 PM and Pro SXS at 3:45 PM. Sunday brings another round of races, with Pro Lite at 4:15 PM and Pro SXS at 4:45 PM. Fans can catch every moment live on FloRacing, while tickets for the event are still available for those eager to witness the spectacle in person.
A Trailblazer’s Journey
Gray Leadbetter’s rise in off-road racing is nothing short of remarkable. Starting her career at age five in arenacross, she quickly progressed to karts, UTVs, and sprint cars before finding her calling in short-course off-road racing. At 14, she became the youngest driver in the American Rallycross series and, in 2020, made history as the youngest and first female winner of a Championship Off-Road SXS race. Her Pro Spec championship in 2021 solidified her status as a rising star, and her move to Pro Lite signals her intent to compete with the sport’s elite.
Off the track, Leadbetter is a relatable 18-year-old who loves animals, spending time with friends, and exploring new places. Yet her passion for racing remains unmatched. “Short-course off-road racing is special to me,” she said in a recent interview. “Growing up on dirt bikes, I feel at home on these tracks. My dream is to race a Pro4 truck one day and maybe even try desert racing. I just love going fast.”
A Team Effort
Leadbetter’s success is a team effort, and she’s quick to credit Ryan Beat Motorsports for their unwavering support. Led by three-time Pro Lite champion Ryan Beat, the team is the only Chevrolet OEM factory-backed squad in the series, known for its meticulous preparation and competitive edge. With a roster of sponsors backing her, including On Track School, Yokohama, Pepper Palace, Sparco, and Vision Wheel, Leadbetter has the resources to chase victories in both Pro Lite and Pro SXS.
The move to Lucas Oil Speedway also marks a new chapter for Championship Off-Road, which is expanding its reach in 2025 with events from Missouri to California. The series’ return to Wheatland after a long hiatus has generated buzz among fans and drivers alike, and Leadbetter is eager to perform for the enthusiastic Missouri crowd. “I’m sure we’ll have tons of amazing fans out there,” she said. “It’s going to be an awesome weekend.”
What’s Next?
As Gray Leadbetter takes on the 2025 season opener, her focus is clear: compete hard, learn fast, and have fun. Her debut in Pro Lite is a bold step forward, and her final Pro SXS race is a chance to celebrate her roots in the class. With a packed schedule, a supportive team, and a legion of fans following her journey on social media (@grayleadbetter) and her website, GrayLeadbetter.com, she’s ready to tackle the challenges of Lucas Oil Speedway.
For fans tuning in on FloRacing or cheering from the stands, this weekend promises non-stop action and a front-row seat to Leadbetter’s next chapter. Will she claim a podium in her Pro Lite debut? Can she end her Pro SXS career on a high note? One thing is certain: Gray Leadbetter is a force to be reckoned with, and her 2025 season is off to an electrifying start.
