Ryan Sipes is definitely a rider with tremendous amounts of potential. However, luck has not been kind to the young rider from Kentucky. The 2005 season was Sipes’ first year in the pro ranks. He went into the 125cc West Coast Supercross series as a rookie and ended the tour in the eighth spot; a respectable result for a newcomer like Sipes.
The 2006 season was rough on Sipes. During the second Supercross round in Anaheim, California, he broke bones on the top of his foot. The injury proved costly as he missed the entire Supercross season. When the outdoor nationals started, he injured his foot again, this time at Glen Helen Raceway. The season was definitely hard for Sipes, but it was not for lack of trying. In fact, he might have tried too hard, and just when he looked to be on his way to a successful recovery, another injury would strike.
After a rocky 2006 season with the WBR Suzuki team, Sipes picked up a ride with the reputable Factory Connection Honda squad for his 2007 campaign. In the East Coast Supercross Lites series, Sipes was putting in consistent top-ten finishes until he once again injured himself during the fourth round. He recovered in time to pursue the outdoor circuit, where he had flashes of speed on his way to 25th in the series.
For 2008, Sipes was contracted to ride for the MDK Factory KTM team. The new team was just what the talented racer needed to rejuvenate what was turning into a rough career. Sipes competed in the East Coast Region, and tied his career best with an eighth place in the final standings. He earned a podium in the first round, and finished in the top ten in five out of the seven rounds.
In 2011, Sipes broke through for his first career victory, winning the 250SX East Region race at Indianapolis. He finished the year 3rd overall in points in the region, but followed it up with a rough Lucas Oil Pro Motocross season.
Sipes earned another 250SX victory in 2012, winning the West Coast race in Seattle en route to a 7th place finish in points. During the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross season that year, he managed to accomplish the unusual feat of finishing inside the top 20 in points in both the 450 and 250 Classes. Riding for Star Valli Yamaha, Sipes contested the season's first seven races in the 450 Class, but dropped down to the 250's after several teammates suffered injuries midway through the year.
For 2013, Sipes moved to the Rockstar Suzuki team.
