🏁 S.M.A.S.H iRacing: Driver Spotlight — Kyzer Riddell, Calculated With Range

By S.M.A.S.H — April 19, 2026

The Driver

Some drivers race on instinct.

Others race on control.

Kyzer Riddell looks like the second kind.

He is not trying to win the race in the first move. He is not overcommitting to every opening. He is looking for timing, discipline, and the right chance to strike.

And when you ask him directly how he drives, he says it plainly:

“I would say my driving style is a mix of aggressive and patient trying only to make calculated moves at the right times.”

That tells you almost everything.

Background

Name: Kyzer Riddell

Experience: About 15 years sim racing, with the last year or two on iRacing

Riddell’s path into iRacing started with racing games long before he had the hardware for the sim itself.

“I have always loved racing but never had a PC for iracing but was always playing F1 and the NASCAR games with my wheel on Xbox then finally got a PC and instantly went straight for iracing.”

That background matters. It shows up in the way he talks about racecraft, patience, and control.

What brought him to S.M.A.S.H iRacing?

“I was searching for a good well structured league that was fun but also competitive so S.M.A.S.H definitely won me over.”

Simple. Clear. Competitive drivers want competitive environments.

The Approach

Riddell does not describe himself as reckless, even when aggression is part of the equation.

He sees his style as balanced.

Calculated.

Measured.

And when asked to be honest about whether he is aggressive or calculated, his answer gets even shorter:

“Definitely calculated.”

That kind of answer usually comes from a driver who understands that races are built over time, not forced in one lap.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Riddell has a strong read on what he does well.

Strength:

“I like to think my strength as a driver is my throttle control and patience as well as the focus I have.”

That is a serious combination. Throttle control wins exits. Patience protects tires. Focus keeps mistakes small.

And when it comes to weaknesses, he is just as honest.

Weakness:

“When it comes to road racing I'm definitely still working on trail braking but in oval racing it's definitely not over throttling out of the corners and tire management.”

No excuses. Just specifics.

That is usually a good sign.

Tracks That Fit the Style

Riddell’s favorite track makes sense for the kind of driver he appears to be.

“I love road racing so I would have to say I do absolutely love Watkins Glenn the track just flows so smoothly with a bit of technicality to it.”

A smooth, technical road course. Rhythm. Precision. Timing.

That fits.

On the other side:

“The new Phoenix track in just not a fan of the new layout and struggle there.”

Every driver has one. The track that never quite fits the way they want to race.

Career Highlights

Riddell’s most memorable race moment did not come easy.

“I was racing in a big F1 esports race and was struggling early on got a late safety car and was one of the few to pit and ended up driving to the lead from 10th in the final 3 laps to get my first major F1 win against a bunch of pro drivers.”

That is not just a good story.

That is proof of patience, timing, and the ability to recognize when a race turns in your favor.

Life Outside the Car

Outside of racing, Riddell keeps moving.

He says he plays hockey, plays a lot of golf, and spends plenty of time gaming. He also works as a welder/fabricator, which fits the same blue-collar edge a lot of strong league racers bring into the sim.

He puts it simply:

“Outside of racing i play hockey and I play a lot of golf.”

And beyond that:

“I'm a big gamer so you can find me on my Xbox playing almost anything, outside of video games in a huge hockey fan.”

Mindset

If he could drive any real race car, Riddell already knows the answer.

“If I could drive any car it would be the old v10 F1 cars those things were absolute monsters.”

And when it comes to influence, he pulls from two very different kinds of greatness.

“Road courses I like to model my driving after ayrton senna, but when it comes to oval racing I like to think I model my driving from Kyle Larson.”

That combination says plenty. Precision on one side. edge and feel on the other.

And for this season?

“My goal is to have a great time make some new friends and hopefully finish in the top 10 in points.”

S.M.A.S.H iRacing Perspective

Riddell sees the league for what it is.

“Smash is different for the fact that everyone is friendly yet competitive as well as very well structured so you always know what's going on and it's so much fun to run with everyone week in and week out.”

That balance matters. Strong leagues are not just about fast drivers. They are about standards, communication, and fields that make every week worth showing up for.

On the competition itself:

“The field is tough there's highly skilled drivers.”

That is the kind of answer that respects the room.

Rivalries & Edge

When asked who the toughest driver is to race against, Riddell would not narrow it down.

“I can't choose one specific driver it's anyone's race each week which makes the racing that much more fun and exciting.”

When it comes to who he would trust late in a draft, though, he does have an answer:

“I would have to say my buddy Cody O'Connor we have known each other for years.”

And on the emotional side of racing, he is honest there too.

“Yea I have definitely over frustration decided to leave so I don't get myself in trouble haha.”

As for payback?

“Everyone is pretty clean so I don't think there's anyone I OWE payback to.”

And apologies?

“Not a single person owes me anything it's racing.”

No drama. No forced rivalry. Just a driver focused on racing.

Final Word

Kyzer Riddell does not sound like a driver trying to be something he is not.

He knows what his strengths are. He knows what still needs work. He respects the competition, values structure, and races with a mindset built around patience and timing.

And in S.M.A.S.H, that kind of driver usually becomes dangerous over time