Meet The Driver Of Change
NASCAR Driver
Austin Varco
Austin Varco is a racecar driver from San Diego, CA who uses motorsports as a platform to educate, reduce stigma, and build empathy surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
“Driving to win. Driven to advocate.”
Austin’s Story
Austin’s love for racing started young. He describes the track as a place of belonging and focus — a space where differences faded and passion took over.
Austin had an unofficial diagnosis at age 2 and was formally diagnosed with Level 1 Autism at age 20. Today, he is open about autism and works to make motorsports more inclusive for the next generation.
Through racing, coaching, and advocacy, Austin is pursuing a historic goal: to be a winning professional driver openly diagnosed with autism.
“Austin Varco earning Third Place in the 2025 Kern Raceway Banquet!”
Why Special Needz Coffee Sponsors Austin
Special Needz Coffee is proud to sponsor Austin Varco because this partnership represents what we stand for: opportunity, inclusion, and visibility for individuals with disabilities — on the track and in everyday life.
Together, we collaborate to advocate for families with children on the autism spectrum and beyond. Austin is regularly invited to events hosted by Behavioral Autism Therapies and Special Needz Coffee, helping inspire families and building community.
Race4Autism
Race4Autism was launched to help make racing a sensory-safe, welcoming place for families. The program has hosted community events and raised funds for autism-related nonprofits.
