Mazda MX-5 Cup Shootout
WOW! What a week it’s been! We did it!! We won the MX-5 Cup Women’s Initiative Scholarship! I can’t express how thankful I am for this opportunity that Mazda has given me.
After not being an original finalist for the shootout, I am beyond thrilled to say that we’re going home a Mazda factory driver with a $75,000 scholarship!
The shootout consisted of two action packed days. We got at least three 15 minute sessions in the car, coaching from some of the best MX-5 Cup driver coaches in the world, multiple interviews in front of the camera, and lots of discussion time with the judges in between!
Never having driven at Carolina Motorsports Park, I was trying to be a sponge, learning as much as possible in a very short period of time.
In the first session, I focused on getting a feel for the car, tires, and track. I already knew that my weak point in these cars was compressing my braking, so I dedicated my first session to finding the braking zones and maximizing the ABS.
In the second session, my mindset was geared more towards putting everything together and digging deep to improve my lap times. However, as the sun came out and the tires got more worn, the lap times naturally slowed down for everybody.
With only one more session remaining in day 2, the pressure was on. We had to make this last session count, by giving it everything we had. The judges explained that they considered all sessions, but the last was the most crucial. However, they didn’t just judge our on track performance. They also determined who won the scholarship by our interviewing skills, independence, and potential we had to represent Mazda.
My interview with Shea Adams after the 3rd session in the car on day 2 (above).
As the final session concluded, I felt a sense of accomplishment as I had given that session everything I had. I immediately felt less pressure as I realized that the outcome now rested in the hands of the judges. I was overwhelmed with anticipation of the announcement.
The pressure, the effort, and the determination had all culminated in this moment, where the recipient of the MX-5 Cup Women's Initiative Scholarship would be revealed, carrying with it not just financial support but the honor of being recognized as a driver who embodied the spirit and excellence synonymous with Mazda.
After waiting 3 hours while the judges made their final decisions on who was worthy for the scholarships, we were all eager to hear the new 2023 Mazda MX-5 Cup scholarship recipients. I’m happy to say that due to my on track performance and off track performance, I was selected to receive the $75,000 check from Mazda and become an official factory driver.
Live stream footage of my name getting called to win the MX-5 Cup Women’s Initiative Scholarship (above).
The announcement marked the end of a suspenseful wait and the beginning of a thrilling new chapter in my racing career. As I stepped forward to receive the check, the weight of responsibility and privilege settled in.
In that moment of triumph, surrounded by fellow racers, supporters, and representatives of Mazda, the realization that I had become an official factory driver fueled a profound sense of gratitude and excitement for the adventures to come in the 2024 season. I realized that in this moment, my entire career is going to pivot and launch, as many doors of opportunity will fly open for me as a Mazda factory driver.
I would like to thank my dad for supporting me on track, off track, as a coach, as a mechanic, as mental support, and as an amazing father figure. I would like to thank my mom for always having my back, always being a shoulder to lean on, and most importantly, keeping me in the right head space. I would also like to thank my sponsors. None of this would be possible without them. Huge thanks to LMR, Coble Enterprises, Palmetto Galleries, Ribtect, SVE Wheels, Shift Up Now, Smart-energize.com, and Mazda Motorsports for all of their support. This is not my win. This is a win for my family, sponsors, team, and for women in motorsports. THANK YOU!
The vision board I created before my first MX-5 Cup race at Road Atlanta (above). It seems that I need to make a new one as everything on this board has become a reality!
Now it’s time to get to work and start preparing for the first race of the season at Daytona in January. I know the challenges that 2024 will bring won’t be easy, but I WILL be ready!
November 16, 2023
