07/29/2025
Finally. I got to feel the emotions of being on the top step once again.
I entered the Toyo tires series not knowing what to expect. My pole start in round 1 and podium finish suggested it would not be long before my first win, so that became my goal.
In Shannonville, I could have easily achieved my goal but I was defeated by pressure, selfishness, and ultimately, myself.
During the VARAC weekend I displayed an exceptional level of confidence and charge in all my sessions. Luck was not on my side and it cast a shadow over what could have been a better weekend.
I had a conversation with my mechanic Daniel after the race and he told me that “success is when preparation meets opportunity”. I sat with this for a while until I realized what I had to do - work hard to make sure I was on point to capitalize on every ounce of every gain that was in my grasp. This looked like strength training with my trainer , and putting in lots of hours in the sim . I could feel good things ahead.
I arrived with a very confident, yet harsh mindset. Top 5, a podium, or even p2 would not satisfy me. I HAD to win.
In race 2 I was faced with a late safety car with 6 minutes left. I happened to be in the lead so I prayed for it to end there. However, race control decided to give us one green lap of racing.
I would need a stellar jump to ensure I was not caught out but the draft like I had been in previous races. From the moment they waved the green all the way to the checkered, I drove one of the best laps of my life.
The feeling of winning is truly unbeatable. It is what makes all the hard work, failing, mistakes, and resisting temptation worth it. Did it take longer than it should have? Yes. Will I make the same mistakes? No. As my Dad told me, this is a dam that has been opened for good. I am ready to put nothing but my best foot forward in the coming half of the season.
Thank you all ❤️