Redemption at Road America

The Cat Behind the Majors

This weekend’s event, The Cat Majors, is named after a legendary stray cat that made Road America its home. The cat became a favorite among corner workers and even bonded with racing icon Brian Redman—earning the nickname “Brian Redman’s Cat.” After it passed, a gravesite was created at Turn 10, where a toast is raised each year in its memory.

Another fun fact: Joey Andrews is a cat person. So racing here always feels a little extra fitting.

OFF TO A Terrible Start

Friday’s practice day did not start off well. After the first two sessions, I only managed to complete a combined two laps.

In Session 1, we experienced a water leak on the engine and an alternator failure, resulting in a prompt end to the session. In Session 2, the battery cable disconnected, causing the engine to seize and the rear wheels to lock up as I entered T14, bringing my session to an end in the gravel.

We’re On It

After sourcing a new alternator, fixing the water leak, and ensuring the battery cable wouldn’t disconnect again, we were given permission from the track to get an extra session in. Luckily, I felt comfortable straight away and the car was cornering great.

Qualifying: A Pleasant Surprise

Despite the car cornering great, we were significantly down on power. At a track like Road America, which favors straight-line speed, that’s not ideal. I thought we were going to end up at the back of the grid and was very surprised to hear that I was 4th and only two tenths off of 3rd. A fight for the podium was on… finally.

Back On The Podium!

In Race 1 I climbed up to 3rd at Turn 1 and had to defend for a few laps to keep the spot. However, my competitor later spun out, and I was all by myself on track, all I needed to do now was just finish the race – and we did just that.

An Even Better Qualifying

The next morning I went out for Qualifying 2 on an older set of tires not expecting to be faster, but much to my surprise, I found 9 tenths out there and moved up to P3 for Race 2.

The Battle of My Life

Race 2 was the total opposite of Race 1. Unlike the relative calmness of Race 1, Race 2 was a constant battle. I spent nearly every single lap battling for position, having to fend off a car that was significantly faster in the straights than my car. It wasn’t until the last lap going into Canada Corner that I knew I had P3 sealed. Without a doubt, this was the best race of my life!

Back to My Old Self

Leaving Road America and heading into summer break, I feel super confident and back to my old self from 2024. I feel that I finally have 100% confidence with the Spec MX-5 car and we were able to celebrate that feeling with two good results as well!