Summer break

Thank you

The Spec MX-5 season wraps up at The SCCA Runoffs at Road America, September 29–October 5, but for now, I’ve got a little breathing room—and a chance to say thank you.

This year has been a steep learning curve in a brand-new series: new challenges, new car, new driving style. I couldn’t have made it through without the emotional and financial support of so many amazing people:

• Donna "Mom of Stiglette" Wittlin & Greg Andrews

• Tony Borokhovich — Strictly German Auto

• Emile Borokhovich — Olympia Pharmacy

• Brando’s Autocare

• Janet Buhl

• Suesan Carter

• Michael Dolphin

• Sean Douglass — Douglass Motorsport

• Claude Dudouit

• Friends of Steve McQueen

• Mark & Lisa Henzel — Henzel Enterprises

• Greg Lawless — Racers Performance

• Mazda Motorsports

• McQueen Racing

• Mark Medina

• Anthony Nex — Nex Photography

• Ashley Piscitell — The Racers Physio

• Project 6 Wheels

• Pam Regan & Johnny Wetzstein

• Mike Rosenblatt

• Steve Russel

• Ravi & Michele Sandhu

• Barbara Silver

• Anthony Torres

• VBOX Motorsport

• Lauren Wittlin

• Harriet Wittlin

• Anna Wong

• Andy Wong

• WRTeknika

It’s been a wild ride

—literally. I’ve driven four different SMX cars this season:

• Started in my personal Rootbeer #111 at Homestead and Sebring

• Hopped into the Black Mazda Team Car at Road Atlanta

• After “The Big Crash” in Atlanta, I switched to my coach’s car, Sweet Potato, at VIR

• Raced a newly built Silver Mazda Team Car at Mid-Ohio

• Back to Rootbeer for Watkins Glen and Road America

• And I’ll be back in the Silver Mazda Team Car for The Runoffs at Road America

Thinking ahead to Next season

In the off-season, Rootbeer #111 will get a full refresh—new engine included—for 2026.

Next year will be my sophomore season in the ultra-competitive SMX class. After a year of hard lessons, I’m ready to come back stronger. 

I’m also planning to dip my toes into other cars and series—Mx-5 Cup, WRL, Toyota, Ford, BMW . . . who knows? I’m keeping an open mind and ready to jump in wherever the right opportunities come along.

See you at The Runoffs,

Joey “The Stiglette”