The Elite MotorSport Academy of New Zealand has kicked off their 2026 development camp, and I have the details in this week’s Driver Development Roundup. I also have details on how F2 drivers are relying on their teams for advice, the new Dubai Motorsport Academy and much more!
Overview
Becoming a Professional Race Driver
Racing Through Anxiety: Danika Miles Inspires Young Racers
Drag racing taught Danika Miles how to perform under pressure, but dirt racing forced her to rebuild everything she thought she knew. Danika is 18, already nine years into motorsports, and she’s not sugarcoating what it takes to grow up around racing, sponsors, and serious expectations while still figuring out who you are off the track. If you’ve ever wondered what real mental toughness looks like, her story lands hard because it starts with anxiety that once made everyday places feel impossible.
The Women’s Motorsports Network podcast walks through her path from junior dragster racing in the PDRA to a full switch into dirt track racing at Lancaster Motor Speedway. Danika explains why the move happened, what surprised her about the dirt racing culture, and how different it feels to race wheel-to-wheel at speed while managing traffic, split-second decisions, and the reality that contact can happen even when you’re trying to race clean. She also shares the leap into becoming an owner-driver with Danika Miles Motorsports, paying for parts, learning in the shop, and chasing that first big win after years of coming close.
A big part of this conversation is confidence, safety, and identity. Danika opens up about being the only girl at the track on many nights, dealing with online hate, and still choosing accountability when things go wrong. We also talk about authentic social media for race teams, how Instagram and Facebook can attract sponsors, and why fans respond to real behind-the-scenes work more than polished highlight reels. Danika shares what it’s like to race while managing ulcerative colitis, fatigue, and the ongoing work of keeping anxiety in check.
The Latest Advice From Dan Wells
If you don’t follow Dad Wells from Drivers Lab on Instagram or LinkedIn, you are missing out on valuable advice. Here are a few of his latest posts that deal with dealing with pressure and picking a team.
How F2’s Rookies are Leaning on Their Teams in Their Debut Campaigns
Formula 2 in 2026 boasts a grid with an even split between rookies and returning drivers. Feeder Series spoke to two of those rookies, Hitech’s Colton Herta and ART Grand Prix’s Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak, about how their teams are providing them with the experience they lack in the championship.
Colton Herta Still Has the Confidence of His Team
Colton Herta’s move to F2 from Indycar has been a difficult one. But as the articles below explain, team confidence on the American is high.
- Cadillac F1 Says Colton Herta’s Formula 2 Results Don’t Tell the Whole Story (Autoweek)
- Herta ‘relearning a lot of emotions’ as F2 results continue to lag (RACER)
Beyond the Track: How Shubham Sangodkar Is Building India’s Motorsport Talent Pipeline
Behind every successful racing driver is an entire ecosystem of engineers, mechanics, managers, and technical specialists. In this interview at The Hairpin, Shubham Sangodkar explains how he’s working to strengthen India’s motorsport talent pipeline through education, hands-on experience, and industry partnerships.
Drawing on his experience with Formula 1 and the Indian motorsport scene, he shares why building sustainable career pathways for the people behind the scenes is essential to the sport’s long-term growth. Read the full article here to learn how one person is helping shape the future of Indian motorsport.
The Most Dangerous Type of Confidence in Motorsport
Confidence is essential for success in motorsport—but not all confidence is created equal. In this thought-provoking article, Minds on Track explores the difference between confidence built on preparation and competence versus the false confidence that can lead to poor decisions, complacency, and stalled development. It’s a valuable reminder that genuine self-belief isn’t about feeling invincible—it’s about trusting the work you’ve put in and continuing to learn. Read the full article here for a deeper look at one of the most misunderstood aspects of driver performance.
For more about Minds on Track, have a listen to my interview with co-founder Caroli Remmlinger here.
Drivers Alba Larsen, Nina Gademan, and Rachel Robertson Featured on Tatler
Alba Larsen, Nina Gademan, and Rachel Robertson represent a new generation of talented young women determined to reach the pinnacle of motorsport. This feature on Tatler explores their backgrounds, ambitions, and the challenges they face as they pursue the dream of Formula 1, while highlighting how initiatives like F1 Academy are helping create clearer pathways for female drivers. It’s an inspiring look at three rising stars who are proving they have the talent, determination, and resilience to compete at the highest levels of the sport. Read the full article here to learn more about their journeys.
How Toyota Developed Corey Heim
Toyota’s patient approach to driver development is paying dividends with one of NASCAR’s brightest young talents. This behind-the-scenes feature on RACER explores how the manufacturer identified, nurtured, and retained Corey Heim through a carefully managed development program, resisting the temptation to rush his progression while preparing him for long-term success at the Cup level. It’s an insightful look at the strategy, relationships, and planning required to develop elite racing talent in modern motorsport. Read the full article here to learn how Toyota’s investment in Heim is beginning to pay off.
From India’s F2000 Challenge to an International GT Racing Opportunity.
The winner of the MRF Indian National Racing Challenge F-2000 with J.A Motorsport will earn an exclusive GT test with Century Motorsport, an opportunity to experience a professional GT racing environment and showcase their talent on the international stage. Entries are now open.
Why You Need to Have a Unique Selling Point with Team Brit’s Mike Scudamore
My guest on the last episode of the podcast was Mike Scudamore of Team Brit who explains why you need to have a unique selling point when approaching potential sponsors. He provides actionable advice on how to approach brands, structure sponsorship payments and much more. He also explains how Team Brit is inspiring people with disabilities to get involved in motorsport.
Listen to the full episode here!
F2 Keen to Grow American Presence After Herta’s Blockbuster Move
Formula 2 CEO Bruno Michel is “grateful” that Colton Herta opted to race in Formula 2 ahead of a potential move to Formula 1. “I had a discussion with Montreal before 2026,” revealed Michel on the decision to replace Bahrain and Saudi with trips to America. “I thought if we were going to America it wouldn’t cost anything more to go to Miami, so I discussed with them and we found a solution. It was a fantastic success.”
Read the full article at Formula Scout here.
Yacademy Winter Series Schedule 2026/2027 Released
The Yacademy Test Days & Winter Series are coming back and the schedule is finally out. You can get all the details here.
Formula Africa Sets Sights on Sustainable Motorsport Ecosystem with Major F1 Signing
Africa’s motorsport future depends on more than producing fast drivers—it requires building an entire ecosystem to support them. This article looks at Formula Africa’s ambitious vision to develop a sustainable motorsport industry across the continent, highlighted by the appointment of former Formula 1 engineer Xevi Pujolar as a senior strategic advisor. With a focus on education, engineering, technology, and long-term career pathways alongside driver development, the initiative aims to create lasting opportunities both on and off the track.
Safe Is Fast Launches New Website
The SAFEisFast website has a fresh new look. The Road Racing Drivers Club has remained committed to providing free, online tutorials and advice for the next generation of aspiring racing drivers through SAFEisFast. Those hopeful racers can now enjoy a redesigned website with simpler navigation, making it easier to find videos on the topics you want to learn about.
Their library of 100+ videos contains advice from over 300 contributors – including 38 Formula 1 drivers, 60 sportscar champions and 18 Indy 500 winners, in addition to industry-leading team owners, engineers, media personalities and fitness experts.
Check out the new website here: https://www.safeisfast.com
Driver Development Program News & Resources
New Zealand’s Elite MotorSport Academy Class of 2026 Underway in Dunedin
New Zealand’s next generation of motorsport talent has officially begun its journey, with the Elite MotorSport Academy of New Zealand Class of 2026 assembling in Dunedin for the academy’s renowned week-long development camp.
Hosted at the world-class Otago Academy of Sport from Sunday 5 July to Saturday 11 July, the academy brings together eight of the country’s most promising young competitors from across circuit racing and rallying for an intensive programme designed to accelerate both their on and off-track development.
Read about the class of 2026 here.
Maffi Racing Driver Evaluation and Selection Process for 2027
Maffi Racing’s Driver Evaluation and Selection Process for 2027 is now open, earlier than usual for better preparedness in advance. Contact the team at Maffi Racing for the full details.
Maffi Racing Partners with the Ethiopian Motorsport Association
Maffi Racing has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Maffi Racing and the Ethiopian Motor Sport Association (EMSA)-a member organization of the FIA. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in the development of motorsports in Ethiopia. Together, Maffi Racing and EMSA aim to train, develop, and promote the next generation of Ethiopian motorsports talent, including drivers, mechanics, engineers, and technicians.
Full details can be found here.
GEMS SRI launches Dubai Motorsport Academy with Former F1 driver Robert Doornbos
GEMS School of Research and Innovation has launched a Motorsport Academy in Dubai, with former Formula 1 driver Robert Doornbos joining as Ambassador for a program that will connect students with STEM, simulation and real-world motorsport pathways.
Doornbos announced the launch on LinkedIn, describing it as “the world’s first Motorsport Academy within a school.” The academy is based at GEMS School of Research and Innovation, a British curriculum school in Dubai Sports City within the GEMS Education network.
The GEMS SRI Motorsport Academy is scheduled for September 2026. The program will combine eSports, professional racing simulators, STEM education and track experience. Build4Performance, the racing simulator company associated with Doornbos, will provide simulation hardware, while XL Motorsport will support professional karting experiences at Dubai Kartdrome.
Doornbos said the academy is designed to help students explore roles across motorsport, including professional racing driver, race engineer, mechanic and strategist, as well as wider careers in the industry.
More details can be found here.
FEL Motorsports Hosts First-Ever Junior Driver Development Day
FEL Motorsports hosted it’s first-ever Junior Driver Development Day recently at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. A select group of rising stars from karting and other junior series got their first taste of Radical SR3 machinery.
On the Podcast This Week
Why Sales is All About Trust with Brian McRae
The podcast this week features Brian McRae, the Partner Marketing Manager for Gradient Racing. Brian explains why sales is all about building trust and how you can learn sales techniques to increase your effectiveness in your sponsorship acquisition methods.
The episode drops Wednesday, July 15th at 10:00 AM EST. You can listen and subscribe here!
Karting
Firsthand View of Tillotson T4 Program
Tillotson Racing is providing a spec program geared towards the grassroots level as well as the regional scene. Over the last three decades, other programs and manufacturers have attempted or are still providing a spec karting class or championship that puts the emphasis on the driver, both in the USA and other portions of the world. The T4 program is currently enjoying a considerable growth trajectory throughout Europe, expanding in the USA and reaching all different corners of the world. This commentary helps to support Jake’s motivation in pledging his support and focus on this growing program.
Jake Mottaz, the Director of T4 Series USA explains in Ekarting News what the program is all about.
Van Amersfoort Racing and Media Friends Enter IAME UAE Karting Partnership
Van Amersfoort Racing (VAR) has announced a partnership with Media Friends, a UAE-based motorsport media and broadcasting company. The collaboration centers around IAME UAE karting activities, where VAR will be present across selected events and contribute to key activities during the season.
Full details can be found here.
Rotax E10 Mini Global Champion is On
Win Your Way to the RMC Grand Finals in Portimão! The hunt for the first-ever Rotax E10 Mini Global Champion is on. This is your chance to represent your nation at the world stage without even owning a kart. Sign up for a qualifying E10 event, prove you’re the fastest. Sign up for an E10 event today.
Last Week on The Business of Being a Race Driver
Motorsport Sponsorship Explained
Motorsport sponsorship is explained in a video featured on last week’s Business of Being a Race Driver. You will also find out why authenticity is more valuable than follower counts, how to pick a manager and much more.
From the Sim Racing Roundup
Chris Lulham’s Journey from Sims to Spa
Chris Lulham went from sim racing to racing with Max Verstappen at Spa and you will understand how in last week’s Sim Racing Roundup. I also have advice from Kyle Larson on how sim racing helps with training and more!
Driver Journeys
Dani Juncadella Quit DTM, and became Multiple Champion Against All Odds
Join Luke Crane on the SimRacing Expo Podcast for an in-depth conversation with Dani Juncadella, one of motorsport’s most versatile and candid voices.
In this episode, Dani reflects on his journey from late karting beginnings to winning Macau, becoming Formula 3 champion, racing in DTM, and ultimately thriving in GT and endurance racing.
He also opens up about the mindset shifts, setbacks, and turning points that shaped his career, plus what it’s like competing alongside Max Verstappen and working at the highest level of sim racing and real-world motorsport.
Dani’s also dives into his sim racing story, his path into iRacing, his work with Team Redline and Aston Martin, and the role social media plays in his motorsport life. It’s an honest, funny, and highly insightful look at one of the sport’s most engaging personalities. You can watch the episode above.
From Karting to the OPEN Competition: Jens Beeusaert Proves to Be NASCAR Euro Series’ Big Talent
Every season, a breakout star completely resets what we expect from a rookie. This year, that star is Jens Beeusaert. Having only started his racing career in karts back in 2021 at the age of 14, the Belgian prodigy has experienced a meteoric rise.
After discovering the NASCAR Euro Series via an official Recruitment Test, he made his full car-racing debut this season. He immediately turned heads in Spain, surviving a grueling, record-breaking 17-driver field at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo to capture a tiebreaker podium in the Rookie Challenge.
Read more about Jens at the NASCAR Euro Series website here.
Ugochukwu Striving to “Prove Myself Once More” Following McLaren Split
FIA Formula 3 championship leader Ugo Ugochukwu says he is looking to “prove myself once more” following his split from the McLaren driver development programme prior to this season.
“There’s a lot of things that you pick up along the way, I was still in karting when I joined so it’s been a long journey since there and for sure I have much more knowledge and experience and I’m a lot further in my racing career.”
Read the full profile at Formula Scout here.
Author: Mark Boudreau
Mark is the publisher of Motorsport Prospects and the host of the Motorsport Prospects Podcast. As a lawyer, he applies his legal background and research skills to assist race drivers by showcasing the resources they need to make their motorsport careers happen.
