Tips on building a successful race career is part and parcel of what Motorsport Prospects is all about. This week’s Driver Development Roundup brings you even more tips, advice and driver development news to help you achieve your goals. So, let’s dig in!
Becoming a Professional Race Driver
In the video above, Enzo Mucci explains how to handle negative thoughts.
In the high-stakes world of open formula racing, race driver preparation is crucial for achieving peak performance on the track. Martin from lowerlaptime looks at the four essential pillars of race driver preparation: Technical, Mental, Tactical, and Physical preparation. Get all the details as to why here.
Active karter and founder of Hanscombe Performance, Rhys Hanscombe explains what the three essential fitness focus areas for racing drivers should be. Find out what they are here.
The entry process is open for the 2025 Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America season, which will feature several changes and enhancements particularly on driver categorization requirements.
This year there are some interesting incentives for young drivers according to Sportscar365. Super Trofeo, backed by the nation’s leading Lamborghini dealerships, is one of the few single-make series that permits two-driver lineups, allowing for driver coaches to race alongside their students for accelerated development.
One of the key changes for 2025 comes within driver categorization, which will see all drivers in the Lamborghini Young Driver program compete in the Pro class regardless of their FIA driver rating. “In addition for 2025, a more defined ‘Young Driver Program’ will be announced soon, allowing ‘Young Drivers’ to track their progress throughout the season with a points system, showing progress and measurable results.”
Sportscar365 has all the details here.
FEL Motorsports made an announcements last week concerning the Sports Car Championship Canada (SCCC) which will be of interest to drivers developing their motorsport careers. The series has announced a partnership with Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA) that will provide one standout TCR or TCA driver from the 2025 SCCC presented by Michelin that will be selected to participate in a test with Bryan Herta Autosport, driving the championship-winning Hyundai Elantra N TCR.
“The selected driver will be chosen based on a range of criteria, including their on-track potential, professionalism, and overall development as a racing driver—not solely championship standings. This ensures that the opportunity highlights and supports a truly exceptional and deserving individual.” More details can be found here.
The video above from 2022 and Pit Talk Asia is an in-depth and animated conversation with one of New Zealand’s most successful GT Racers, Jono Lester. Lester is a third generation racing driver from Palmerston North, New Zealand. Born and raised at the Manfeild circuit operated by his family, Jono joined his grandfather, father, aunt and cousin Jaxon Evans in the driver’s seat at age 13. Since 2012, Jono has been competing professionally throughout Asia-Pacific in GT and touring cars.
“We talk about the importance of good business acumen for young drivers and what they need to focus on to build a successful career. Plus we discuss the state of motorsport in New Zealand, Jono’s racing background and achievements and Formula One.”
Triple Eight Racing is set to contest the 2025 Monochrome GT4 Australia Series with a pair of young drivers reports SpeedCafe. The team will field a Mercedes-AMG for Erebus Academy Super2 Series driver Jarrod Hughes and Toyota GR Cup racer Summer Rintoule. The team recently expressed a desire to add Ford Mustang GT3 and GT4 programs to its stable once its deal with the Blue Oval begins in 2026.
US Open Wheel Racing looks at how the seven rookie drivers out of this year’s 20 drivers competing in Indy NXT (as of this date) are adapting to the new series. “While those drivers got the chance to compete on street circuits, what all international rookies will have in common is the need to adjust to a truly American style of racing — competing on an oval.” Read the full article here.
The Race looks at the road that Zak O’Sullivan has faced as he aims for Formula 1 and the costs involved to climb the development ladder. “I think it’s good, the more people you tell how it is, because it is an expensive sport – it’s expensive whether you’re in an academy or not – and it’s only getting more expensive every season.” Read the full article here.
Grassroots Motorsports looks at how an FSAE team selects its drivers. “Students of every major and year looking to claim the title of driver must first show their basic knowledge and speed in a form of racing where a lot of pro drivers get their start. That’s right, go-karts.” Read the full article here.
What is the number one question FSAE teams get asked by students looking to join? “How can I drive the car?”
Driver Development Program News & Resources
Australian motorsport news site Auto Action reports that Dunlop and the Circuit Excel Racing Association have joined forces to help accelerate the development of the brightest young stars in the sport.
“On January 22 the Dunlop Destiny Evaluation Day was held where Bradley James, Ashton Cattach, Tyler Collins, Ethan Grigg-Gault and Rio Campbell were given a deep insight into all facets of racing on and off the track at Norwell Motorplex. To make the experience that much more memorable, current Supercars stars Brodie Kostecki and Broc Feeney were on hand, plus Bathurst winner Paul Morris and experienced son Nash, plus Ironman champion Guy Andrews. Through the program the teenagers not only completed track sessions and shootouts, Andrews put their fitness to the test, replicating the strain bodies go through in the car by completing courses that include running 400m or 40 push ups or carrying tyres.”
Read more about the program here.
Mission 44 has released their 2023/24 Annual Report. This report celebrates Mission 44’s impact over the 2023/24 period, a year in which we took our first steps towards global expansion, extended our reach to 300,000 young people and supported 33 transformative organizations. You can read the report here.
From the Sim Racing Roundup
Radical Academy Indonesia is a program that develops sim racers into real-life race drivers and in last week’s edition of the Sim Racing Roundup you will find out about the program and watch it in action. I also have news on how a sim racer was recently crowned “Young Driver of the Year” in the UK, transitioning from sim racing to the CARS Tour in real life and why Max Verstappen thinks that sim racing is 90-95% there.
Driver Development Pathways
Meet Alana Carter, the 2024 AE Victory Racing Shoot-Out winner. “When I first saw the social media posts about the AEVR Shootout, I didn’t waste a minute in applying. I was the first person to submit an application because I had pulled over into a random parking lot on a drive home from Pittsburg to record the application video. I was NOT going to miss out on this opportunity.” You can read about here experience competing in the shoot-out here.
The Toyota website profiles Toyota GR Cup racer Gresham Wagner. “Being consistent with what you’re doing through a season,” he says, “to be able to keep the results where they need to be. That’s what really pays off.” Read his complete profile here.
On episode 210 of Inside the SCCA presented by RaceSchool.com, they re-connect Nicole Havrda. “Since we last talked with Nicole she’s competed in the Indian Racing League, she tested in Spain with the F1 Academy, and she won the Formula Pro Winter and Formula Pro USA Championships. We’ll talk about what it takes to race all over the world.” You can watch the interview above.
Author: Mark Boudreau
Mark is the publisher of Motorsport Prospects. 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.
