The season opener in the ARCA Menards Series at Daytona International Speedway was one I had circled on the calendar for a long time. There’s nothing like starting a new year under the lights and energy of Daytona — it’s where momentum begins.
We came out strong. Qualifying second set the tone for what we knew our No. 55 Mobil 1 Toyota was capable of on that day. From the drop of the green flag, our team showed speed, preparation, and confidence. I was able to lead 11 laps — the most laps led by a female driver in the ARCA Series competition since 1989.
That’s something I’m incredibly proud of.
Unfortunately, racing doesn’t always go the way we script it. Mechanical challenges forced us out before we could finish what we started. It’s never easy walking away from a race knowing the result doesn’t reflect the effort behind it.
But here’s what I’ve learned:
Sometimes the result we envision doesn’t happen — and that’s okay.
What matters is the progress. The preparation. The proof that we belong at the front. The belief that when we unload at the next track, we’re building from strength, not setbacks.
Daytona showed what’s possible. It showed speed. It showed leadership. It showed that this team is capable of running up front and controlling a race.
We don’t ignore the disappointment — we grow from it. We focus on the positives because that’s where hope lives. That’s where confidence builds. That’s where the future takes shape.
This season is just getting started.
And we’re just getting warmed up.
#DrivenDifferent
