1987
born
1997
sees a scale-model, Le Mans-winning Porsche race car at the local mall. the dream is born
2000
every racing book that can be obtained is read, and re-read
starts working towards first car
2003
buys first car, 1990 Nissan 240sx
begins secretly practicing in the canyons while his parents are asleep
2004-2005
volunteer trash collector, Skip Barber Racing School, Monterey, CA
Doc Wong Driving Clinics, Northern California
first introduction to organized racing: Jim Russell Racing School - Techniques of Karting Class, Sonoma, CA
invited to Jim Russell Racing School's Scholarship Runoffs (reserved only for school's fastest pupils). Declines and uses entry funds towards college degree
2005-2009
UCLA - B.A., International Development Studies
Div. 1 Pac-10 academic-scholar athlete, co-captain, varsity rowing
insomnia due to racing dreams
2009-2010
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), SF Bay Area
insomnia due to racing dreams
2010-2012
Peace Corps Liberia, Education volunteer (West Africa)
first group to return since country's 14 year-long civil war
triples HS exit-exam pass rates for seniors as teacher, admin. advisor
constructs first science laboratory in school district, USAID SPA grant
invited by Liberian Ministry of Education to develop national middle and HS academic curricula
climbs Kilimanjaro, rides a Honda 125cc from Cape Town > Dar es Salaam with best friend
insomnia due to racing dreams
2012-2013
fundraising for Canada
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
private tutoring
insomnia due to racing dreams
2014
Bridgestone Racing Academy - Mechanic Trainee Program
Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, Ontario, Canada
previous attendees include F1 World Champion & Indy 500 winner Jacques Villeneuve, NASCAR's Danica Patrick, and IndyCar's James Hinchcliffe
trades labor for driving time in school's F2000 open-wheel, formula race cars
10 year racing hiatus, begins season 15+ seconds off the pace
sets lap-time equal to chief instructor in final race
recommendation by academy president to obtain competition racing license
2015
Rotax 125cc Kart Racing Series with Simraceway Performance Driving School (former Jim Russell school), Sonoma, CA
first season racing go-karts, slicks
Season Results:
Race 1, 3/28/15 - 11th
Race 2, 4/25/15 - 6th
Race 3, 5/23/15 - 10th
Race 4, 6/13/15 - 7th
Race 5, 7/11/15 - 3rd (podium)
Race 6, 8/15/15 - 3rd (podium)
Race 7, 9/5/15 - 9th
Race 8. 10/10/15 - 5th (hit, fastest lap)
Race 9, 10/31/15 - 5th (hit, fastest lap)Season Standings - Tied for 4th out of 22 competitors
2016
offered, accepts Instructor position with Simraceway Performance Driving Center - Sonoma, CA
training
2017
raises $16,000 with online GoFundme fundraiser and gala event, purchases race car
competes in SCCA Majors/Hoosier Super Tour (top amateur level in U.S.), SCCA Regionals with support from sponsors: Hana Japan Steak & Seafood, Marin Acura, Cafe Tapioca, and Tomas Sport Tuning
(6 races, abbreviated season due to budget)100% probability to place top-5
66% podium finish rate
50% pole position rate
33% win rate
all new, first-time tracks
self-crewed race car, pit-crew comprised of friends staying in tents
2018
VLN 1 - BMW M235iR, Cup 5 Class - Nurburgring, Germany
7th in class, 67th overall
Highest finishing American in class
Highest finishing Japanese driver overall, 2nd @ P95 Toyota Gazoo Racing
Finished higher than: 3x Le Mans Champion; F1 Junior Development driver; Porsche, Lamborghini, Toyota factory drivers
Total laps on Nurburgring prior to first race weekend: 2
Lead Instructor - Simraceway Performance Driving Center, Sonoma, CA, USA