The Premiere - HOLD ON TO YOUR HEART

My First Race: A Dream Come True in Interlagos

December 29, 2024 will be a date that will forever be etched in my memory as the day I took my first step into the world of competitive racing. The journey to that starting grid was not easy, but it was worth every twist and turn and challenge.

The Preparation

As much as I wanted my GM Celta to be ready for this race, time was not on my side. With the car still undergoing modifications, I had to rent a #75 VW Voyage. A car I had never driven before, on a track I only knew from practice and track days.

Furthermore, my end-of-year commitments left me with no time to train. I arrived at Interlagos—the place I have idolized since I was a child—with a mixture of excitement and apprehension.

Everything Was New

Everything about this race was new to me. From the moment I stepped into the paddock, I was surrounded by a level of professionalism that I had never experienced before. The overalls, the gloves, the helmet—every piece of gear was a first for me. I had only ever worn casual clothes to drive before, so putting on full racing gear felt like a rite of passage into a new world.

And then there was the operational side. I had never seen a race weekend run at this level. From the crew preparing the car, to the engine start procedure, to the precise timing of every action—it was a perfectly fine-tuned machine. I was impressed by the precision and professionalism of it all.

Classification: An Adaptation Test

Qualifying was probably the most intense part of the whole experience. I was entered in the Cat C category, where lap times are around 2:15. But for me, the goal was to get used to the car.

The #75 VW Voyage had very different brake settings to what I was used to, and I only had 30 minutes to get used to it. Unfortunately, several yellow flags during the session hampered my efforts, making it difficult to get a clean lap.

Still, I kept trying, taking advantage of every opportunity. In the end, I managed a time of 2:19, which put me in 10th place overall. I was pleased, considering the circumstances. I had never driven that car before and was still getting used to the brake settings.

The Race: A Rollercoaster of Emotions

When the lights went out, adrenaline kicked in. But it wasn't long before the unexpected happened. On the first lap, a car flipped right in front of me. It was a surreal moment, and the yellow flags were immediately brought out. The entire field had to slow down, and we were under yellow flags for several minutes while the situation was resolved.

When the race resumed, the field was completely shuffled. The intensity was through the roof, and the situation became incredibly dangerous. Everyone was in close proximity, fighting for every inch of the track.

I tried my best to improve my lap times, but despite my best efforts—and much to the frustration of my coach, JP (sorry, coach!)—I couldn’t lower my time. But I did achieve something equally important: consistency. I maintained a steady pace throughout the race, which in itself was a small victory.

Most importantly, I finished the race in one piece. And that, for me, is already a great achievement.

The Thrill of Running

One of the most amazing things about the race was how every corner felt like a battle. I was constantly in fierce competition with other cars, trying to overtake them, defend my position and improve my lap times. It was pure adrenaline, the greatest thrill I have ever experienced.

A Sacred Ground

Racing at Interlagos was beyond surreal. This isn’t just a racetrack—it’s a temple to motorsports. Memories of legends echo around every corner, and the weight of history is palpable.

When I crossed the finish line, my heart was racing, my hands were shaking, and my mind was filled with thoughts of what could have been. But most of all, I felt pure, indescribable joy.

The Best Day of My Life

Despite the challenges, the nerves, and the steep learning curve, December 29, 2024 was the best day of my life. It was the day I stopped dreaming and started living my passion.

And this is just the beginning. The journey ahead is long, but if my first race taught me anything, it’s that I belong here. I can’t wait to see where this road takes me.

Stay tuned for more updates as I prepare for the next race—this time with my own car and a little more experience under my belt.

To everyone who has supported me, thank you so much. And to those of you who are thinking about pursuing your dreams—don’t wait. The starting line is closer than you think.