Our Beginnings

    Annika was hooked on performance driving after a track day @ Road Atlanta.  She jumped into and excelled at the National Auto Sport Association's (NASA) educational program and competition school, completing the program at age 21.  From there she jumped right into a 8 year old race worn 1.6L Spec Miata and made her presence known in a very competitive series.  In 2020 she moved into the Gridlife Touring Cup (GLTC) series racing her 2014 V6 Mustang.

1. What drew you to your love for automobiles?  And how did that lead to a racing career?
I didn't grow up a car person. When I got my first car, I wanted something unique because I've always liked being different. I landed on a Mustang, and ended up with my 2014 V6 Mustang. I began modifying it because I didn't want my Mustang to look like everyone else's. I was too "cheap" to pay anyone to do the work for me, so I first got into the car scene mechanically. I began going to car meets and expanding my group of automotive friends. I lived close to Road Atlanta and had a couple friends who worked as corner workers at the track. After I put new coilovers on the car, they kept telling me, "You can't spend that much on suspension and NOT take it to the race track!" So I did. It was the best day of my LIFE and I just knew that I wanted more of it. Little did my friends know, they created a monster!

2. Why race a 6 Cylinder Mustang?  What drew you to a Mustang vs other makes and models?
I began track driving in my V6 Mustang because it was just what I had. For a while, I did have dreams of eventually swapping to a V8, but after getting more involved in track driving, I realized that the V6 is actually perfect! Yes, I may boost it in the future, but the weight distribution is much more manageable on track. I actually switched to a Mazda Miata when I first got into racing because of the decreased running cost (tires and brakes are SO much less expensive), but have decided that I would love to return to the Mustang. I just love driving that car!

3. What is the Association that you compete in?  Tell us about the Association.
I compete mostly in the National Autosport Association (NASA) with the Miata. With the Mustang, I have done a few Time Trials events with NASA, but I am currently building her with the goals of American Endurance Racing (AER) or Gridlife. NASA is a national amature racing group geared towards individuals looking to get into racing or looking to increase their racing craft. I got my racing license through NASA and recommend NASA for anyone else looking to get into racing themselves. AER and Gridlife are both national series as well, which draw in a wide variety of builds. 

4. What are your favorite tracks to race on?  Which is the hardest? 
My favorite track is Virginia International Raceway! It is similar to Road Atlanta, my home track and second favorite, but more difficult and technical in the areas where it counts! Plus, the campus is just incredible. I'm not sure I can pinpoint the hardest track I have ever driven...I approach learning all tracks in a very analytical way and just take them as they come. Circuit of the Americas (COTA) is a bucket list track for me, though!

5. Tell us about your becoming a certified Performance Driving Instructor and Coach?
I chose to become an instructor and coach because I have always loved sharing my passion with others. The way I see it, what better way to share your passion than to teach others and get them involved! I received my instructor certification through NASA and have since instructed with multiple track day organizations, as well as the Porsche Experience Center and Primal Racing School.

6.  Finally, tell us about yourself, do you have any hobbies, what are your goals, or whatever else you would like to share with us.

Honestly, racing is really just about all I have time for outside of school! I do also love mountain biking, though. I am currently working as a server (and living off of ramen LOL) to help fund my racing addiction. I am in school for real estate. I strive to get into the higher levels of racing. A huge dream of mine is to race in Petit Le Mans, a race that comes to Road Atlanta in October each year. Racing is a tough industry, though, and there are a lot of incredible drivers who never get the chance to "make it big" because of a lack of funding. Because of this, I try to not worry too much about where I am going, and I try to just enjoy the opportunities I have now. I love racing, it brings me joy, and, not matter what level I am racing at or what car I am driving, that is all that matters!