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Need for Speed

Local Teen Phenom Ignites Passion for Precision on the Race Track

At 17 years old, Mia Lovell is eloquent, composed, and a kid who once shied the spotlight.

But the Arcadia young woman is wired with a special spark that screams stardom.

At 5, she started skateboarding.

At 9, she competed in skating.

Fast forward a few years, the teen contemplated pursuing skateboarding in the Olympics.

Deciding against the big games, Mia shifted focus, launching a career in car racing.

Now, the fearless female is experiencing life in the fast lane... a fast track to racing success.

“Before racing, there was skateboarding,” said Mia, as our interview with the 17-year-old began. Mia sat poised and confident in her race suit diving into the timeline of her career path.

 “My dad got me into skateboarding. I took lessons, learned tricks, and competed, eventually getting sponsored by Vans. I found a group of girl skaters in Phoenix. My best trick is a K-foot front board. You basically come up to a rail, flip your board, slide backwards, and pull out.”

Mia’s hobby quickly morphed into a profession.

“I won all the local competitions. I even qualified for my first pro competition in 2019, the Tampa Pro... a very big deal. It was fun to find success in it.”

But then things changed.

Here’s our Q&A with the rock star skater-turned-racer.

How did your skating career shift during COVID?

During COVID, the skateboarding competitions shut down. It was then that I rekindled a new spark and fresh love for skating that was different than before. I realized I wanted to do it for fun versus as a job. It was tempting to pursue the Olympics; however, I enjoyed progressing without pressure. But I made an exciting transition... to racing.

So, you bid farewell to competitive skating and decided to be a race car driver... just like that?

When I was 13, my dad and I started going to the local track. I didn't know anything about race car driving. I just was having a good time until I heard about the GR Cup Series with Toyota, a spec series using GR86s that Toyota converts into race cars. All the cars are the same, so it really comes down to the skill of the driver to prevail.

Did you just reach out to Toyota and say, “Hey, I want to race?”

When we first heard about the series, I was interested because the car I had been driving during our track days was a Toyota 86. While different, it was still the same platform, so I figured it would be a good rookie opportunity. So, I applied... and got accepted.

Tell us about your first race.

At age 16, I showed up for my first race at Sonoma Raceway, thrown into things among drivers in their 20s and 30s. It’s an official pro series with professional drivers.

It was intimidating, but it made me learn to sink or swim. I had to be safe, get through the race, learn, and have fun... all at the same time. The race is 45-minutes. In the car, all you're thinking about is being in the moment.

For my first race, I think I placed 25th, but I was just happy to finish it! I used skills from my competitive skating days to overcome pressure.

And you’ve followed that first race by many others...

Yes, probably 20 races all over the country!

My scariest crash was probably my first, and my worst injuries have been concussions.

The fastest I've gone is 140 mph! It doesn't feel fast; rather smooth as you’re going straight.

My best race was at Sonoma. I got highest finishing female and received a nice check!

How are you spending your earnings?

I put it back into racing and save for college.

How do you balance it all?

I ask myself the same question. I get it from my parents, my backbone of support. My dad is my idol.

The biggest challenge is dealing with your mental self. It’s an extremely mental sport because when you're in the car, there's nothing there except for you, the car, and your mind.

What’s your goal?

My goal is to be a professional race car driver with NASCAR. The next step is getting into the Trans Am Series - big boy race cars. It's going to be a good transition from sports cars.

What do you eat before a race?

It’s hard to eat on race days. But after a race... a big pasta meal!

Hobbies outside skating and racing?

Riding dirt bikes and playing guitar and piano. I like keeping my mind busy.

So, if racing doesn't work out, you can be a rock star.

I could do it all.

Favorite subject in school?

Math. I’m kind of a nerd.

Do you get nervous?

My dad always taught me nervousness is the same feeling as excitement.

How do you train?

I train in a sauna and do the rowing machine. It gets hot in the race car, so I need to push my physical limits. I also have a workout regimen.

Biggest tip for excelling in extreme sports...

Trust yourself.

mialovell.com