DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The Michelin Pilot Challenge at Daytona International Speedway has transformed from simply being a race to celebrating familial bonds, featuring eight different teams comprised of family members all racing together. This unique dynamic adds personal depth to this year's event, which serves as the support race for the prestigious Rolex 24.
Among the competitors are Ben Sloss, a Google executive, and his wife Christine, who are competing together for the first time. This sends them off on what promises to be one of their biggest adventures yet—racing as teammates. "Normally, in a relationship, there are some checks and balances. Like, one of you has this irrational hobby or interest and the other is like, 'Well, OK, but let’s not overdo it,'” Sloss remarked, reflecting on how their shared love for racing fuels their partnership.
The Sloss couple is not alone; the Pegram duo, made up of father and daughter Larry and Riley Pegram, provides another delightful family story. Larry, once known for his successful motorcycle racing career, never anticipated his daughter Riley would share his passion for speed. “I want her to do whatever she wants. Right now, I am a kid in a candy store,” he expressed. Riley, who switched from soccer to racing at age 16, is now excitedly taking steps toward becoming a professional driver.
Family dynamics continue with the Krainz family, as father Roland and son Austin share the No. 27 Auto Technic Racing BMW M4 GT4 EVO, showcasing their unique bond. Austin will race the full schedule alongside third driver Stevan McAleer. For the Gou family, the challenge is embodied as father and son Eddie and Eduardo pair up driving the No. 55 Gou Racing CUPRA Leon VZ.
Another father-son team includes Alex and Eric Rockwell, who work together behind the wheel of the No. 10 Rockwell Autosport Development Audi RS3 LMS TCR. Meanwhile, Dean and Sam Baker will share racing duties on the No. 52 Baker Racing Audi RS3 LMS TCR.
Also joining the family affair are Ron and Megan Tomlinson; they share the No. 37 Precision Racing LA Audi RS3 LMS TCR. They have just begun their adventure in the motorsport arena competing under the IMSA championship. Like the Pegrams, they’re also new to this level of racing.
Let’s not forget the Plumb brothers, Matt and Hugh, who will both race for Team TGM, sharing their familial connection but on separate cars. With seven family units appearing at once, the atmosphere is rife with camaraderie and competition.
The Slosses' story underlines the portfolio of family experiences within the realms of auto racing. Christine carries significant weight as she not only brings her skills to the track but also assists Ben with logistical matters, juggling his responsibilities as top executive at Google with racing commitments. It was Christine who saw their potential to compete at this level after observing the last season’s Michelin Pilot Challenge. “We were sitting there watching the race, and I thought, 'Let’s give it a go. And here we are,” recalled Christine, embodying their shared thrill for adventure.
Across the track, the Pegrams' success on and off the field serves as both inspiration and reassurance for fellow competitors. Larry reflects on how he could not originally see his daughter taking to the professional world of automobile racing. He watched as Riley transitioned away from soccer, telling him as she approached her teenage years she wished to follow his path. Exploring karting as the entry point, they have gradually scaled the racing ladder together, leading to their participation at IMSA.
With aspirations of moving on to the Weathertech Series, both father and daughter now face their first season full of enthusiasm. “Unfortunately, she’s just like her father, and if she’s not at the racetrack, she doesn’t feel at home,” Larry adds, humorously shining light on their shared passion.
The Michelin Pilot Challenge features ten races this season for the Pegrams, where family ties resonate not only within their team but throughout the paddocks. With various stories of donning helmets and racing suits, each family brings its own spirit to the track.
The unique family-oriented atmosphere at this weekend’s events emphasizes shared passion and dedication, creating memorable experiences both on and off the track. The challenge of racing binds these families closer, fostering relationships over shared triumphs and the rush of high-speed competition.