“FIRST TO THE FINISH” DOCUSERIES ON PRIME VIDEO – DEBUT MARCH 25, 2025

Editorial by Lyn St. James, Co-Founder, WIMNA

Let me start by saying I own a 1990 Mazda Miata, one of the first-year models, and I love it! It’s my baby, so I am a Mazda fan! Second, as a former race car driver who recently celebrated my 50^th year in racing, I am a HUGE fan of the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup Series. I have watched many of the races and have had to practically hold my breath for much of the entire race. It is some of the best racing I have seen, and one of the best series for racers to learn many necessary skills to be a fantastic racer. Close racing, large fields (often 40 or more), a spec series where the rules are equal for everyone, car prep and setup from both teams and drivers are key, learning to draft and race clean (for the most part), teamwork, mental discipline, patience yet knowing when and how to make a pass, and so much more. All these skills are developed when racing in the Whelen MX-5 Cup Series, and if you become skilled and are successful in this series, it can prepare you to race successfully in other forms of motorsports.

I commend Mazda for creating and continuing to support opportunities for women racers. First, by including women in the list of invitees for the annual shoot-outs and then providing a scholarship for the top female racer in the shoot-out. It has taken a few years for the women racers who have earned those opportunities. And this is what the “First to the Finish” docuseries is about!

I have only had the chance to get a preview of the first episode, but WOW, am I impressed! It features two of the top female racers in the Whelen MX-5Cup Series, Heather Hadley and Sally Mott. And it features one of the stars of the series, former racer and now BSI race team owner, Shea Holbrook! It also features broadcast announcer Shea Adam, who does a fantastic job of letting the audience know what the series is about and what to look for while watching the racing segments.

One of the many things I love about the show is that it also features interviews and comments from many of the other competitors, like Connor Zilisch (2022 MX-5 Cup Rookie of the Year), former champions Jared Thomas, Gresham Wagner, and race winner Westin Workman as well as some team crew members from BSI racing, who Heather Hadley races for, and Spark Racing, who Sally Mott races for.

You get an inside view of the struggles, crew dynamics, media experience and pressures, the energy and excitement of the racing, the fun, the challenges, and the heart! It shows just how real and tough it is to not only be successful but to figure it all out! Another special aspect of the show is how it gives you the background of how these two female drivers got started and how important family is to be able to do this. There are a lot of spins, crashes, and contact shown from inside the cockpit, which gives you an insight into what it is like! I must say, I am pleased that many of those spins and crashes were from all drivers, not just the women.

The series takes you back to the beginning of both Heather and Sally and how they both started in karting. While their early racing experience is similar, their upbringing is completely different and unique to them individually. Sally’s dad was a racer and is very much involved in her life as a coach and trainer. Heather’s family is supportive; she is pretty much having to figure things out on her own. You really get to know them and their families!

If you want to know how to get started in racing, watch “First to the Finish”! If you want to see a close, behind-the-scenes view of what it is like to be in racing, tune in!

While this docuseries is about the women racing in the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup, it is relevant regardless of gender and not specific to just this racing series. While every racer’s story and background may be different, figuring out what it takes to be successful in racing is the same. I am really looking forward to seeing all the episodes and following the progress of these talented racers. Hang onto your steering wheels!!