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KELSEY PINKOWSKI Eyes Strong Finish in Sophomore Kyojo Cup Season

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September 5, 2026

GRRL! SUMMARY:

  • KELSEY PINKOWSKI started racing at 17 after Bertil Roos Racing School, 14 years behind peers. Won prestigious Gorsline Scholarship in 2025, previously awarded to Katherine Legge and Danica Patrick. Now balances KCMG Kyojo Cup duties with college completion.
  • Rochester native navigates massive cultural shift racing in Japan’s all-female series. Manages 13-hour time changes, language barriers through Rosetta Stone study, and pressure performing before 15,000 Super Formula spectators versus typical American crowds.
  • Sophomore campaign shows marked improvement at KCMG alongside veterans MIKI ONAGA, RAMI SASAKI, and JOANNE CICONTE. Recent 15th-place finish beat promising rookie SITARVEE LIMNANTHARAK after career-best qualifying. Explores F4 opportunities in Europe and Asia for 2027.
  • Trained under WEC podium finisher Nic Jonsson, testing F4 machinery with Crosslink Motorsports. Competed in Ligier Junior Formula Championship with eighth at Road America before pivoting to full Kyojo Cup campaign arranged through coach’s KCMG connections.

UPCOMING:

  • Kyojo Cup – Three rounds remaining in 2026 season

LINKS TO RACER'S PROFILE PAGES:

GRRL! summary based upon reporting by MARCO ALBERTINI originally appearing on www.racers-behindthehelmet.com