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Michelle Nagai is a San Francisco-area racer who traded jet skis for American muscle, proving that speed addiction transcends surfaces—whether it’s water or asphalt, she’s built to win.

EARLY YEARS

Born in 1974, Michelle Nagai grew up in Newcastle, California, a small town northeast of Sacramento[1]. Long before she ever turned a wheel in anger on a road course, she was already hooked on adrenaline. As a teenager, Nagai found her first competitive outlet in professional jet skiing, competing on the Budweiser Jet Sports Tour and racking up multiple wins as a Pro Jet Skier[2]. The transition from water to pavement might seem dramatic, but for someone wired for speed, it was practically inevitable.

OTHER INTERESTS

Beyond racing, details about Nagai’s personal life reveal a woman grounded by family. She’s married to Steve Nagai, who has been a visible supporter at her races, along with a close-knit group of family and friends who show up to cheer her on[3]. The couple has lived in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, where they’ve put down roots while Michelle continues her racing career[4]. Whether she has hobbies outside of motorsports remains unclear—when you’re piloting a 900-horsepower Camaro for fun, what else do you need?

EARLY SUCCESS

Nagai’s entry into road racing began in earnest with the Trans Am Series, where she quickly proved she wasn’t just along for the ride. Racing a Weaver Chassis C6 Corvette under her own Nagai Racing banner with sponsorship from Berkeley Jet Drive, she earned the 2019 TA Western Championship Rookie of the Year[5]. That same year, she notched her first victory at Circuit of The Americas in the Western Championship’s TA class—a statement win that announced her as a serious competitor[6]. Her ability to adapt from jet skis to high-powered road racing machines showed not just talent, but grit.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2019: Won TA Western Championship race at Circuit of The Americas; earned TA Western Championship Rookie of the Year[7].
• 2023: Won XGT Race 1 at Portland International Raceway, coming from the back of the field in the No. 72 Nagai Racing/Berkeley Jet Drive Chevrolet Camaro[8].
• 2024: Claimed first career Trans Am pole position at Laguna Seca in XGT class[9].
• 2024: Won overall in XGT at Sonoma Raceway Race 1 and Thunderhill Raceway Park Race 1[10].

INSPIRATIONS

Nagai has not publicly detailed specific inspirations or mentors who influenced her racing journey. What’s clear is that her competitive fire was lit early—whether by the thrill of jet ski racing or simply an innate need to push limits. Her husband Steve and their family have been constants in her corner, providing support as she navigates the male-dominated world of Trans Am racing[11].

REPUTATION

Michelle Nagai has built a reputation as a tenacious, no-nonsense competitor who doesn’t just participate—she wins. Her driving style is marked by precision and determination, qualities that served her well when she came from the back of the field to win at Portland in 2023[12]. Fellow competitors have shown respect for her skill; after one qualifying session at Sonoma in 2019, veteran racer Simon Gregg graciously shook her hand and congratulated her—a moment that clearly meant something in a sport where respect is earned in tenths of a second[13]. Racing alongside teammates at Naake Motorsports and later with Chris Evans Inc., Nagai has proven herself as both a team player and a fierce individual talent in the XGT class. She currently pilots the No. 72 Nagai Racing/Berkeley Jet Drive Chevrolet Camaro, often running door-to-door with some of the best in the business[14].

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

Nagai continues competing in the 2025 Trans Am Series, with recent appearances confirmed at Sonoma Raceway as part of the West Coast swing[15]. While she hasn’t publicly outlined specific championship goals, her consistent presence on track and ongoing partnership with Nagai Racing and Berkeley Jet Drive suggest she’s far from finished adding to her win column.

REFERENCES

[1] Michelle Nagai – Age, Phone Number, Contact, Address Info, Public Records
[2] Road course champion takes on the oval – Gold Country Media
[3] Split seconds make a difference in wild Sonoma TA West qualifying – RACER
[4] 3696 Kicking Horse Ct, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86404 – Homes.com
[5] Michelle Nagai – Trans Am Driver Profile
[6] XGT’s Michelle Nagai Comes from the Back to Win Race 1 at Portland – Trans Am
[7] Michelle Nagai Driver Bio – Trans Am
[8] Michelle Nagai Portland Victory – Trans Am
[9] Nagai earns first career Trans Am pole at Laguna Seca – RACER
[10] Michelle Nagai Wins Overall in Sonoma Race 1 – Trans Am
[11] Wild Sonoma TA West qualifying – RACER
[12] Michelle Nagai Portland Race Report – Trans Am
[13] Sonoma Qualifying 2019 – RACER
[14] Michelle Nagai – Driver Database
[15] Trans Am launches West Coast swing at Sonoma – RACER