Michelle Nagai

Michelle Nagai is a trailblazing Trans Am Series driver who has made significant strides in American motorsports, combining raw talent with methodical racing intelligence and a fierce competitive spirit that continues to inspire a new generation of female racers.

EARLY YEARS

Born in Newcastle, California and raised in San Francisco, Michelle didn’t follow the traditional karting-to-professional path that many racers take. Unlike those who began their careers in childhood, she came to motorsports with a diverse background that included academic excellence and participation in various sports that developed her discipline and adaptability. Her journey into racing began after years as a spectator, when she decided to transform her perspective from observer to competitor, approaching the sport with the same methodical determination that had brought her success in other areas of life.

EARLY SUCCESS

When Michelle finally took the wheel, she wasted no time making her mark on the racing world. In 2019, just after entering the competitive Trans Am Series, she captured the Rookie of the Year title in the Trans Am Western Championship. Driving for her own team, Nagai Racing, in the No. 72 Camaro with Berkeley Jet Drive sponsorship, she quickly established herself not as a novelty but as a serious competitor. Her early success showcased an innate ability to learn quickly, adapt to challenging conditions, and maintain composure under pressure—skills that would become hallmarks of her racing style as her career progressed.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2019: Trans Am Series Western Championship Rookie of the Year[2].
• 2024: Secured first career Trans Am Series pole position at Laguna Seca[4].
• 2025: Achieved strong finish in the TA Cup class race, finishing behind winner Ken Sutherland[5].

REPUTATION

In the paddock, Michelle has built a reputation as a versatile driver with exceptional tire management skills and technical understanding. Competitors respect her for her ability to read track conditions and extract maximum performance from her equipment. Beyond her driving proficiency, she’s known for her tenacity—routinely turning challenging race weekends into learning opportunities and comebacks. What truly sets her apart, however, is her impact as a role model in a male-dominated sport. Without fanfare or self-promotion, she’s quietly demonstrating that talent, work ethic, and determination know no gender. Her journey represents more than personal ambition; it’s about creating pathways for the next generation of female racers. Fellow drivers admire her for breaking barriers with quiet competence rather than seeking special treatment—she simply shows up, races hard, and lets her results speak for themselves.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

For 2025, Michelle continues her campaign in the Trans Am Series TA Cup class with her No. 72 car under Nagai Racing, maintaining her partnership with Berkeley Jet Drive. She remains focused on building upon her pole position breakthrough from 2024, with aims to convert her qualifying pace into race victories and championship contention. While not explicitly stated, her trajectory suggests aspirations to advance within the Trans Am hierarchy, potentially stepping up to the premier TA class in coming seasons. Her methodical approach to career development indicates she’s likely building a foundation for opportunities in higher-profile or international racing series, consistent with her pattern of steady progression since her rookie success in 2019.

References:

Trans Am Series Official Results, 2025 Season
Trans Am Series Driver Profile: Michelle Nagai
Newcastle Motorsports: Local Heroes Feature
Laguna Seca Racing Recap: Nagai Claims First Pole
Berkeley Jet Drive Racing Team Press Release

(bio created: 2025-05-21)

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