Miller Works Out with NWSL's Chicago Red Stars

Subtitle:Mazda Driver Goes Out of His Comfort Zone and Into the Firing Line

CJ Wilson Racing driver, Marc Miller put all of his soccer skills to the test this week, as he joined the Chicago Red Stars of the National Women’s Soccer League for practice. He, in turn, showed them how to do a Continental Tire Series style driver change. This event was arranged courtesy of the Red Stars’ sponsor, CJ Wilson Mazda and its three Chicago area dealerships.

Miller joined the team at its regular practice session at its Oakbrook, Illinois facility and he was immediately put in goal so that the Red Stars players had something to aim at during shooting drills. After some basic tips from the squad’s Canadian International goalie, Karina LeBlanc, The Holland, Michigan resident was left to fend off a barrage of shots from members of the team that currently sits second in points in the NWSL.

After practice, the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge Series driver took the players through the complexities of an in-race driver change. Miller and his regular teammate, Tyler McQuarrie can execute a change in about 15 seconds so their teammates set Leblanc and U.S. Women’s National team starter and World Cup winner, Julie Johnston, a target of 30 seconds. Their first attempt was timed at over 45 seconds which brought out the true competitor in both players. The second attempt saw them just dip under their target with a time of 29.6 seconds.

Johnston, a World Cup star, was left wondering what might have been.

“We cut off 19 seconds from our first to our second time. It would be interesting to see, if we did it five or six [times], how low we could actually get the number. But then again, as Marc reminded us, we didn’t have race suits, I was wearing my soccer gear.”

Despite the initial bombardment on his net, Miller clearly enjoyed the experience.

"It is always tough to go into unfamiliar territory, and a soccer goal is not a place I stand very often. Karina gave me some great tips and motivation. I think the players went easy on me at first. I made plenty of good stops before it all went wrong. I can't wait to take my family to a Red Stars game so I can watch them unleash on someone other than me."

The experience left a lasting impression on the multiple ST Class winner.

“I really enjoyed flipping roles with the players and putting them in unfamiliar territory. As championship caliber athletes, they were competitive and really wanted to learn how to improve their driver change times. I thought they did great and I'm glad I could be part of that experience."

Eric Vates, the Vice President of CJ Wilson Mazda, was thrilled with the opportunity to bring to the two professional sports together.

“We truly enjoy our relationship with The Chicago Red Stars and the NWSL,” Vates said. “They have been a fantastic partner and an absolute joy to work with.”

Vates explained why the partnership with the Red Stars is so important.

“As a father of 4 daughters it the most heart warming experience to be able to be partners with this team and league as they are some of the best role models for our children. Their "nothing can stop us" attitude is not only refreshing but speaks to the entire next generation of female athletes and having National players that just won the World Cup is a cherry on top of the sundae.”