My SCCA Life: Michele Abbate

Michele Abbate
Las Vegas Region
SCCA member since 2014

"'How did you get into racing?' I'm asked this more often than just about anything else; and, the truth is, it all started with the SCCA. Regional autocross was my entry into motorsports in 2004, and I won't ever stop chasing this dream. Ever since I was a little girl watching my brother race, I've wanted to race wheel to wheel; and my journey getting there has been – and still is – full of hard work and dedication. Fast forward to 2015, and my team and I are leading both the Western Conference and the Nationwide point standings for STU in the SCCA U.S. Majors Tour during our debut year with the SCCA in our Scion FR-S.

The Majors wasn't really in the cards until late 2014 when B-Spec Runoffs Champion Kyle Keenan suggested I campaign the 2015 season. I knew my personal funding wouldn't support it, and that's when I decided to partner with Dark Horse Pros and my current sponsors to hold a 30-day, all-or-nothing crowd funding campaign. During that month, I had to raise at least $10,000, which would be used to fund my first Majors season. Amazingly, I raised more than 130 percent of my goal.

There is no way I would have gotten where I am without the help and support of so many people and, if I can send just one message, it would be to always follow your dreams and never give up. My dad always told me that where there's a will, there's a way, and I've lived life based on that statement. That is one reason why our racecar carries the 'American inspiration' theme. We are so fortunate to live in the USA where so many have fought for our freedoms and defended our opportunities to be whoever and whatever we dream of."

• This story originally appeared in , the official member magazine of the Sports Car Club of America. To join the SCCA and receive for free, head to www.scca.com.