Nikko Reger blog: The countdown begins

Hello there RACER.com readers!

Its Nikko Reger again, and I am thrilled to announce that I am racing in the 2016 Global Mx-5 Cup with Copeland Motorsports. As the clock ticks down to our first race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, my preparation kicks up. Ever since the exhilarating conclusion of the 2015 Skip Barber Pro MX-5 Challenge, I have escalated my preparation exponentially toward the 2016 season.

Along with our exciting partnership with Copeland Motorsports, I am happy to announce a new partnership with MSR Houston. MSR is not only my home track, but one of the fastest, most challenging racing circuits I have ever driven. With their support I look forward to getting some needed seat time, and to be connected with some of the fastest, most brilliant people in the sport.

The 2016 Global MX-5 Cup has a brand-new racing chassis, 50-plus drivers, six of the greatest circuits in North America, and of course my favorite brand to race with - Mazda. This could not be more exciting for me, but with all of this excitement, also comes my most challenging season yet. The new field, chassis and racetracks all bring their own set of challenges, and putting together a fast and consistent year will be very, very arduous.

This only means one thing: the training has already begun in full force. On top of typical track time, and iRacing practice, I have stepped up physical training to new heights. Boxing, tae kwon do, cardio and running are all typical things you can catch me doing on a daily basis. All of this is physically and mentally draining, especially with my senior year of high school looming over everything. Though it is tough, I couldn't enjoy it more, this is because I know with every hour of training, every test, every minute I put studying and analyzing data; I am one step closer to a great season. We are about two months away from Mazda Raceway, but I can promise you, the moment I am unleashed upon that track, I am driving straight for gold.

So until then, the grind continues, day in and day out I push myself to be faster, stronger and more consistent than ever. Before I go I have to thank everyone and everything that has gotten me this far, all of my fabulous partners; Mazda, MSR Houston, Copeland Motorsports, Music Doing Good, Rockstar Wigs, Cyclone Anaya's, and Executive Tint. I also have to give a huge shout out to my parents, friends and fans for giving so much of their time and effort into pushing me to be the best I can be. So look out Global MX-5 Cup, Nikko Reger is ready to go straight to the top.

Thank you all so much for reading and I cannot wait to see y'all soon. #weracemazda