Club Racing to Pirelli World Challenge, TCA: Eric Powell

Mazda Motorsports sat down with the pilot of Tech Sport Racing #23 in the Pirelli World Challenge (PWC) to learn more about his progression from club racing to competing for the championship in PWC.MM: You made the jump to professional sports car racing (Pirelli World Challenge, TCA, #23 Mazda MX-5) after competing in club racing, winning multiple championships. What hit you as the biggest differences between grassroots and pro racing?

EP: I ran the Miata I personally built for three years, but I really only went hard at it the last two. I don't want to knock club racing because it's great and something I still do and hope to continue forever. However, there is certainly a different allure to pro racing: a lot of great fans, the competition is fierce, and the TV coverage is a bonus. It's just a generally more exciting atmosphere.