Spirit of Mazda: Deana Kelley

Champion autocrosser travels the country to compete, always seeking to improve her craft

There are those who seem to hit that right combination of having fun and taking motorsports seriously. Yes, it's supposed to be fun – why do it if it's not? But winning is also nice. Deana Kelley seems to have found the right mix to not only be one of those people who everyone likes to hang around with at an event, but also study the sport to become good enough to be a champion.

Kelley followed up her 2016 SCCA Solo National Championship in C Street Ladies with a second-place finish this year in her Miata. She ran a number of national-level Solo events, often driving herself across the country to compete. The fact that she does that while having fun and bringing enjoyment to those around her only adds to the appeal.

"One of the most interesting aspects about her is that she takes the initiative to travel all over the country, running more events than most," says her occasional co-driver Dave Ogburn III. "She does that with a lot of fun involved; she's one of the most fun people I've raced with and she probably has more friends in the paddock than anybody in the Solo scene. She's kind of like a light bulb – people are attracted to her."

Echoes fellow C Street competitor Ron Bauer: "Deana's outgoing, jovial and sarcastic personality is infectious, and not only made us fast friends, but is also endearing to everyone who comes in contact with her."

Read the full story at MazdaMotorsports.com