This past weekend, the Formula and Auto Racing Association kicked off its racing season with the Miami 500.
Racers from different backgrounds competed across multiple categories that include everything from high speed prototypes to tightly contested GT and Spec Miata races.
Marc Julian, defending GT 3 champion, was determined to start the 2025 season on a strong note. Despite his experience and winning form in previous seasons, he found himself four-tenths of a second per lap behind the fastest driver in the season opener.
“It’s just being consistent,” said Julian. “Trying to do the same lap every single time, that’s the most important thing.”
Leonardo Escorpioni nearly secured a win on the first day of competition. Starting from eighth on the grid, he skillfully drafted others to his advantage, making strategic moves to climb through the field.
“I thought I had it until the very end,” said Escorpioni. “We were leading 100 feet from the line but the draft here on the oval was just huge. He beat me at the line there was nothing I could’ve done.”
Stuart McAleer, a veteran of Spec Miata racing, orchestrated a dominant podium sweep for his team during the first of three competitions. His ability to manage the draft and pull away from the pack proved to be a key factor in the teams success. McAleer’s leadership and experience were evident in the way his teammates stayed with him.
“It’s like when you drive on a highway,” McAleer said when asked how he was able to keep such consistent lap times. “You go into that moment where you’ve passed five miles and you’re like what happened in that last five miles. It’s the same thing out on the race track, you just get so comfortable doing it.”
As the season begins, these early results hint at an exciting battle for championship contention amongst all classes. FARA will return on March 8 and 9 to Homestead Miami Speedway.
