F4 U.S. Rookie Following His Dream of Being F1 Star
Lawson Nagel of Fort Worth, Texas, wants to follow in the footsteps of his racing idol seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher, making his way through the formula ranks to become an F1 pilot.
The first step to his professional racing dream was to transition from karts to cars, but going from karts to open-wheel racing is a big step. Lawson has competed in karts since he was eight, but this season the 15-year-old Azel High School Freshman was determined to take that big step with Miller Vinatieri Leguizamon Motorsports to campaign for the 2017 season of the Formula 4 United States Championship Powered by Honda.
MVL Motorsports' principal, Dr. Jack Miller, a three-time starter in the Indianapolis 500, met Nagel through karting, as Miller's son, Jack William Miller, is transitioning from karts to formula cars this year just like Nagel. MVL Motorsports had a seat available for the 2017 season, so Miller organized a test with Nagel last August at GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, Michigan.
Miller was impressed with what he saw.
"I have known Lawson and his dad, Ed, for a long time," Miller said. "They are both very committed to perform well. Lawson tested with us last year and was right on pace with the other drivers. He understands what it takes to give us proper feedback and go fast. We are looking forward to working with Lawson this year."
The change is an exciting proposition for a teenager who can't legally drive on the streets until he turns 16 in October.
"I think the biggest transition [from karts to cars] I'll have to make is just the difference in the speed, and how different a car feels from the karts," Nagel said. "I think my strongest attribute in karting was my consistency, and I hope to continue that in cars."
The off-season for Nagel has been spent watching videos of different race cars on each F4 U.S. circuit, as well as practicing simulated video sessions in order to gain experience.
Nagel also spent two-days in January preparing for the season with formula driving coach Jonatan Jorge, completing the Lucas Oil School of Racing's basic and lapping program at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Florida.
"I love racing because of the the adrenalin I get when I’m in the car. The mentality of everyone around you wants to improve and go faster," said Nagel. "It takes total concentration. It's all consuming."
The first official test for F4 U.S. is scheduled for Feb. 25-26 at NOLA Motorsports Park in New Orleans. Nagel will travel with his four MVL teammates to the Big Easy to set-up his car and get seat-time before the season debut April 8-9 at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Florida.
Fans can follow Nagel’s F4 U.S. rookie season journey on MVLMotorsports.com, Facebook (Lawson Nagel Motorsports), Twiiter (@Lawason9596) or Instagram (Lawson.Nagel.Motorsports).
