Mazda Canada recently hosted a media screening of the “First to the Finish” MX-5 Cup Championship Series documentary at Toronto’s Hotel X. The event offered a select group of journalists a first look at the docuseries, which features drivers Heather Hadley and rookie Sally Mott. Both drivers attended the screening, discussing their roles and sharing insights about their racing careers. Former driver and current team owner Shea Holbrook also participated, highlighting the growth of female representation in motorsports.
“First to the Finish”, out now on Amazon Prime, presents an in-depth look at the challenges and successes of its featured drivers, both on and off the track. The screening also reminded me about the upcoming MX-5 Cup race at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, near Toronto. This annual event is a key highlight in Canadian motorsports, allowing fans to witness first-hand the competitive spirit and skill showcased in the docuseries.
After the screening, media got a chance to hold one on one interviews with the drivers to find out more about them.
Heather Hadley’s racing journey began at nine with indoor karting, setting the stage for a career marked by diverse experiences. Her early years were spent in regional go-kart racing, where she honed her skills in both two-stroke and four-stroke karts. Heather noted, “I raced karts for about five years in various types, which helped me adapt to different styles of racing.” The contrasting demands of two-stroke and four-stroke engines — quick maneuvers versus maintaining momentum — provided a foundational understanding that she continues to apply in her professional racing career.
Balancing a racing career and academics, Heather attended the University of North Carolina, managing both with determination. “I’ve been balancing school with my racing career since I started,” she stated. Despite the challenges of exams and race days clashing, Heather remained focused on her goals, often prioritizing her racing career over typical social activities. Support from her professors, who adjusted schedules to accommodate her racing commitments, was pivotal. Heather’s ability to maintain academic performance while pursuing her racing ambitions highlights her exceptional time-management skills and commitment.
Sally Mott’s introduction to go-kart racing was heavily influenced by her father, a seasoned racer since childhood. Growing up surrounded by trophies and the constant hum of F1 races, Sally was naturally drawn to motorsports. Initially hesitant due to the male-dominated environment, she took a hiatus before deciding at age 15 to re-enter racing. Her renewed interest was sparked by the realization that few peers shared her racing background and recognizing the opportunity her father provided by coaching other teenagers. Despite a rough start, including being taken out in her first race, Sally’s determination was cemented during the reflective car ride home, leading to her rapid progress in the sport and eventually securing a scholarship with the MX-5 Cup.
The transition to the competitive MX-5 Cup presented several challenges for Sally, from adapting to racing iconic tracks like Daytona to the financial strains of the sport. The limited $75,000 prize from the MX-5 Cup shootout pushed her to secure sponsorships to fund her racing season. This experience forced Sally to develop business acumen, learning quickly how to network and promote herself. Training plays a crucial role in her preparation, as she incorporates simulator practice, physical fitness routines, and even intense ping-pong sessions to hone her focus and reflexes. Looking ahead, Sally aspires to continue in the MX-5 Cup with ambitions of transitioning to NASCAR, where she aims to become one of the first women to win a cup race. Additionally, she has her sights set on the endurance challenge of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, highlighting her passion and diverse goals within motorsports. Sally believes that documentaries like “First to the Finish” will help broaden public interest in racing, especially promoting women’s participation in the sport.
If you are interested in motorsports, or the drama behind the scenes of them, be sure to check out the new docuseries “First to the Finish” on Amazon Prime.
