Welcome to My Journey: From Karting to Open Wheel
Spa Francorchamps 2024
Hi, I’m Colin Queen, and I’m thrilled to welcome you to my official blog! As I sit down to write this first post, I’m reminded of just how far my journey in motorsport has taken me—from those early days at Adams Motorsports Park in Riverside, California, to racing on the world stage in GB3 (formerly British Formula 3). This blog is where I’ll share my story, lessons learned, and insights into the world of professional racing..
A Passion for Speed: How It All Began
My motorsport journey began when I was just a kid, learning to drive a kart under the guidance of Troy Adams. Early mornings spent at the track taught me the value of hard work, discipline, and perseverance. Racing in every condition imaginable—blistering heat, pouring rain, and freezing cold—honed my skills and prepared me for the challenges ahead.
From competing in local karting championships like Tri-C Karters and the Los Angeles Karting Championship (LAKC) to competing on the national scene in USPKS and SKUSA, I steadily climbed the ranks. My proudest moments in karting included winning the IKF Duffy Junior 1 Grand National Championship, representing Team USA on the international stage at the Rok Cup in Lonato, Italy and the FIA Academy Trophy. Racing in Europe was a completely new world with Ward Racing in the WSK series and the FIA Academy Trophy further sharpened my skills and gave me a taste of the intensity of global competition.
The Next Steps: Formula Cars to Slicks and Wings
After a successful karting career, I left the comforts of home in the US at age 16 to live on my own in the U.K. to transition to formula cars. This is a significant milestone for any aspiring professional driver. One hundred percent commitment and dedication to achieving my goal. During my 4 years in the UK, I successfully competed in FF1600, GB4 and GB3. I’ve won the Triple Crown, David Leslie Trophy and Jim Walsh Trophy in FF1600, which all three were a first for any American driver. In GB4 I landed on the podium 10 times with track records and a 20,000 GBP scholarship to compete in GB4. The entire experience has been incredible —the speed, precision, and strategy required at this level are unlike anything I’d experienced before. GB3 is next level, period. Working with mega downforce and pushing it to the limit at circuits I’ve only seen on television is any drivers dream. Racing as a rookie with limited seat time against a field with a lot of experience in GB3 was a huge boost in confidence and a topic that I will be diving into in future blog post. I’m continually learning how to maximize every aspect of my performance, both on and off the track.
What’s Next?
My ultimate goal is to compete at the pinnacle of motorsport. With full focus racing in IndyCar and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and I’m working every day to make that dream a reality. Whether it’s through refining my driving skills, improving my physical and mental fitness, or connecting with the right opportunities, I’m committed to giving 100% to this journey.
What You Can Expect from This Blog
This blog is more than just a platform to share my racing story. It’s a space where I’ll dive into the many facets of life as a professional racing driver, including:
Travel Adventures: Racing takes me to incredible places around the world. I’ll share behind-the-scenes insights into the destinations and cultures I experience.
The Business of Motorsport: From sponsorships to team dynamics, I’ll explore the intricate business side of racing.
Health and Wellness: Staying in peak physical and mental condition is essential for success. I’ll discuss my routines, tips, and the importance of balance.
Mental Preparation: Racing is as much a mental game as it is physical. I’ll talk about focus, resilience, and handling pressure.
Track Reviews and Insights: Every circuit has its own personality. I’ll provide detailed reviews and share what makes each track unique.
Comedy: What's a journey without a bit of comedy? I have some of the funniest stories from behind the scenes that are just too good not to be shared. Buckle up!
Join Me on This Journey
Whether you’re a motorsport enthusiast, an aspiring racer, or someone curious about what it takes to chase a dream, I hope you’ll find something valuable here. My journey is just starting, and I’m excited to bring you along for the ride.
Thank you for being part of my story. Stay tuned for future posts, and let’s embrace this incredible journey together!