Behind the Helmet
Meet the driver underneath the helmet.
Kelsey Pinkowski
Kelsey Pinkowski is a 22-year-old American racing driver making her mark on international motorsport. Since entering the sport in 2021, she has competed across two continents, bringing her talent, determination, and relentless work ethic to every circuit she steps onto.
Currently competing full-time in Japan's Kyojo Cup with Team KCMG, Kelsey is the only continental-based American driver racing professionally in Japan's top female open-wheel series. Racing at legendary circuits like Fuji Speedway, she represents the United States, Team KCMG, and her sponsors amongst the growing wave of international talent breaking into Japanese motorsport.
Off the track, Kelsey is building KelMic Racing into something bigger: a brand, a community, and a platform for the next generation of drivers who refuse to be told no.
Follow the SeasonGet In TouchRacing Timeline
- Bertil Roos Racing School — Completed Beginner & Advanced school under former F1 driver Divina Galica. Obtained SCCA racing license.
- Bertil Roos Winter Series — Finished 3rd Overall, awarded Rookie of the Year.
- Lucas Oil School of Racing — Began competing in Lucas Winter & Summer Series; immediately racing in male-dominated fields at Homestead, Mid-Ohio, and Sebring.
- Professional Coaching — Began ongoing professional coaching focused on physical and mental development.
- Race Craft & Driver Development — Began race craft and driver development in Cresson, TX.
- Crosslink Motorsports — Continued ongoing testing at home track in Cresson, TX in FIA JFC cars.
- KelMic Racing LLC — Founded — Established KelMic Racing as a specialized racing brand and LLC.
- Hilliard U.S. Vintage Grand Prix — Watkins Glen — First vintage race in a 1964 Mini Cooper (H-shift). Qualified 7th, finished 2nd.
- RIT Formula SAE — Won 1st Overall at the Formula SAE Michigan Competition as Team Business Associate.
- SCCA Polar Prix Majors — Motorsports Ranch, TX — F4 car. Finished 7th.
- SCCA Cabin Fever Regional — Sebring, FL — Miata. Finished 6th & 7th in STL class.
- Ligier JFC Series (USF Americas F4) — Crosslink Team — NOLA Speedway. Highest position: 8th.
- Gorsline Scholarship — Recipient — One of three finalists selected for the 2025 Gorsline Scholarship, honoring outstanding skill and professionalism in motorsport.
- Kyojo Cup Japan — Debut Season — FIA F4 KCMG-01 car #9. Testing and racing across 9 trips to Japan, averaging ~54 hr round-trip travel time to chase a passion. Highest position: 14th.
- Kyojo Cup Japan — Full Campaign — Returning full-time with Team KCMG.
- International Series Invitations — Invited to compete in series in India and Spain.
- Season Management — Working around scheduling conflicts with contractual obligations outside of college.
- College Graduate — BS in Global Business Management, Saunders College of Business, RIT.