For driver Maddie Aust, the past few months have been as fast off the track as on the racing surface.
The 18-year-old freshman student at Texas Christian University has been speeding through life with a collection of changing events including high school graduation, driving a sports car in pro competition, winning her first pro race and starting a full load of college classes.
“Yes, it’s been pretty busy this summer, but it has been a lot of fun too,” said Aust, who’ll drive her No. 9 Sewell Automotive Company/Fast Track Racing BMW M2 GS (Cup) sports car in this weekend (Sept. 22-24) TCX doubleheader races at the historic Sebring International Raceway.
“After competing in cheerleading events for many years, the racing bug kept my competitive levels high, and it’s been exciting to drive the BMW M2 this year for Fast Track Racing. Since graduating from high school, my concentration has been on the racetrack. But now I have classes to fit into my schedule again.”
Aust, who drove in the Formula 4 open-wheel series last year, has been “shooting star” in the TCX division of the TC America road racing series. As a rookie, she has battled veteran racers wheel-to-wheel and defeated those more experienced drivers.
Aust started the 2023 TCX season later than her competitors but she quickly got up to speed with two podium (top-three) finishes before scoring a sensational double win at VIRginia International Raceway in the two 40-minute sprint contests.
“The VIR weekend was so special with wins on Saturday and Sunday that weekend,” Maddie said. "It’s been a great learning experience to race with the Fast Track Racing crew as well as getting accustomed to the BMW M2 car after driving the open-wheel car last year. But I feel more comfortable with each race. The competition is tough in the TCX class, and I hope to win again this weekend at Sebring.”
Aust does have the advantage of the Fast Track Racing operation which led Jacob Ruud to the TCX championship in 2021 and 2022. Led by former sports car champion Toby Grahovec, the Fast Track Racing squad has plenty of experience at 3.74-mile, 17-turn Sebring circuit including wins and podium runs.
“We have been so impressed with Maddie’s racing talent this year as a rookie in the TCX class,” said Grahovec. “She moved from the open-wheel car to the BMW M2 and showed outstanding potential with each event she drives. She also works well with our crew on car settings and how the vehicle reacts with each session. It was amazing she reached the podium in her second TCX weekend and then won both races in her third TCX weekend. It’s been a thrill to see her advancement this year.”
Aust, currently taking five classes this semester at TCU, now ranks third in the TCX drivers point standings despite missing four events this year.
“Sure, it is a little hectic with classes and racing,” said Aust. “But I had cheerleading and classes before too and it worked out fine. So, I’m anxious for the Sebring weekend and I’ll try hard to win again.”
Aust and the Fast Track Racing team will be in action at Sebring starting Friday, Sept. 22, with two TCX practice rounds set for 9:15 a.m. EDT and 2:15 p.m. EDT. Qualifying is scheduled for Saturday at 8:30 a.m. EDT with the first 40-minute TCX race getting underway at 11:15 a.m. EDT. Sunday’s Race 2 will begin at 9:45 a.m. EDT.
The TC America TCX doubleheader races can be viewed live on the www.sroamerica.com website with the TCX highlight packages being telecast on CBS Sports Network in the near future.