Biography

      My name is Ethan Lampe, and I’m a professional Mazda MX-5 Cup driver from Hollister, California. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had one goal to become a professional race car driver. In 2026, that dream is my reality as I compete in the IMSA Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup Series.

      My racing career started in karting, where I developed the race craft and discipline that still define me today. I earned multiple championships along the way, including the 2023 SKUSA PKC KA100 Senior Championship and the 2022 Tri-C Karters KA100 Senior title. Competing against top national talent including a Top 15 finish at the SKUSA SuperNationals out of 92 drivers pushed me to elevate both my performance and mindset. I transitioned into cars with a podium finish in my Spec Miata debut and continued building momentum from there. I went on to win back to back Spec MX-5 National Championships in 2024 and 2025, earning 2024 SCCA National Rookie of the Year honors. In 2025, I was named the Mazda MX-5 Cup Shootout Winner, a defining milestone that paved the way for my step into professional racing in 2026.

      Now competing full-time in the IMSA Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup Series, I race in one of the most competitive development series in North America. The MX-5 Cup demands precision, consistency, and aggressive yet calculated race craft. It’s an environment where every detail matters.

      Outside of my own racing program, I continue to work as a driver coach in both cars and karting. Coaching allows me to stay sharp, analyze performance from a different perspective, and help the next generation of racers develop the skills needed to succeed. Teaching others reinforces my own fundamentals and keeps me constantly evolving behind the wheel.

      I’m proud to represent partners including Whelen, Freem USA, Mazda Motorsports, M-Experiment,  Sunoco, and Team Fox. As a professional driver, public speaker, and brand ambassador, I understand the importance of delivering value both on and off the track.

      2026 marks the beginning of my professional chapter in Mazda MX-5 Cup, but the long-term vision is bigger. I’m focused on building a sustainable career in professional sports car racing earning results, strengthening partnerships, and continuing to climb the ladder.