Brothers hoping to help pave the way for Asian American racers

Published Feb. 25, 2017 6:13 p.m. ET

Samuel Reiman

Timo and Nikko Reger both achieved success during the 2016 racing season.

The brothers competed in the Skip Barber Racing School Championship Series and the Global Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires respectively.

Nikko took three wins during the 2016 season, more than any of his competitors, and ultimately placed sixth in the points.

Over in the open-wheels, Timo also tasted victory, taking home a $200,000 scholarship prize with his championship win.

Racing in North American-based racing series, the brothers don’t have a lot of Asian American racing idols nearby to look up to. Both of them hope to help change that as they strive to build on their success.

“As Asian racers, I hope to pave the way for the next generation,” says Nikko, who aims to race in SCCA Pro’s Formula 4 in addition to the Mazda MX-5 Cup Series in 2017. “I don’t want young men and women that want to race to be discouraged because stereotypes.”

Indeed, having looked up to her two older brothers, the Regers’ younger sister is considering taking up karting.

“I believe our desire to be the best driver we can is what drives us,” adds Timo who, having open-wheel experience, is also eying SCCA Pro’s Formula 4 series for 2017. “We don’t want to be the best Asian driver. We strive to be the best driver.

“I know the talent is there. I know my brother and I have the potential to be a common name in the sport and this pushes us to compete on and off the track.”

The 2017 SCCA Pro Formula 4 series kicks off at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Florida in April.