Sonoma, Calif. - The 2014 season of the Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires is officially over. I can't believe it: My first pro season. It had so many ups and downs that I've lost count. The first half was rough but we continued to push forward and the entire team kept getting better. My coach and I had a "heart to heart" conversation at the mid-point, and that turned everything around. The second half of the season was much better, and there's so much to take forward into next season.

The races in Sonoma were intense, and I was the most competitive I have ever been. In Race One I got my best start yet (Coach's translation: still awful), and I stuck with a pack of cars right up until I hit a patch of oil that was dropped by a damaged car. I regrouped and continued pushing. When it was done, my best lap time was faster than three other drivers, and I was within 4/10s of one second of seven others. I was chasing cars and gaining ground when a valve issue hit and my car lost a good bit of power.

In Race Two I captured an Expert Class win and had one of my best finishes of the season. With these results and the strong showing last month in Mid-Ohio, I was also able to achieve the goal our team set at the beginning of the season: Win the Expert Class championship!

Now the offseason begins and there is so much work to do. I'll be working on securing partners and sponsors for 2015. Now that our goal of winning the Expert Class championship has been reached, we will shoot even higher in 2015. I'll be doing less traveling but will really be focusing on fitness, car control training and karting. I'll also be helping Texas A&M with their Formula SAE program, so they can bring home a victory in 2015!

I'd like to thank everyone who helped make this season a success:

* Grant Ryley -- A tremendous coach who handled my unparalleled ability to frustrate and confound with class and professionalism. :-)
* Telo, Kevin, Mike, Scott, Henry, and everyone at World Speed Motorsports -- These guys are awesome, and I'd recommend this team to anyone.
* My Family -- What a great support system! I could tell how much it meant to them when my son started crying when I crashed in the opening lap at the Indy Grand Prix. He wanted me to win as much as I did.
* Sponsors and Friends -- Thanks to C&J Energy Services for all their support. They are true pros and have a great passion for racing. Thanks to Pegasus Racing Design for a great-looking car. I loved it!
* Tamara Hanson -- Thank YOU for all your help throughout the season. There's nothing you couldn't handle!