Greg Gyann, of Woodridge, Illinois, contested all but one race in 2015 and came away with the Northern Conference Majors Prototype 2 championship. What made this more impressive is that this was Gyann’s first year behind the wheel of a racecar.

“It was really special for me to win a Majors championship this year,” Gyann said. “I just started racing this year because my dad does it and I wanted to spend time with him at the races. I started out the year not knowing how I would do and hoping not to embarrass myself, so to actually win the conference was a total surprise.”

Gyann credited the reliability of his car as a reason for his success this season. However, there were some challenges that every amateur and pro racer must face at some point.

“A major reason why I did so well this season was the reliability of my car,” Gyann said. “I finished every race I started, which makes the season a bit easier. The hardest part of the season was just being away from my family, especially my daughter Ella who was only four months old when the season started.”

At first, Gyann was unable to point to a single moment where he realized that the championship was a possibility. But, eventually he was able single out a moment where the thought of a championship became very clear.

“I don't know if there was a single turning point in the season for me,” Gyann said. “But, after winning the June Sprints I started to realize that the car was running really well and I was starting to get more comfortable in it.

“The next race weekend at Gingerman I had to miss the first race for a family wedding. After missing that race I had to start last in the Sunday race and, at that point, figured I was out of it. I got really lucky and wound up winning that Sunday race. I think that was the point at which I realized that winning a championship was actually possible.”

Gyann had some very important people who helped bring him 11 podium finishes, including five wins.

“I could never have done any of this without the support of my dad,” Gyann said. “He, along with the rest of my family, supports me in everything I do and they are the real reason behind any of my success both on and off the racetrack. Winning the Conference was the second best part of the season. The best part was getting to do it all with my dad.

“The other major reason I has so much success this season was because the car was so good. That is 100-percent due to the incredible work and dedication of our crew chief, John O'Conner. Not only did he have the cars running fast, but more importantly we always felt safe because of his attention to detail. Special thanks also to Mike Grosiak, Jody Lift, Dennis Eade, Mike Devins, Critter and all of the other people who helped and advised us along the way.”