Tyler Kicera, of Manheim, Pennsylvania, was the U.S. Majors Tour Northeastern Conference Spec Miata winner in what seemed like a natural progression. After finishing the 2013 season outside of the top-30 in the Eastern Conference, Kicera finished second in the Eastern Conference in 2014.

“In a class as competitive as Spec Miata, it’s such a huge accomplishment to win the title,” Kicera said. “Winning Majors races in SM is difficult enough. Before the 2015 season, we only ever ran for race wins. To win not only the Conference Championship, but also the national title in my first try, is the biggest achievement since I began racing in SCCA.”

Kicera’s season had a rough start, but as the season progressed Kicera picked up momentum.

“The beginning of the season was very frustrating,” Kicera said. “An engine problem in qualifying kept me out of the Majors races at Road Atlanta despite showing a lot of speed during the wet test. We only got the engine back together the day before we left for VIRginia International Raceway and didn't have a chance to dyno the car. Despite being down at least six horsepower to the rest of the frontrunners, we were able to walk away with fifth- and sixth-place finishes.

“The race I had circled on my calendar in which to make a statement was the Watkins Glen Majors. In both races, contact outside of my control while running in the top three erased any chance of a win or podium finish.

“It is worth noting how much effort we put into the season as a team. Unlike many at the front of the Spec Miata field, we are a single-car team operating essentially in a vacuum. This means we maintain the car and equipment, setup the chassis, transport, load in, analyze data, tune the car, tear down in tech, load out and transport home. It's an immense amount to do while also staying focused on track.”

For Kicera and his single-car team, the turning point of the season came at a track a couple hours outside of the nation’s capital.

“Our season turned around at the Summit Point Majors,” Kicera said. “I ran away with the win on Saturday, but Sunday started off differently. Running in third position early in the race, I ran wide through the gravel in Turn Ten and lost about 12 seconds to the leader, Danny Steyn.

“Rather than giving up, I pushed myself and made up everything I had lost by the final corner. It took running three consecutive lap records at the end, but coming to the start finish line on the final lap I pulled alongside Danny [Steyn]. We crossed the line in what was a photo finish. Despite my transponder tripping first, they gave the win to Danny based on visual judgment. It was at this point, with the car finally sorted, I knew we would be hard to beat.”

Kicera made sure to thank some important people to his racing effort.

“First and foremost, I have to thank my wife Stephanie for allowing me to spend so much time away from home,” Kicera said. “Our team is made up of three generations: my dad, Vic, my grandfather, Bob, and my best friend, Dan. I have to thank them along with TAIT, Mazda, Hoosier, Tri-Speed Engineering and Carbotech Brakes for all of their support.”