Rarely do you meet a competitor as dynamic and eager as up-and-coming Spec MX-5 Challenge competitor: Nate Cicero. Cicero, who will join Advanced Autosports in the National option for 2022, is one of two Mazda Club Racing Factory competitors and we are more than excited to have him.
Both Cicero and Westin Workman proved themselves over two-days at the Mazda Shootout event last October, granting them the opportunity to run a full season. But Cicero’s real story starts four days prior. A competitive karter, Cicero spent the last six years finding great success regionally and nationally, but what he hadn’t done was learn to drive stick. In less than 24 hours, Cicero learned a brand-new style of driving.
With time as his adversary, he conquered, bringing a top-level performance at the shootout.
“Nate is just one of those young drivers with a ton of natural talent. His driving and braking style was very smooth, which made him fast and consistent,” reflects former MX-5 Cup scholarship recipient and shootout judge Chris Nunes. “One of the things that impressed me most about Nate, was his ability to listen to driving line suggestions and adapt to the suggestions quickly. He made my job easy, and it was fun to watch him drive. He increased his lap time by 1.5 seconds staying smooth and consistent. He is just one of those drivers to keep an eye on.”
No great racer does it alone. Cicero credits his achievements and instilled dedication to mentors Stuart and Stevan McAleer as well as family. During race weekends the group meets often to collaborate on performance, data and of course, video games. For the Ciceros, racing has become a family affair.
Although motorsport was not an inherited business, Cicero’s desire to drive fast is no surprise to family and friends. At two years old Cicero made a habit of asking every adult he met for their car keys. Whenever he’d enter a bookstore, he would make a beeline to the magazine section to read any copy of “Car and Driver,” he could.
Cicero is born to race.
In addition to the awards that decorate his walls, Cicero has a hardcore guitar collection. Before he started karting, Cicero’s main interest was music. He still plays the hits from the 60s to the 80s in between his school and race weekends.
In 2022, Cicero will be one to watch. With his eagerness to produce the best racing he can and vast long-term goals, there is no doubt he will be a force. Catch Cicero as a National racer, conquering Road America, Sebring and more this season.