The 2025 Ferrari Challenge North America season has been filled with growth and milestones for Melissa Kozyra. Racing in the Coppa Shell-AM championship, she quickly went from a newer face on the grid to a fierce and consistent competitor. Kozyra, part of a true couple powerhouse with her husband Bill, delivered a strong 2025 campaign with a podium finish at Miami, a pole position at Watkins Glen, and another podium finish at Laguna Seca. She now sits within striking distance of the top 3 in the standings heading into next month’s Finali Mondiali at Mugello, Italy. Emilie Bachelart sat down with Melissa to discuss her career and how it all started. 

Emilie: Your journey kicked off after picking up a Ferrari 488 Evo at a Ferrari Challenge event. What turned a casual interest into a life-long commitment?

Melissa: Honestly, before that, I had no real interest in racing. I thought we were just collecting another car. My confidence wasn’t where everyone else’s confidence in me was. Club Challenge changed that, seeing my times next to other drivers made me realize, “Oh wow, I can do this. I’m in the ballpark.”

Emilie: You weren’t sure about moving up until Ferrari offered the 296 allocation.

Melissa: Right. Matt Dusenberry came over with the allocation and my husband Bill slapped the table and said, “She’ll do it.” I could’ve fainted on the spot. I’d never even done a rolling start. We had one month from Laguna to Watkins Glen, so I went back to Corse Pilota specifically to practice race starts. That helped a ton.

Emilie: Any superstitions or routines?

Melissa: I ditched the “lucky hat” phase, where I would wear my favourite Ferrari hat every weekend. My routine is simple: get in the car early, sit quietly, visualize the lap, and give myself a short pep talk, “You’ve done this. Same thing, maybe a little faster.”

Emilie: What’s it like to share the racing experience with your husband, Bill?

Melissa: Zero added pressure. He’s my number one fan, on the radio celebrating my best laps, helping with everything. We structure our life in thirds: family time, individual time, and together time. It keeps us balanced.

Emilie: You’ve had different coaches throughout your racing career, and now you have a very strong relationship with Cameron Lawrence. After experiencing different styles of coaching, which one works best for you?

Melissa: Honest and direct. Early on I had a coach who was too soft with me compared to the guys. I knew I needed firmer feedback. Sebastian and now Cameron give me constructive, balanced input. At Watkins Glen, Cameron got on the radio and basically said I was driving like I didn’t want to win. That snapped me into gear.

Emilie: You’re big on simulators. Tell me how that helps you prepare for a race. 

Melissa: Massive. A good sim is 80 to 90 percent of the real track. You can match brake feel and steering effort to your car and build muscle memory. Cameron can even “ride along” from Texas while I’m in Florida, he can drive ahead, behind, or virtually jump into my car. It’s been a huge advantage at new tracks like Vegas and will be again for Thermal and Sebring.

Emilie: You debuted the 296 Challenge mid-2024 and immediately grabbed podiums and Ladies Cup wins. How was the transition?

Melissa: Easiest car transition I’ve ever had. We had a plan to fall back to the 488 if I wasn’t comfortable after Watkins Glen test days, but after two laps in the 296 I was like, “488 who?” I loved the brake-by-wire; some found the pedal too light, but it worked for me.

Emilie: What is a roadmap for someone with zero track experience?

Melissa: Attend driving school, like Corso Pilota. Ferrari gets you on iconic tracks like Indy, Daytona, and Thermal, while Porsche structures days brilliantly, with track sessions, wet skid pad for understeer and oversteer at low speed, braking drills, even a rally course. Cheapest and safest seat time you’ll find, and you’re not beating up your own car. Then add consistent coaching.

Emilie: What’s next for you?

Melissa: Full Ferrari Challenge season, and likely a smaller series in the 488 to increase track time. Practice is great, but you need wheel-to-wheel time.

Emilie: Away from racing, you’ve also tackled some serious outdoor adventures. How do those experiences connect to what you do on track?

Melissa: I’ve climbed Kilimanjaro, summited in Antarctica, and hiked large sections of the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails. Those challenges taught me that we all have more in us than we think. On the trail, when you’re exhausted and think you’re done, you find another gear. It’s the same in racing. When your coach says “brake later” or “carry more speed,” you have to trust yourself to push beyond what feels comfortable.

Emilie: You’re blazing a path. What’s your message to women considering a career in racing?

Melissa: Do it. Don’t be afraid. I’ve had a very positive experience in Ferrari Challenge, people have been welcoming. Not everyone will love getting beaten by a woman, but that’s racing. Surround yourself with people who coach you honestly and care about your safety and success.