July 15, 2024 – Traveling north of the border to the fast and furious Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, 16-year-old Julian DaCosta was ready to race in his newly branded Austin Hatcher Foundation Mazda. Competing with Jared Thomas Racing as a rookie in the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by Michelin series, DaCosta overcame an incident in race one to stand on the podium in race two as the highest-finishing rookie driving from 20th to second.
After qualifying in the ninth position and looking to move forward in race one, an on-track incident forced DaCosta to retire and to a backup car for race two. While running in the sixth position and battling for fifth, Julian’s car was involved in an incident and sustained significant damage. This forced him and the team to an unfamiliar car for the second wheel-to-wheel action of the weekend and a starting position near the tail of the field for race two.
Starting 20th on the grid, the series rookie drove like a veteran as he sliced his way through the field. Pushing when he could push and being patient when needed, DaCosta drove to the second position, passing more cars than anyone, and celebrated on the podium, earning $5000 for his efforts.
“I drove a clean race and knew that if I kept pushing forward, I would be in a position to attack when I had the opportunity,” expressed Julian DaCosta following race two. “The podium means so much to me! The JTR team worked incredibly hard getting the car ready, and I just wanted to return the favor. It made it special having the Austin Hatcher Foundation on board as well. It feels like everything just fell right into place!”
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the JTR Team, Julian, and the entire DaCosta family for proudly representing the Austin Hatcher Foundation with their livery this weekend,” explained Amy Jo Osborn, CEO of the Austin Hatcher Foundation. “Your support and dedication fuel our mission to provide crucial services to families and children. Together, we are driving towards a brighter future.”
Julian DaCosta's journey from last place to the podium at the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park is a testament to his skill, determination, and heart. His support for the Hatcher Foundation adds a layer of admirable philanthropy to his racing success. As he continues to make his mark in the Mazda MX-5 Cup, Julian is undoubtedly a young driver to watch in the racing world.
DaCosta added, “Thank you to JTR and the Austin Hatcher Foundation for the hard work and support. We will aim for one position better at the next one!”
Along with the podium result, Julian was the highest-finishing rookie in race two and showed strength and determination after a lot of adversity early in the weekend. With support from the Austin Hatcher Foundation, and HatcherFoundation.org, an organization dedicated to providing free counseling and therapeutic support to families battling cancer, DaCosta successfully represented his partners and provided the foundation with significant recognition during both races in Canada.
Next up for Julian DaCosta will be a trip to the VIRginia International Raceway (VIR) over the August 23-25 weekend. Stay tuned to the Julian DaCosta social media pages for news, information, photos, and results from events throughout the 2024 season.
About the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer
The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer is a leading nonprofit organization committed to helping families impacted by childhood cancer at no cost for the entire family’s entire lifetime. The Foundation provides comprehensive, coordinated care through evidence-based therapies, counseling, family programs, grief groups, educational resources, and more, fostering resilience and hope for families. The Foundation’s focus not only assists families in coping in the present but also helps them thrive in the future following a childhood cancer diagnosis.