Caleb Campbell heads to New Jersey Motorsports Park with confidence, momentum and his sights set on another strong championship weekend. He shares his expectations for the race, the improvements he has made this season and the support helping drive his journey forward.
Q: You're heading into another race weekend at New Jersey Motorsports Park. What are your expectations going into the weekend?
A: I'm feeling really confident heading into New Jersey. I’ve had some extra time in the car and have continued my development since the last race. We've had some strong pace this season, and the goal is to build on that momentum. The expectation is to compete for wins, score as many points as possible, and leave the weekend in a stronger championship position.
Q: Looking back at your most recent race, what are the biggest lessons you're taking with you into New Jersey?
A: The biggest takeaway from the last race was how important it is to maximize every session. I need to be prepared right from the first session and continue to build from there. The smallest details can make a big difference and last race I was rewarded for patience and consistency. I’ll bring those lessons into New Jersey. The focus is on putting together a clean, consistent weekend, making the right adjustments, and being in contention every time we go out on track.
Q: How have you and the team been preparing for this weekend, both on and off the track?
A: After my last race in Mid-Ohio the car went back to the team shop in Texas for a complete examination. Worn down parts were replaced and it’s looking ready to go. I was able to head out to Texas for some testing on the car and I’m feeling comfortable with the car. Off the track I continue to work out hard building strength and endurance. I’ve also put in time on the simulator and reviewing video of my past races to mentally prepare myself.
Q: New Jersey Motorsports Park has some challenging sections. Is there a particular corner or sequence you're looking forward to tackling?
A: There is one section in particular that I struggled with last year. I’ve spent a lot of time since then reviewing my mistakes and mentally preparing myself. I believe I will be much better in this section this year.
Q: Where do you feel you've made the biggest improvement as a driver so far this season?
A: I’ve learned a lot about patience and taking care of my tires. You’ve got to choose your moments wisely and use different driving techniques at different moments in the race. For example, if you drive too aggressively at the beginning of the race, by the end of the race your tires will be worn out and you won’t have the grip advantage. You need to look after your tires so that you can have the advantage at the end of the race.
Q: What has been the biggest challenge you've faced this year, and how have you worked to overcome it?
A: In a championship this competitive, you don't have much room for error, so every lap counts. I've worked closely with my team, spent a lot of time reviewing data and using the simulator, and focused on improving every session. That preparation has helped me become more consistent and put us in a position to fight for strong results each weekend."
Q: Confidence is such an important part of racing. How do you stay mentally focused heading into a race weekend?
A: My dad taught me a long time ago that confidence comes from preparation and that I should have confidence in the work that I put in before I even get to the track.. I make sure I've done everything I can before the weekend so that I can feel confident when I get there. I workout physically daily, put in time on my simulator, study past onboard footage with a driver coach and watch video from past sessions. Once I get to the track, I focus on what's in my control and take it one session at a time. When you trust your preparation, it's much easier to stay calm and confident in the car.
Q: What would you consider a successful weekend at New Jersey Motorsports Park?
A: Of course I’d like to sweep the weekend, but a successful weekend would include qualifying well, avoiding damage and coming home with strong points for the championship.
Q: You recently traveled to Texas to visit several Steele Auto Group locations. What was that experience like, and what did it mean to connect with the people behind one of your biggest supporters?
A: It was an incredible experience. Steele Auto Group joined the team this year, so it was great to finally visit several of their locations and meet the people behind the partnership. Everyone was so welcoming, and it was great to see the passion and teamwork that drive the organization every day. Being able to thank them in person and share my journey with the employees really reinforced how important those relationships are. It's motivating to know I have people like that behind me every time I get in the race car, and I'm proud to represent Steele Auto Group both on and off the track.
Q: How important is it to spend time with sponsors like Steele Auto Group and show them the impact of their support throughout the season?
A: It's incredibly important for both parties. Motorsports is a team effort, and sponsors like Steele Auto Group play a huge role in making it possible for me to compete. Spending time with their employees, visiting their dealerships, and showing them how their support is making a difference helps build a real relationship beyond just having a logo on the car. I want everyone at Steele to feel like they're part of the journey, because every result we achieve is something we accomplish together.I loved meeting people, sharing my journey and learning more about the company, employees and dealerships. Being able to represent them on and off the track is something I take a lot of pride in.
Q: Fans often only see what happens on race day. What's one part of your preparation that people might not realize goes into getting ready for a race weekend?
A: You’re right, there’s a lot that goes into the weekend that people often don’t realize. I’ve already spoken of the physical, and mental preparation that takes place. Aside from those things is probably the un-glamourous side of travelling. This generally involves waking up early, long lines at airports, flying, renting a car, and driving to hotels or Airbnb’s in generally small towns. It can be tiring before the weekend even starts. It takes careful planning to find healthy food options and I need to be sure to be hydrating early in the week to prepare for the weekend.
Q: What message would you like to share with everyone who's been following and supporting your journey this season?
A: I just want to say thank you. It honestly means a lot to have so many people following along and supporting me this season. Whether you've been there since the beginning or just started following this year, I really appreciate it. The support pushes me to keep working hard every weekend, and I can't wait to see what the rest of the season brings. Hopefully we can finish the year strong and give everyone something to cheer about.
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