From Grandstands to the Spotlight: Triton Student Makes His Mark in Motorsports
RIVER GROVE, Ill. — It was in Turn 3 of the final lap of the eNASCAR College iRacing Series Queen City Crown that Triton College simulation racer Adam Garza of Forest Park decided he was going to go for it all.
Garza began the Oct. 14 race in the 10th row, and over the course of the 100-lap race, he steadily pushed his way forward to second place, just behind Timothy Holmes of Horry-Georgetown Technical College, as the virtual flagman waved the white flag, signaling the final lap.
As they approached Turn 3, Garza drove to the inside in an attempt to overtake Holmes and claim his first win in the series, but Holmes anticipated his move and held him off, leaving Garza with a third-place finish, after California State University, Sacramento’s Dylan Ault needled into second at the last instant.
“First and foremost, congratulations to Timmy. He did everything right on that last lap,” Garza told interviewers immediately after the race. “Timmy just read my mind and drove in just as deep as I did. … But I’ll take [third place], I’ll take the points and, man, the first win’s going to be so satisfying.”
Despite his recent setback, you'd be hard-pressed to find any gloom on Garza's face. Just days after the Queen City Crown, he was full of energy as he spoke enthusiastically about the current racing season, his final semester at Triton College and what's next for him.
It's been a thrilling year for Garza, who has transformed his passion for NASCAR and iRacing into real-world opportunities in motorsports, using his education at Triton College as a springboard.
Through his involvement with the Kansas City Pioneers esports organization, Garza secured a communications opportunity that allowed him to travel to NASCAR events across the country between May and October. The experience involved representing and promoting eNASCAR, iRacing and his team at NASCAR events, participating in onstage Q&A sessions before live audiences, interviewing drivers and building relationships with motorsports professionals.
At Triton, Garza studies Mass Communication and Multimedia, a program that offers students a deep understanding of the growing importance, power and influence of media worldwide. As he's gained traction in the sim racing world, Garza has used what he's learned at Triton to build his confidence in public speaking and networking, as well as using social media to grow a following. According to Garza, his studies, particularly in public speaking, came in handy when he was being interviewed on stage.
The things that Triton taught me through the program, like being a good public speaker, not being a character but being authentic to yourself, having a little bit of moxie on stage and really having a presence, I just kept thinking about that. And this experience really let me get my foot in the door and brought me so close to a sport that I love so dearly.
A particularly memorable moment for Garza came when his internship took him to Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet.
“I was there in the grandstands as a kid; that’s where I fell in love with the sport,” he said. “And now, to be there again doing what I’m doing and being a part of the industry, in a sense, was just surreal.”
Garza, 21, represents Triton College in the eNASCAR College iRacing Series, bearing Triton's logo and signature red and gold colors on a virtual race car as he competes against some of the best student racers on the platform from across the U.S. and Canada for scholarship money.
iRacing is NASCAR's official simulation racing partner and a tool used by professional drivers to stay sharp and practice their racing skills on virtually mapped courses that simulate real-world tracks. For aspiring racers like Garza, however, it's a chance to make it big and one day graduate from the simulation racing rig in his home to get behind the wheel of a real stock car, making his mark on a sport of which he's been a lifelong fan.
At the end of the fall semester, Garza will earn his associate degree at Triton College before continuing his education nearby at the University of Illinois Chicago. There, he'll continue studying communication and competing in the collegiate racing series, though likely sporting new colors.
Reflecting on his future and career prospects, Garza hopes to become a professional racer, but he's also considering opportunities in motorsports simulation operations or communications. Ultimately, he's less concerned about the results and more focused on the journey, as well as the friendships, professional development and experiences that come with it.
“I don't think I'd be in the position that I would be in if it wasn't for Triton,” Garza said. “Here I am sitting here right now with all the experience in my back pocket because of Triton College. So I owe it all to them if I were to make a living doing this someday.”
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Media Contacts:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3496
Hunter Oberst | hunteroberst@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3820
ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE:
Triton College, located at 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove, is a public institution of
higher education dedicated to student success. Recently recognized by the Aspen Institute
as one of the Top 200 community colleges in the nation, Triton offers more than 130 degree and certificate
programs that prepare students to pursue meaningful careers, transfer to four-year
universities, and thrive in a global economy. Guided by our mission—Valuing the individual, educating and serving the community—Triton serves nearly 17,000 students annually on its 110-acre campus in River Grove,
Illinois. Our dedicated faculty and staff provide high-quality, accessible and affordable
educational opportunities that empower students and strengthens the communities we
serve. Triton College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member
of the Illinois Community College Board. Illinois is home to 45 colleges in 39 community
college districts. Learn more at triton.edu.
