At Sonoma Raceway, Jordan Missig showcased the grit and determination that define champions, securing the 2024 Radical Cup Pro 1500 championship for Graham Rahal Performance. In its first season competing in Radical Cup, the team not only claimed the teams’ championship in the Pro 1500 class but also earned individual honors with Missig, who also won the Jeff Green Memorial Award for his sportsmanship.
However, this victory was anything but straightforward, as Jordan faced a series of challenges that would have derailed many other drivers.
The weekend took an unexpected turn when, during practice, Missig’s car suffered a catastrophic engine failure, causing a fire. Faced with what could have been a race-ending setback, the team quickly worked to source a new chassis.
Car Chief Titas Urlakis and the Graham Rahal Performance team pulled together, managing to get the new car dialed in for the three races to come.
Missig, despite having minimal time to adjust to the new car, showed great focus and resilience. His adaptability allowed him to qualify just two-tenths of a second off the pole — a testament to his ability to perform under pressure.
“It was a roller coaster of emotions with the fire and having to jump into a new car, but I knew I had to stay focused,” Jordan said. “The team did an amazing job getting me back out there, and I just kept my head down and went for it.”
Missig’s weekend didn’t stop at overcoming adversity — he went on to sweep all three races, securing the Pro 1500 crown and emerging as the overall Radical North America champion. His performance on track was as impressive as his ability to stay calm and collected, even in the face of setbacks.
In addition to his individual success, Graham Rahal Performance secured the Team Championship in the Pro 1500 class, a remarkable achievement in their first Radical season. For Jordan, this was more than just a personal win — it was a reflection of the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.
Titas, Jordan’s Car Chief, reflected on the weekend’s challenges: “When I heard Jordan say, ‘I’m on fire,’ it was a tough moment. But the way the team came together, the way Jordan kept his cool — it was incredible. Watching him sweep the weekend and win the championship made it all worth it.”
Missig’s success at Sonoma wasn’t just about clinching a championship but was a testament to how perseverance and talent converge in pivotal moments. His ability to overcome adversity, supported by the unwavering commitment of the Graham Rahal Performance Team, led to a clean sweep and a dual victory for both himself and the team.
This milestone marks a turning point as Missig looks ahead to competing in Indy NXT in 2025 and continuing his upward trajectory in motorsports.
“This championship feels special because of everything we had to overcome,” Missig said. “It gives me momentum heading into 2025, and I’m excited to keep pushing forward.”
