From street racing at age four to making history as the first driver to break the seven-second barrier in a front-wheel drive car, Lisa Kubo's motorsports journey embodies the revolutionary spirit that transformed import racing from underground gatherings to professional competition.
Lisa's story begins with motorsports in her blood – her baby book even documents her two-week-old self watching her father win street races. That early exposure blossomed into a pioneering career that helped define an entire motorsport category. During our conversation, she vividly recounts the transition from being part of the "red-headed stepchildren" of racing to becoming a professional competitor overnight when organizations like Battle of the Imports, IDRC, and NHRA created platforms for import racers.
The most captivating chapter in Lisa's career came when Saturn Motorsports recruited her to challenge corporate General Motors in the quest to be the first front-wheel drive to break the seven-second barrier. "Here's us, a bunch of kids from the Honda world, going up against corporate GM," she recalls. The underdog story culminated in a historic 7.96-second pass at West Palm Beach's Moroso track – a record that earned her recognition, championship jackets, and a $10,000 bounty.
Beyond the trophies and records, Lisa reflects on how motorsports shaped her character, teaching her to be what she calls a "chameleon" who could navigate any environment from corporate sponsors to pit areas. These life lessons – emotional control, financial management, professional poise – came during her formative years when most peers were in college.
Today, Lisa manages a performance shop in Florida while rebuilding her iconic Civic race car after a 20-year hiatus. Her goal isn't necessarily to dominate again but to honor her legacy and the supporters who've encouraged her return. Follow her comeback journey on Instagram and TikTok @lisaKuboracing and witness the next chapter of this remarkable motorsports pioneer.
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