Sydney Davis Yagel grew up in a racing family, as the youngest of two. When it was quickly obvious that she caught the racing bug, her father, a long-time racer, cultivated the love and prepared her for competition.

 

Sydney attended her first racing school at 17 years old before getting her SCCA license six months later at 18. Within a few years, she expanded her participation by serving as Race Chairman for the Houston Region for both local club events and assisting with the operations of pro events. After more than 10 years behind the wheel, Sydney found herself in a unique position. She was too busy putting on events to continue to drive. As her career expanded to working more events, she hung up her driving gloves. Sydney has served as Marshal Coordinator, Race Control Coordinator, National Steward, and Deputy Clerk of the Course for FIA events and National Championships. Most recently she served as Championship Manager for the F4 U.S. & FR Americas Championships and the Vice President of Event Operations for Parella Motorsports Holdings, the parent company of Sportscar Vintage Auto Racing (SVRA) and the Trans Am Series. 

 

For 2023, Sydney has taken a step back from a full-time motorsports role. She is still actively involved in events and the industry, but at a slower pace with less traveling. To occupy her time, she has started SYD Handmade, a bagmaking and pattern business, to make the most (and fund) her fabric obsession.  

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She got her photography start as a little girl when he grandfather shared his love of the art. From there, she spent years exploring various forms of photography and perfecting her craft. Her love of auto racing, and lack of the all important money, pushed Sydney into journalism instead of behind the wheel. She has a photojournalism degree from Stephen F. Austin State University, and has been published in several national auto racing publications. With a minor in studio art, she has an in-depth understanding of the fine art aspect of photography and can uniquely capture a truly memorable experience.

When she’s not at a race track, behind a sewing machine, or taking photos, Sydney enjoys cooking, reading, and hanging with her husband, Eric, and dog, Wilson. They currently live outside Indianapolis, Indiana in the town of Brownsburg.

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