With the 2026 season half-way completed, the Introne Racing team has been busy collecting checkered flags and taking podium spots across the northeast, with a significant reason being the youngest Introne on the team, #11 driver Zach Introne, rising to the occasion to fill his father’s race shoes as he was sidelined and off track.
The season started off putting National Champion driver Steve Introne back into the garage after a serious incident during the Hoosier Super Tour race at Virginia International Raceway in April left the #12 Honda Fit racecar needing significant repairs. Unfortunately, the #12 Mini Cooper was still in its rebuilding process, after its engine met its demise during the last race of 2025. With both his racecars requiring significant garage time, the team’s performance rested on the shoulders of the 19-year-old in his third season behind the wheel.
Zach spent his first race in May shaking off the rust. Then he took his #11 Mini and headed to NY for his own turn at a Hoosier Super Tour in June, with Steve serving as driving coach and crew chief. The feature race on Sunday was one to watch. Starting 6th on the grid, Zach ran the race of his life. With just 3 laps to go, he took the lead. Those last few laps were a battle and a testament to the close, clean racing of the B-Spec class. He ultimately crossed the finish line claiming the second step on the podium, finishing behind last year’s National Championship Pole Sitter and in front of last year’s National Championship Winner. The entire race can be viewed here. (FFW to 6:38.20 for when Zach takes the lead in the race.)
With the rust obviously shaken off, and the #12 Mini engine finally rebuilt, both Intrones headed to CT over the 4th of July for the Thompson Speedway US Majors race. During that weekend, Zach won both races, with Steve claiming a 2nd and 3rd as well.
This last weekend they returned to New Hampshire with both Minis again, and dominated, running 1-2 for every qualifying and race session. In total, Zach has claimed 5 checkered flags in a row, as well as a 2nd place finish at a national Super Tour series so far this season.
With three more race weekends to go, Zach has his sights set on claiming his first New England Road Racing Championship series title. As a 6-time NERRC Champion himself, Steve is coaching and guiding his protege throughout this season. Earning a regional championship is the first step in preparing to make a run and attempt at his own shot at a national championship in the coming years.
Over Halloween weekend, the team will head south to Road Atlanta where the 2027 National Championships will be held to participate in the American Road Race of Champions. After spending this season honing their team work and ability to draft and race together, this will be another step in preparing to make a father-son run for a national title next year.
