Fernando Luque Jr.’s career has seen stops in karting and F4 NACAM. However, this week at Daytona International Speedway, Luque Jr. gets the chance to transition into what has always been his ultimate goal: sports car racing.

An F4 NACAM vice champion last season, Luque Jr. teams up with AAG Racing in the #25, managed by well-known IMSA paddock racer Sam Paley. Following a strong season last year—including a podium finish at the “World Center of Racing”—the 17-year-old prospect is in line to take an important first step in his Mazda MX-5 Cup debut.

“To be honest, my plan was always to move into sports cars,” said Luque Jr. “I met Sam last year, and I ended up doing F4 in Mexico because that opportunity came up, but my long-term goal was always sports cars—especially MX-5 Cup. I wanted to do Spec MX-5, but unfortunately that opportunity didn’t come together at the time. Since karting, MX-5 Cup has been something I really wanted to do, and thankfully the opportunity has come now. I want to make the most of it.”

For Luque Jr., the opportunity to race at Daytona carries added significance beyond just making his sports car debut.

“First of all, it’s super special to be racing at Daytona,” he said. “It’s an incredible track with a lot of history. It’s also great to be taking the next step in my racing career. MX-5 Cup has a lot of exposure, both internationally and in the U.S., and that’s really important.”

Coming from an open-wheel upbringing over the past several seasons, Daytona presents a completely new challenge. The iconic Florida circuit demands a different racing style, with heavy drafting, close-quarters racing, and constant traffic management.

“It’s definitely a different type of preparation compared to what I’m used to,” Luque Jr. said. “My experience on car tracks is limited, but I think my background in karting will help me adapt. The preparation has been very physical, but also very mental. This car requires a lot of focus and composure, especially in racing situations.”

Preparation for the MX-5 Cup debut has been extensive, both on and off the track.

“I’ve been studying past races from the last couple of years, reviewing data, and doing simulator work,” he added. “I had some testing time and used the winter months to prepare, so I’m excited to put everything together.”

Fortunately for Luque Jr., he will be surrounded by experience throughout the weekend. In addition to Paley’s leadership as team manager, he will also have Spec Miata veteran Chuck Mactutus as a teammate—providing an invaluable learning opportunity for a driver making his first sports car start.

“It’s huge,” Luque Jr. stated. “Sam is a great coach and driver, and he knows what it takes to race MX-5 Cup at Daytona—he has podium results to prove it. I’m going to rely heavily on him.”

Luque Jr. also emphasized the value of having an experienced teammate alongside him.

“With Chuck, even though we haven’t worked together much yet, he has a lot of Spec Miata experience,” he said. “I want to learn as much as possible from him. My goal is to be a sponge and absorb everything.”

One of the main areas Luque Jr. is already adjusting to is the transition from an F4 car to a Mazda MX-5 Cup machine. Moving from a lightweight open-wheel car to a heavier, production-based sports car presents a learning curve—particularly at a track like Daytona.

“The biggest change is definitely the brake pedal—it feels very different,” he explained. “The seating position and visibility are also different. In F4, you’re low in the cockpit with the halo, and here you’re sitting higher. Following other cars will probably be my biggest challenge, but it’s just about adapting. I’m not stressed about it—just learning and adjusting to the new demands.”

As on-track action begins, Luque Jr. knows mastering the draft will be critical to a successful weekend.

“Learning how to draft is the most important thing at Daytona,” he said. “That’s going to be my main focus in practice.”

When it comes to race day, Luque Jr. expects a balance between aggression and patience to be key.

“It’s about being assertive, not overly aggressive,” he added. “Picking the right moments, working with other drivers, and avoiding unnecessary battles. The goal is to move forward in a smart way.”

Despite the challenge ahead, Luque Jr.’s excitement for the weekend is evident.

“I can’t wait to drive,” he said. “I love close racing—it’s my favorite thing in the world. There’s nothing closer than MX-5 Cup racing at Daytona.”

As for measuring success in his debut, expectations remain realistic.

“It’s my first MX-5 Cup race and my first sports car race,” Luque Jr. said. “If we’re improving, learning, and in the fight, that’s a good weekend.”

Looking beyond Daytona, Luque Jr.’s ambitions are firmly rooted in sports car racing’s highest levels.

“Winning overall at the Rolex 24 at Daytona is definitely a milestone I want to achieve,” he said. “Racing at the highest level of sports car racing in America is the goal. This is a huge step toward that.”