Jeff Lail
Jeff is a motorsports professional Jeff Lail is a motorsports professional with over 13 years of experience spanning operations, race program management, and series leadership across both domestic and international GT racing. With a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management from the University of North Florida, he has built a career focused on driving performance both on and off the track. Previously, as Race Program Manager at Esses Racing, he managed multi-series racing programs, developed budgets and partnerships, sourced global components, and supported driver development initiatives. His background also includes leadership roles with Rally Ready, Saleen Automotive, Red Bull Global Rallycross, and Skip Barber Racing School, where he managed race series operations, logistics, and business development. Known for his analytical mindset and hands-on leadership style, Jeff brings a comprehensive understanding of the motorsports industry, from grassroots development to professional competition.
Lars Wolfe
Fueled by competition and adrenaline, Lars has built his life around the relentless pursuit of speed and performance. An accomplished racer and rally driver, he quickly made his mark by winning the Western States Championship as a rookie, an early indication of both his natural talent and determination. Lars has consistently demonstrated his ability to extract maximum performance from unconventional platforms, most notably developing a Nissan Juke into a front-running competitor in the American Rally Association (ARA). His diverse driving background also includes piloting for Mitsubishi across multiple disciplines in the EVO 10 chassis, from dirt-focused rally stages to high-speed asphalt time attack events, as well as competing in the grueling Baja 1000 alongside BFGoodrich. Behind the wheel, Lars is known for his precision, adaptability, and willingness to push any machine to its absolute limit. However, what truly sets him apart is his depth of expertise off the track. A highly skilled engineer, fabricator, and mechanic, Lars has spent years refining his craft, beginning at a young age in dealerships and repair shops before progressing into professional race teams and ultimately operating his own shop. His technical experience extends beyond motorsports, including time in the aerospace industry, an influence that has further sharpened his understanding of advanced systems, materials, and performance optimization. This rare combination of real-world driving experience and high-level technical knowledge allows Lars to approach vehicle development with a uniquely holistic perspective. At L3 Autosports, he plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between theory and execution, applying engineering principles with practical insight to maximize performance, reliability, and innovation. In many ways, Lars serves as the team’s equivalent of a chief technical visionary, bringing together physics, mechanics, and hands-on experience to push every project to its highest potential.
Mike DeFord
Mike has built a distinguished career in the high-performance and motorsports industries, working since 1995 as a marketing and business development director. Over the years, he has collaborated with Formula 1 and IndyCar teams, international parts manufacturers, race series, and media companies, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the global racing landscape. As one of the early pioneers of professional drifting in the United States, Mike has played a key role in shaping a major segment of modern motorsports. Driven by both experience and a desire to challenge outdated industry practices, Mike developed an advanced return-on-investment tracking platform designed to help drivers, teams, and sponsors accurately measure performance, maximize value, and make more strategic decisions. His work bridges the gap between competition and business, providing actionable insights that elevate both on-track performance and off-track partnerships.
Throughout his career, Mike has remained deeply committed to growing motorsports by bringing new participants into racing and helping drivers reach the next level. Through business analysis, coaching, and management, he supports competitors in turning their ambitions into sustainable careers. When he’s not focused on strategy and development, Mike is immersed in racing. He spends an average of 24 weekends per year at the track, maintaining a hands-on connection. Outside of race weekends, he operates a sim racing center with his fiancée, continuing to foster engagement and passion for motorsports at every level.