Once in a Lifetime

“I am more than a cancer survivor…I am a racing driver.”

This year, Le Pit Club was introduced to a young man with an extraordinary story: Gabe Tesch. Gabe grew up going to the racetrack with his mom to watch his dad race vintage cars. “My whole life I loved cars,” Gabe says, “It was pretty much in my DNA.” Suddenly, the childhood he once knew turned upside down, when he was told he had brain cancer at just eleven years old. After his diagnosis, Gabe went through an intense forty-eight days of radiation followed by forty-eight weeks of chemotherapy. The doctors told him he had a 50/50 chance of survival and there was even the possibility of never walking again, an absolutely terrifying thing to hear as a young boy. His diagnosis does not define him, but it is something that had an immense impact on his life and shaped Gabe into the person he is today.

With strength, determination, and a strong support system by his side, Gabe finished his treatment at age thirteen, which then led to a long road of recovery. During this time, the Wishing Star Foundation granted him a wish to go anywhere he wanted: “I want to go to the Formula 1 Austin, Texas Grand Prix!” Gabe exclaimed. Back on the track once again, Gabe was in awe. He met his favorite F1 driver at the time, Nico Rosberg. He also explored the Mercedes team’s garage, along with their cars and met other drivers such as Sir Lewis Hamilton. After going through a time when Gabe was unsure of his future, something was sparked within him at the track that day and he was forever changed.

Even though he had been surrounded by car culture growing up, he never considered it something he would participate in. After his battle with cancer, Gabe realized how short life was: “It changed my perspective on life…I don’t want to waste a second.” After being inspired at the Grand Prix, he felt like he “really [wanted] to attack this passion” so he went for it.

On the way home he told his parents, “I want to be a racecar driver.” After a brief moment of disbelief, his parents decided to support him wholeheartedly. Shortly after, they bought him his first go-kart and ever since Gabe has been hustling and moving up the ranks.

Did driving come naturally to you?

“It was comfortable from the beginning,” Gabe reminisces. “My first race I got last, my second I crashed, and after that, something clicked and I won the local championship after winning eight races in a row, my first year karting. You do need to put the work in, and the best do still practice, but sometimes it’s just something you have.”

Karting was cheaper than cars, so it was the best place to start for Gabe and his family. Gabe would go around knocking on doors and attending events trying to make connections for sponsorships. Luckily, his dad being in the racing world, was able to help get him some connections at the beginning as well. Gabe highlights the fact that his parents were his number one supporters, “I wouldn’t be anywhere without them. They put their whole life on pause to help me with my dream,” and he is forever thankful.

Once Gabe got established in karting, it was time to move up to cars! He had the opportunity to race in England in the British National Formula Ford Championship. “In Europe, they treat driving like a religion. All of the drivers are really good.” His first race was at the iconic Silverstone Circuit. “I couldn’t even focus on driving; it was unreal,” Gabe remarks. At the same time, Gabe was also filming a documentary about his life called, Do Something Extraordinary. At just nineteen, Gabe was not only experiencing his first big race in another country, but he was also being filmed the entire time and sharing his story with the world. You go into the sport thinking it’s all about racing, but for him it was also interviews and cameras, and at first, he wasn’t quite prepared for what that meant. “It was hard to get used to, but I do enjoy getting the opportunity to tell my story and hear the feedback and impact it has on others.”

Watch the documentary on Amazon Prime Video here. Dive further into Gabe’s incredible journey and learn even more about him and the battles he has overcome.

When did you decide you wanted to share your story?

“Right after I finished chemo. I was surrounded by other kids going through the same thing, others who were not physically able to do what I can now. I am blessed and so thankful but at the same time I saw what could’ve happened. I wanted to give back and provide inspiration and show what is possible. For me, it’s about racing just as much as it is giving back.”

Now, Gabe frequently visits hospitals where he meets children and their families. The kids learn that there is a racecar driver there to meet them and then, “they see the scar from my treatment and are shocked that it is all possible.” Gabe is also a brand ambassador for multiple nonprofits such as the Wishing Star Foundation and the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. He also participates in various speaking events where he shares his story.

After England, Gabe came back to the US and raced F4 with Skip Barber Racing School. This last year, he also competed in the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) Mustang Challenge—his first year of professional racing. Gabe says it was a very intense year. “The amount of work is crazy, and the competition is good,” but he made it to where he and his team had always wanted to. In this new setting, Gabe has enjoyed getting to know his teammates and learning from them. He also notes that, “sometimes you get caught up in the win and the results, forgetting the love for the sport,” so it has been interesting balancing it all.

How do you keep the “right mindset” when you are out on the track?

“Racing is one of those sports which is 90% mental.” Gabe says he has worked with mental coaches and the “main thing is you have to remember why you love it. You get in the car and focus on perfect laps because you have done it a million times. Forget the nerves, you know what you are doing.” He also tries to remember that he is “one of the few people who gets to do this” and to just have fun.

In 2024, Gabe got married to his wife, Farrell, and they have recently welcomed a baby girl. “…you have who you are outside of the car and then once you put on the gear and get in the car you forget everything and you’re a driver. My baby put a pause to the first half of the season, but it has been fun having them at the track and their support definitely helps.”

How do you currently secure a budget for your racing?

“Spread the word, spread your story. Social media plays a big role, and it can be really intense. The racing world has changed a lot and it’s not just about talent anymore. You need the right opportunities and people. I am always hustling.”

After the IMSA Mustang Challenge, Gabe was invited to join Ford’s junior driver program. He was sadly unable to commit to a full season because he did not have the budget. “Even when you are professional, you still need money. The teams help a bit, but the rest is on you…it’s an expensive sport.” Gabe repeatedly emphasized how he could not do what he does without his team of people supporting him.

Learn more about Gabe’s team here.

While racing professionally, he also races vintage IMSA cars and vintage formula cars. The owners reach out to Gabe, and he brings the dream of seeing their car on the track to life. Driving historic cars is extremely difficult, “if you crash, it’s a historic crash and not as safe as today.”

Vintage racing in a Formula Ford

Once, he was tasked to race an IMSA GTU, which won multiple championships back in the day. That day would become “the most terrifying moment in my career,” Gabe recalls. Mid drive on the Laguna Seca track, the brakes went straight to the floor. He had lost all control of stopping the vehicle. Luckily, he was able to put the car into a spin and avoid crashing. He says that there is no fear when he gets into a car and then something like this happens, and you remember how dangerous driving can be.

Gabe dropping into the “corkscrew” at Laguna Seca

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

“I won races, I won championships, multiple podiums, but the highlight was stepping up to the professional scene because that was always the dream. It is just a different feeling when all of the work over my career has paid off.”

What’s next in your career?

“Formula 1 has passed; it became impossible with the budgets.” Down the road, Gabe wants to make the move into sports cars where there are gentleman drivers and plenty of coaching opportunities. First, he would love to race in the 24-hour Daytona and win! He is also “trying to get into the Michelin Pilot challenge GT4, which would be the next step up for me.”

During the off-season, he uses a sim rig to practice. Gabe trains with a UK based company and there does “remote coaching drills and exercises and can go to different tracks, drive different cars—it’s fun!”

Any upcoming projects?

“I am releasing my own hydration beverage company. At a professional level, someone on the team helps with fuel and hydration. I was on a hydration program, where you drink certain things at specific times, but I only got that treatment because I was with IMSA.”

Gabe wants to bring this hydration program to others who do not have someone planning it out for them, especially those just starting in karting. They will also be offering ambassadorships, allowing the sale of monthly subscriptions. The ultimate goal being to help drivers with their budget and allow a tangible way for family or friends to support them.

Keep an eye out for the release of Fortify Hydration.

Gabe has truly taken his shot at life and lived it to the fullest. He has got himself, with the help of his team, to an amazing place in the driving world all while continuing to think about and help others. Whether that be those within the racing world like him, or those going through similar battles he once faced. He truly remains selfless and kind, while reaching success within his career and life. It was inspiring listening to Gabe reflect upon his life now that he is an adult and his career and personal life has shifted immensely. He has already gone through so much only being twenty-two now, and I cannot wait to see what he does in the years to come.

Continue to follow Gabe’s story here.