MANILA, Philippines – Representing Asia and the Philippines, auto racer Michele Bumgarner gears up for races in the upcoming Pro Mazda Championship series. The Mazda Road to Indy touts a developmental ladder system that is supposed to prepare drivers for the Indycar series and the Indianapolis 500. Bumgarner is the first Asian to get this far. In 2013, she made her mark at the Grand Prix of Houston Indycar series, making it to the top 10 and bringing home two awards. This served as the qualifier and preparation for her run to the full Pro Mazda Championship. -- Mornings @ ANC, January 20, 2014.