(Editors note: special thanks to Victoria Gardens resident Bob Barr for contributing this story and photos.)

“Car 87……Start your engine!”

These are the words Victoria Gardens residents Jon and Shari Mirachi are listening for as another race is about to begin.  Jon and Shari are the founders and owners of RACERS EDGE MOTORSPORTS, a professional auto racing team that competes in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car racing series throughout the United States and Canada.

Shari & John Marachi

Jon has had an interest in race-cars since his teen years in New Jersey and began racing professionally in 1978.

After much success as a driver, Jon started his own team in 1990 and transitioned out of the driver’s seat and into full-time team management in 1998.  Jon is the team manager and oversees all of the day-to-day operations while Shari handles all of the administrative duties.

In 2005, Jon and Shari decided to relocate their race team from New Jersey to Central Florida. They wanted to be close to Daytona Beach and, after a brief tour of the area, quickly decided the industrial park at the DeLand Airport was the perfect location for their team and Victoria Gardens was the perfect spot for their home.  So perfect in fact, that Shari was able to convince both her mother and father, along with her sister and brother-in-law, to make their home in the Gardens as well.

Viper 87

The race season, which begins in January and includes thirteen races, ends in late September.  Jon says, “When we’re not on the road, we love being at home in the Gardens.  To us, it’s like living in paradise.”  “We enjoy participating in all of the many activities available to us and being part of such a great community.  I can’t wait to retire so we can spend even more time at home,” said Shari.

You can learn more about this unique Victoria Park couple by visiting the Racers Edge Motorsports team website, and keep up with Shari and Jon’s racing progress on their Facebook page.