Tina Patel is a TV reporter for KCAL 9 and CBS 2 here in Los Angeles. In the news business there is no typical day when you’re on assignment in different locations every day. At this year’s Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach media day, we got an opportunity to chat with Tina after she had ridden in the IndyCar 2-Seater and the Acura NSX pace car. She tells us what it was like, what impressed her the most, and how fun it was. She also takes us back to how she got started in the news industry and what the best part of her job is. Did this experience make her want to become a race car driver? Listen in and find out. Enjoy!

NOTE: This is the fourth in a series of interviews of women for www.raceshool.com and our “Women in Motorsports” month of September. This has now become an annual tradition. We’ll hear from women with various roles in the motorsports industry from team owners, drivers and more. Check back weekly to find out who’s next!

By Larry Mason

Copyright © 2024 Larry Mason

That friendly smile of Tina Patel is well-known to TV viewers around Los Angeles who watch KCAL 9 and CBS 2 to get their news.

Tina Patel relaxes in the hospitality area where she shared her story with us. 

Interview and photos Copyright © by Larry Mason (unless otherwise noted)