Race Car Driver Credits Years of Delivering Pizzas for His Successful Career

Says nothing prepared him more than dodging traffic, running lights, and finding unit 47B in under 30 minutes

HERMOSA BEACH—A professional race car driver has made it clear that his success in motorsport can be traced back to one thing and one thing only: delivering pizzas.

26-year-old driver Mateo Alvarez, who currently competes in a regional GT series, dismissed the idea that family support, coaching, sponsorships, or years of racing experience played any meaningful role in his development.

“None of that mattered,” Alvarez said. “My parents supported me my whole life, my coaches worked with me for years, sponsors paid for everything, and my friends were always there. But if I’m being honest, none of them come close to what pizza delivery did for me.”

Alvarez explained that every critical skill he uses on track was developed behind the wheel of a lightly abused Civic coupe with a magnetic roof-mounted sign and a constant sense of urgency.

“Racecraft, awareness, decision-making, pressure, it all came from delivering pizzas,” he said. “When you’ve got three orders in the car, your phone ringing, and a manager texting ‘where are you’ after two minutes, that’s real pressure. Racing is peaceful compared to that.”

According to Alvarez, traditional motorsport training pales in comparison to the chaos of navigating apartment complexes at night.

“You can’t simulate that,” he said. “You think a simulator prepares you for anything? Try finding unit 47B when the numbers aren’t in order, the building is unmarked, and someone’s dog is chasing you. That’s where drivers are made.”

Those close to Alvarez say he has repeatedly downplayed their contributions in favor of his time as a delivery driver.

“I helped him get into racing,” said his father, Carlos Alvarez. “I worked overtime to afford karting, drove him to every event, and supported him through everything. But yeah, I guess that doesn’t compare to dropping off a pepperoni.”

His former coach echoed the sentiment.

“We spent years developing his technique, consistency, and race strategy,” said coach Darren Mitchell. “But apparently none of that matters because he once made it across town in 12 minutes with a Montague’s All Meat Marvel.”

Alvarez remains firm in his stance.

“I’m grateful for everything,” he said. “But if I had to do it all again and could only choose one thing, I’m choosing pizza delivery every time. Hands down.”

Alvarez confirmed he has since listed “Former Pizza Delivery Driver” ahead of his racing credentials on his driver profile, noting that it is “the only experience that matters.”