Racing is our passion!
Meet the crew
Ernie Francis Senior, Team Owner
Inspired by Michael Schumaker and Ayrton Senna, Ernie Senior developed a passion for road racing in his 20s. Currently he owns and operates the racing team which he has been running since the early 2000s providing track support in SCCA, NASA, FARA, GrandAm and TransAm events. Currently the team is widely known for their past 7 championships won by the team’s # 98 Breathless Racing Ford Mustang driven by Ernie’s son – Ernie Francis Junior. Ernie Senior received his bachelor’s degree in Engineering from FSU and shortly thereafter he began designing and wholesaling racing components for certain car makes. He currently also owns and operates B Pro Wholesale LLC.
born in NY | former SCCA Racer | enjoys restoring older cars
Monica Zima, Team Manager
Joining the racing team at the end of 2017, she devotes her time in almost every aspect of running the team alongside Ernie both off track and on track. She received her bachelor’s degree in accounting from FIU and her MBA from University of Miami. She is currently the controller for a destination management company that she has worked for since 1997. Her 20+ years of experience in the business world combined with a love for race cars and exotic cars makes her an incredible asset and has resulted in the growth of both the team and wholesale business. On most days she will be working in the back office with Ernie Senior until the late hours of the night doing the accounting & admin work. She has been to every race since the 2018 season and on track she not only crews where help is needed but also supervises and briefs the team along with Ernie Senior.
born in Argentina and raised in FL | Cat mom | Loves exotic cars
"Rain or Shine, Cold or Hot—Nothing stops this team from working relentlessly to achieve wins"
Billy Roper, Full-Season Crew, California
Billy joined Breathless back in 2013, and we are so lucky to have him still 8 years later. Billy is remarkably knowledgeable and is passionate about racing cars. When he is not at the track for us, you can find him working as Chief of Emergency Services for SCCA CalClub in his hometown.
Chief of emergency services for SCCA | Roper Marine owner | loves camping
John Mills, Full-Season Crew, Michigan
Dedicated and passionate, Breathless team can always count on John to show up and do his very best work. There is nothing John enjoys more than racing—he dedicates most of his time to it. But when he’s not racing, John likes to speak to and motivate TBI survivors.
Lives in Northwest, Ohio | Owner at John Mills racing | traumatic brain injury survivor
Willie Simon, Full-Season Crew
From motorcycles to snowmobiles to cars, Willie loves racing. After all, he grew up in a racing family. While growing up, Willie worked on his family business, where he became an expert in cars—especially Porsches. He has been driving, crewing, and coaching for over 40 yrs!
born in Bolton, Connecticut | proud father of 4 | instructor for Skip Barber racing school for 14 yrs
Erik Deleewerk, Full-Season Crew, Florida
Erik is an awesome crew member. He loves to work on cars and driving. He’s the captain of the tractor-trailer.
Trailer captain
Zora, Security, Florida
Zora has been working for Breathless since 2014. She loves to roam around the shop and supervise. She is willing to put in a ton of overtime for doggy treats.
Sometimes works security | loves fashion | likes to be friendly
Zach Gagnon, Crew, Boston
Growing up around the circle track and drag racing lit a fire within Zach that still runs hot till this day. During race events, Zach’s passion for racing shows through his excitement and eagerness to help. He often attends track days in New Hampshire and New York by riding his bike to the locations.
Born in Salem, MA | Works at an auto bodyshop | likes to paintball and snowboard.
Kallea, Florida
An expert in relaxation; Kallea helps the team wind down after a long day of work.