Two Ford engineers earned national titles in the USA Track & Field Masters Indoor National Championships held recently in Louisville, Kentucky.
Jonathan Mehl, an engineer in Gas Engine Dyno Mapping, and Franco Leonardi, supervisor, Electric Machines and Power Electronics Research, earned national championships in the Men’s 50-54 age group 4 x 200m and 4x400m relays, as members of the Dearborn Track Club (DTC).
The track meet drew 1037 entries, the second largest ever for an indoor Masters Championship.
“I’ve been running since elementary school,” said Mehl. “I ran hurdles in college and was captain of my college track team (SUNY Geneseo). I joined DTC as a youth coach in 2013, and we formed our Masters (adult) team in 2022.”
Leonardi said he’s been running for 16 years. He also joined the DTC in 2022.
“I started running after my daughter joined the track program in elementary school,” he said. “I have competed in triathlons as well as road and trail races, but in the last five years I’ve focused primarily on track and field.”
Leonardi said winning the titles exceeded his expectations.
“It’s hard to describe really,” he said. “You never think you are good enough until you do it. I’m definitely not a former Olympian, so I never dreamed of something like this.”
Mehl echoed Leonardi’s sentiments.
“Winning a national title is just a dream until it happens,” he said. “It’s tough to believe that people around the country now admire our little Dearborn team, but it’s true. There’s a huge sense of satisfaction.”
Both men participate regularly in the Ford Corporate Cup Relays, a track meet between GM, Ford, Stellantis and other companies. In fact, that’s how the two first met.
“I think the Corporate Cup really kept me interested in the sport for a long time, until my kids grew up and I began coaching and competing at a national level,” said Mehl. “Our Ford team could use new talent to take back the team title from Stellantis. It’s been a few years since we’ve beaten them. All ages and abilities are welcome!”
Also distinguishing himself at the USATF Masters Indoor Track & Field Championships was Ford retiree Tobias Pallett. He participated in the Men’s 55-59 age group shot put and weight throw as an unattached athlete, scoring fourth and fifth place finishes respectively.
All three men compete in the Ford Corporate Cup Relays team each summer. If you are interested in joining the team, click here. The next event is scheduled for June 17, and details should be posting soon