About

Spirit Racing LLC

Spirit Racing LLC was formed in the late 90’s. Initially the structure was more of a formality to assist with the management of what was at the time to become one of the largest triathlons in Michigan, the Seahorse Triathlon. Spirit Racing took this small event with barely 100 athletes and helped guide the development and growth to nearly 600 athletes over just a couple years. This also included moving the race to a new venue. Following the decision to turn the event over to another race management outfit, Spirit Racing has been involved with the establishment and direction of the Shermanator Triathlon on behalf of the Sherman Lake YMCA, the Physically Strong Triathlon for the Southwest Michigan Council, Boy Scouts Of America, along with Spirit Racing’s Double Time Triathlon and assisting many other events in the region.

Spirit Racing’s Jim Mishler began his multisport racing in 1991. Although at that point use of the word racing might be a stretch. Since then, Jim has qualified for USAT National Championships every year but one since 1995 and regularly has placed well in overall and age group event rankings. Jim is sponsored locally by Breakaway Bicycles & Fitness and also continues to be sponsored by Quintana Roo. Jim has completed nearly 190 triathlons and decathlons date. If all goes well, the 200 race mark will be broken by the completion of the 2012 racing season.

Jim’s multisport management experience includes directing the “former” Seahorse Triathlon, the Shermanator Triathlon, the Double Time Triathlon, and the Physically Strong Triathlon. In 2012, Spirit Racing is adding to the production schedule the Gull Lake Triathlon, a 5K Run/Walk called the “K5K” in Kalamazoo, and potentially a duathlon in the fall. Jim assists many other events with everything from getting an event going from the ground up, through course development, marketing, and even athlete registration.

Aside from multisport racing, Jim has 20 year’s experience as a broadcast journalist covering radio, TV, and industrial communications. Jim also has 13 years of experience in the mortgage industry to draw upon from positions ranging from file troubleshooter to retail originator and wholesale investor account executive.

Jim has also been a “Spinning” instructor and now leads several indoor cycling classes at week at the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo.