Well, after a bit of a hiatus, the Driver-In-Focus interview is back and what better way to return than having out very own Turtle, @Ph1sher!
1. What drew you to the ATCC?
I've always had an interest in doing a touring car championship race and NW48 had put together a great upcoming series and I thought it was best to give it a shot and even though I've attended very few races I'm still very impressed from NW and his dedication which is what kept me in ATCC and I will be racing this week so that should be a blast!
2. Do you have any real-life racing experience? (I.e; karts, track-days)
Yes! In fact last year I raced in a Mitsubishi Eclipse 92 5 Speed Manual Hornet car (front wheel drive class) And it was a blast since it was my very first year last year and this upcoming year will be a huge challenge as I'm moving up to a Rear wheel drive Wissota Street Stock, so that should be a lot of fun! Really looking forward to racing with that.
3. What's your biggest Gran Turismo Racing Achievement?
As of Online Racing, I've won a lot of huge event races but winning some of the more huge Turtle Racing League event tops it all! First ever race I got myself a Turtle Racing League win was in GT5 with the Subaru Imprezas at Grand Valley. Man I tell ya I was jumping and happy that I won that race and couldn't wait to race with those guys the very next week! Basically was the start of myself to get faster back then! Back in the good ol days when I'd fall off the track a lot
4. Which ATCC race were you most looking forward to?
The Bathurst one (last huge enduro race) man I tell you that is going to be one crazy wicked race for everyone! How will the Mustangs do? Nissans? Corvettes? I mean man I don't even know how to explain it and all the action that will be going on for that race! Definitely will be attending that race for sure and marking it down it will be THE Greatest and biggest Race on ATCC yet! But we will see how it goes.
5. Which ATCC race were you least looking forward to?
Eh, I think it's this week or next week not sure but the race at London, multi class and some wide A Class Cars, tough to pass not a big fan of London but hey it will be a challenge for passing and limiting your mistakes, sounds like a good challenge to me either way.
6. How do you get prepared for a race, whether in the virtual world or real world?
Virtual is practice practice practice! Watch replays from faster guys! See their braking point, when do they get back on the gas? All the little things that can really help into making you a better racer overall.
Real world - Focus, stretch, Focus. In the real world it's really about Focus and precision. Having the ability of your mind to be focused in a race and have your mind make quick decisions is really huge.
7. What's your favourite Racing Discipline? (I.e; Open-Wheel, Touring, Endurance)
Man! I say pretty much everything but I'm a huge Endurance Freak and love open wheel as well. Been doing Turtle Racing League all my life basically full of endurance races and now returning into the GTPES so that is going to be a blast! Also had a WRS endurance race a few weeks back and was running with one of the greats on GTPlanet
@PASM, and man he is dang alien fast!
8. Who's your favourite racing driver of all-time?
Donny Schatz - World of Outlaw Sprint Car racer who I've followed all of my life and has encouraged me into racing and helping me with advice! He's a fast race car driver and a really good guy overall.
9. What would be the biggest racing event in the world, in your opinion?
I know most would say something relating to F1 or Touring Car but I'd go with the Modified Nationals here in Minnesota where I live where over 100 Modifieds battle for $11,000 in a 75 lap race
10. Finally, what are your aspirations for the ATCC?
Just to finish the rest of the ATCC season strong and up front! Hoping to grab a win or 2 but with the tough competition who knows how this season will turn out afterall! Definitely looking forward to it.
Thanks @Ph1sher, I'm speaking on behalf of all of us in the ATCC when I say that we are definitely looking forward to seeing you make your ATCC return at tonight's Enduro Cup test!