Improving Every Opportunity - Bruno Junqueira

Bruno Junqueira climbed the racing ladder in Europe and started racing in the United States with great expectations placed on him from his team owners. Bruno’s ethic of always improving had earned him great results with prominent teams and has elevated smaller operations. His abilities and determination are two valued assets that give him the potential to achieve success in sports cars.

Mecca of Speed: How have you adjusted your driving style from your primary experience in the open wheel formula to this Jaguar sports car?

Bruno Junqueira: I have to find a little bit more in the car. Kenny Wilden drove this morning so I’ve only turned about three laps so far this weekend. It’s very different because we don’t have much downforce compared to a single seater. In the slow corners the car is pretty good but when you go to the high speed corners that I could take flat out in an open wheel car I now have to brake.

Corners like the Kink and the Carousel are very different in a sports car compared to when I drove them in ChampCar. Those cars had massive wings that generated a lot of downforce.

At the end of the day you can drive single seaters, this Jaguar, or even a bike, it’s always fun here. more

Dead Man’s Switch - Tammy Kaehler

The American Le Mans Series (ALMS) paddock is an international mix of technology and personalities who come together forming a close knit racing community. Among the drivers, engineers, crews, and series officials is Tammy Kaehler, an author who has launched her first mystery set in the world of the ALMS.

Mecca of Speed: How did your become involved with the ALMS before writing Dead Man’s Switch?

Tammy Kaehler: It started when I was working as a freelance writer doing technical and marketing material. At the time, I knew nothing about motorsport. In 2004, the company I was working for became the series sponsor for The American Le Mans Series and a Porsche GT team. I was given the opportunity to attend the events, doing hospitality and entertain their customers at the races.

I volunteered to do it because I like learning about new things, it included travel and was quite interesting. Working for a sponsor allowed me access deep inside the ALMS world with plenty of onsite education and access to areas the regular fan doesn’t get. It was fascinating to learn from the inside out something I previously knew nothing about. more

Race From The Start  - Lucas Luhr

Strategy and engineering are essential to a successful motorsport program, but Lucas Luhr has never forgotten the simple fact that to win you must race from the green to checkered flag.

Mecca of Speed: The Muscle Milk Aston Martin turned only one lap during practice yesterday, was there an unforeseen issue with the car?

Lucas Luhr: Due to an engine change prior to this event, we only wanted to do a quick shakedown yesterday. We did have a little issue that prevented us from completing a lap, but we knew what was wrong, so we were not to worry about it.

To be honest, we did not plan on testing yesterday like the other teams, so it was an issue. more

I Am A Racing Driver  - Jan Magnussen

Racing is a competitive business with obstacles at every corner. Jan Magnussen started racing go karts with an eye on Formula 1 and transitioned to a successful career in sports cars. His success is not only counted by championships, but the quality of life he has achieved developing into a true professional driver.

Mecca of Speed: We are in the thick of the season right now. Corvette recently won at Mosport and had a great run going at Mid-Ohio until the rain hit at the end of the race. How is the momentum in the team right now?

Jan Magnussen: If it weren’t for the weather, I think we would have won at Mid-Ohio, but right now the momentum is quite strong for the number 4 car. Our overall pace is still behind the BMWs who have an overall advantage, but we are closing the gap and racing really well. We are cutting down their points lead with four races to go. more

What I Bring To A Team – Max Papis

Massimiliano Papis started racing go karts in his native Italy and climbed the open wheel ladder to Formula One. In 1996 he crossed the Atlantic to race for Ferrari in the Rolex 24 at Daytona and became Mad Max. Building a successful career in the US, he is better known by Max Papis.

Mecca of Speed: Max, you don’t have a fulltime ride in the Nationwide series and it has been a few years since you last raced at Road America, what preparation have you made for this weekend?

Max Papis: I don’t race a lot with KHI (Kevin Harvick Inc.) but I do know most of the guys on the team, so it’s not like starting with a new team. It’s going to take a little time understand what this car needs in terms of set-up for this kind of racetrack. more

Work Hard and Race Harder - Scott Pruett

Scott Pruett has a reputation of being a tough driver to pass and tougher to keep behind you. His pedigree includes 2 IMSA GTO, 3 SCCA Trans Am, and 3 Grand-Am Championships in addition to four 24 Hours of Daytona overall victories. His success hasn’t come with out hard work and personal sacrifice. This work ethic has the Grand-Am veteran in contention for his fourth Grand-Am championship. 

Mecca of Speed: Compared to the last time you raced at Road America, there have been changes to the curbing and runoff areas. How is going to affect the racing line for this multi-class series?

Scott Pruett: I think the racing line is going to be fine. The curbs are good height-wise. They put pavement on the backside of the curbs, so if something bad happens in a corner, you still have some room to work with. As we saw at Watkins Glen, when there is pavement on the backside there is a little room to go to if needed to keep you from going into the grass. more

On Any Given Weekend – Patrick Long

In 2002, Porsche saw the many qualities they value in a professional driver in Red Bull F1 Driver Search finalist Patrick Long. Moving into the position of Porsche factory driver, Patrick Long has climbed the sports car ladder, finding success at many of the great racing venues across the globe.  

Mecca of Speed: Let’s look at your career in reverse order, starting with the event this weekend. As a factory Porsche driver,  are events such as this Nationwide race considered a conflict of interest due to Porsche not being involved in the series?

Patrick Long: A great thing about being a Porsche factory driver is you do a lot of racing for Porsche, but when we have an off weekend they are pretty liberal about what we do with our time. more

The Future of IndyCar – Graham Rahal

Key questions on the future of IndyCar racing are not only which chassis will be in production for the 2012 season, but also who will be in the cockpit. Graham Rahal has shown continual growth as a driver with the potential to be a contender given a competitive opportunity. At the unveiling of the Delta Wing concept at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show we discussed not only the potential of the Delta Wing design, but also his prospects for the 2010 IndyCar season. 

Mecca of Speed: Did you have an opportunity to see the Delta Wing prototype before today’s unveiling?

Graham Rahal: I saw pictures of it last night. It’s pretty cool; it’s completely revolutionary compared to what we have been racing for many years. It is like opening a book again and I think that’s the most important part at this point in time. We are getting back to places that we haven’t been at for a long time. The open source concept opens the door to anybody and everybody interested in designing and building cars or parts if they are a credible firm. more

Waiting For The Next Race – Bryan Willman

The American Le Mans Series offers a unique blend of prototype and GT racing. Mixed in with the factory backed prototype teams are the perpetual underdogs- the privateers. Privateers race in the ALMS because they love the sport, the series, and competing against the best teams on their own terms. Bryan Willman is a man that lives his life on his own terms, making him a perfect fit for the top sports car series in North America.   

Mecca of Speed: After the race at Mosport in 2008, Autocon Motorsports switched from the Creation CA07-002 to the Lola B06/10 chassis. How has the Lola performed from a driver’s point of view?

Bryan Willman: It’s a much more workable and consistent car. The Creation was okay at some tracks and horrid at others. We can always get the Lola to work and it’s much more drivable on cold tires. more

Climbing The Ladder – Andy Lee

There are many paths a young shoe can take during his or her racing career. Like many drivers, Andy Lee started in karting and is currently climbing the road racing ladder. During the Road America round of the TDI Jetta Cup, Andy shared with us a driver’s insight into this championship and where he is at climbing the development ladder.

Mecca of Speed: Can you give us a tour of the TDI Jetta Cup car?

Andy Lee: The interior of the car is stripped out except for the door panels and dashboard. A racing seat and roll cage are installed along with the other essential safety equipment. More or less, from the outside it looks like a stock car. more

A Few Minutes with Little Leaf - Stefan Johansson

We recently had the opportunity to ask Stefan Johansson a few questions about his endeavor with Corsa Motorsports and some of his past experiences in motorsports.

Mecca of Speed: Unlike the hybrid system currently in Formula One, which is a push to pass system, the system on the Ginetta Zytech hybrid power is integrated continually into the driveline. How does this delivery system compare to the traditional non-hybrid system?

Stefan Johansson: We don’t really notice too much at the moment because we are not getting a huge power gain out of it. Right now we are running with small amounts in the system, making sure everything is reliable The power gain is minimal compared to the drawback of carrying the extra weight which wears the braking and other systems in the car. more

Porsche GT Racer - Bryce Miller

Climbing the ranks of sports car racing, the more experience a young driver has, the quicker he will climb up the ranks. Bryce Miller is spending the 2009 season driving full time in the Rolex Grand Am series with additional events in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) and a run in the FIA GT Spa 24 Hours at Spa-Francorchamps. We recently talked with Bryce at Road America during the ALMS weekend.

Mecca of Speed: It looks like you are running a low down force set-up today.

Bryce Miller: Up to this point in the weekend we have been running a very low down force configuration because the restrictor plate on the Porsche are very aggressive. This has reduced our straight line speed to almost the same as the GT3 Cup cars, so we are doing what we can to get more straight line speed while still getting mechanical grip in the corners.Tire wear will be pretty aggressive which means we will have to run a harder compound. It’s a little more difficult at the moment for the Porsches, but we are going to try our best. more

This Is Where I Unwind - Michael Lewis

Mecca of Speed: Racing in LMP1 you are in a continual uphill battle against the Audi. Where do you look for opportunities to close the gap between your team and the Audi team?

Michael Lewis: From an outright speed standpoint let’s face it; there are not many people in the world who have the ability to close the gap. Obviously Audi is a tremendous force here so we have to be dependable and reliable. We put together a very reliable car and are usually running around at the end.

If we run a clean race, have solid pit stops, play the mileage game, and a couple of guys have problems, we capitalize.

As far as outright competition I would like to say that we can compete, but it’s just not possible. We try and do all the little things and hope that things fall into place at the end of the race. more

Franck Montagny: I don’t know. The team is doing a very good job, which makes things easier from my perspective. This weekend I have a very good teammate (James Rossiter) and I’m very pleased with his performance. We have been working with the crew and engineers for a month now and have been developing a better car with each additional race. more

Back To His Roots - Scott Sharp

Mecca of Speed: For the last several years you have been running in the IndyCar series, primarily on ovals. How has the transition gone to the LMP2 Acura in the ALMS?

Scott Sharp: I think the whole transition has been fantastic. Everything has come together at the right time for Patron and me to join the series. We hit the ALMS at the right time; there is a lot of momentum as it’s a fast growing series.

The top guys in the series are very hungry to help companies like Patron maximize their involvement, which is nice. I think we also hit a good stride with Highcroft and Acura with their continual development. Their first year was last year and they have worked extremely hard to catch up with the Porsche teams.

It’s also great for me. I came from road racing tracks, many of which I haven’t seen for 14 or 15 years. There is a great atmosphere in the paddock, very friendly and open. It’s a lot of fun, a little fresh from where I came from in the IRL. more

Intelligence Behind The Wheel- Chris Dyson

Mecca of Speed: Dyson Racing is now in their second year with the Porsche RS Spyder. How has development progressed to close the gap between Dyson Racing and Team Penske?

Chris Dyson: I think we have made a big step up. Obviously, time with the car is the biggest asset. You have to keep in mind that Penske has an 18 month advantage in their development and they have been the development team for the Spyder.

Having said that, if you look at Sebring, we have done much more favorably relative to them and certainly relative to the Acuras. I think our form has been more consistent this year compared to 2007. more

Life Is Good - Scott Pruett

Scott Pruett is one of the most successful road racers currently active in North America. His reputation of racing hard and clean has garnered him the respect of his peers regardless of the series.

At the 2007 MAMA (Midwest Automotive Media Association) Spring Collection at Road America, I had the opportunity to ride with Scott Pruett in the new Lexus IS F and discuss the characteristics of Lexus’s first high performance luxury sedan and his season so far in the Grand Am series.

Mecca of Speed: Give us a view from the driver’s seat of the new Lexus IS F.

Scott Pruett: You have some interesting options, realizing this is Lexus’s first entry into the high performance luxury sport market.

When you get in, if you want to drive it regulary, you put the gearshift into auto shift and it’s like driving an everyday automatic. more

Doing His Best On Any Given Sunday - Tonis Kasemets

Tonis Kasemets loves to race open wheel racecars. At the age of 33 he has the speed and strength of youth, but the understanding of the racing industry that only comes with experience. The Estonian has set his sights on an ultimate goal of getting back into a Champ Car and is continually working to find his way back into the series.

Mecca of Speed: Over the last two seasons you moved up from the old Atlantic chassis to Champ Car driving for Rocketsports. You are now in the Atlantics 016a chassis with the Mazda engine. How does this Atlantic car compare to the one you raced in 2005?

Tonis Kasemets: I really don’t have a straight answer because I have very few miles in the 016a chassis. I had a little seat time in Houston at the beginning of the season, but I don’t have enough time in the car yet to give you a fair assessment. more

Changing Gears - Frankie Muniz

Frankie Muniz is not the first actor to strap on a helmet and climb behind the wheel of a racecar, but what makes him different is his attempt to make a career change from actor to professional driver. Unlike others who race as a hobby in a GT series, Muniz spent 2007 competing in one of the most challenging developmental open wheel series, the Champ Car Atlantic series. He may not have been at the front of the pack in 2007, but he has the correct approach and dedication to the sport. He knows what he needs to improve on to climb up the timing and scoring charts. 

We talked with Frankie Muniz on the Friday morning of the Champ Car/ALMS weekend at Road America. 

Mecca of Speed: How did the car feel on track this morning?

Frankie Muniz: This is my first time at Road America, and it’s a high commitment track. Everything is pretty high speed, turn one is around 115 mph. There are a lot of flat corners. They are not easy corners; they are the type you have to work up to. more

Top Gear - Norm Hornitschek

During a Champ Car race there are seven teammates over the wall during any given pit stop. It’s the job of six dedicated individuals to get the seventh one back on the track. We talked with Norm Hornitschek from Newman/Haas/Lanigan about his position on the defending championship Champ Car World Series team.

Mecca of Speed: Norm, tell us about your unique road to the Champ Car series.

Norm Hornitschek: I was a journeyman tool and die apprentice in Germantown (Wisconsin) and one of our employees knew one of the crew chiefs on a team. Through word of mouth I heard about openings for a few positions, including one for a gearbox mechanic trainee, which he turned down.I fit the criteria they were looking for: single, mechanically inclined and looking to learn more. I accepted the position in 1998 and was on the test team for one year and then I was moved up to the traveling crew. more

The Challenger - Robert Doornbos

At the start of the 2007 Champ Car season, Robert Doornbos’s arrival to the series left some fans asking “Who is this guy?” Others who follow Formula One had seen him in the Red Bull car- admittedly not a top caliber program. Thanks to a strong rookie performance, the name Robert Doornbos is no longer unknown but is associated with success in the from of multiple podiums and wins.

Mecca of Speed: What is your first impression of Road America?

Robert Doornbos: Amazing.  We tested here during the first part of the season and the first impression was very good. The circuit reminds me of Spa Francorchamps back in Europe, which I like a lot. more

Undivided Attention - Ralf Kelleners

If I had to choose a phrase that describes Ralf Kelleners it would be undivided attention. Our conversation reflects his race craft in sportscars- cool and calculated. The experience and drive to obtain his personal best are two of the key ingredients helping building success for Rahal Letterman Racing in their first year in ALMS.

Mecca of Speed: Prior to your joining Rahal Letterman Racing, your experience spanned a variety of cars including Ferraris and Porsches. Was your wealth of experience a factor that attracted Rahal Letterman Racing to you for this season?

Ralf Kelleners: When Bobby started forming this part of his team (he also has the open wheel team) he approached Porsche for terms of what to do for this season in ALMS.They spoke about drivers, and Porsche said “One guy you should probably talk to is Ralf because he has been with us in the past. He is not with us now because he has been racing Ferraris for a long time.” more

Classic Brit - Dan Clarke

If you were looking for what some consider a classic Brit – low key, dry sense of humor and proper manners - Dan Clarke would fit that description. He isn’t one to call attention to himself but that doesn’t mean you should pass up the opportunity to talk with him if the opportunity presents itself. Dan has maintained a down-to-earth quality that some people lose when the first glimmer of stars appear in their eyes.

Mecca of Speed:  The start of the season was a bit of musical chairs for some teams. You were relatively quiet and made one statement that your talent will speak for you. You didn’t seem worried about landing back with this team. Did you already have a deal going for 2007 with Minardi?

Dan Clarke: It’s just pretty much what I said at the time. We had been talking with the team. Anytime there was a test I was already in Indianapolis at the workshop, and the engineers and mechanics were ready to have me back again. more

The Privateer - Mike Morgan

Goshen Indiana, known as the Maple City, combines an abundance of cultural activities with small town values, and is the home of RIM Racing and Engineering. This privateer operation currently competes in the AMA Formula Xtreme series with rider Mike Morgan. For some, the idea of being a privateer in the big world of AMA racing would be too challenging, but RIM’s level-headed approach has helped to keep Mike Morgan in the series for the last few years.

Recently we had the opportunity to talk with Mike about life as a privateer racer.

Mecca of Speed: Mike, tell us how you got involved in motorcycle road racing.

Mike Morgan: Racing came about after my parents got me a dirt bike. My Dad rode dirt bikes, so I begged and begged and begged, until I got my first one. I was about ten at the time, maybe a little younger. I did a lot of trail riding and worked up to a bigger bike. I thought it was fun, but then I wanted to start taking jumps.From there I started hanging out with a couple of local guys that were racing dirt bikes. Then I got a bigger bike so I was able to hang with those guys more. Then I started racing 125 CC dirt bikes. more

Bringing Champ Car to the Fans - Anaya Yates

If you have been to a Champ Car race within the last year, chances are you may have run into the whirlwind of positive energy named Anaya Yates. Anaya’s combination of elegance, adventure and a passion for the Champ Car series makes her a natural individual to work with the fans of the series.

Mecca of Speed: Where did you grow up and where do you now call home?

Anaya Yates: I was born in Casper, Wyoming and moved to California when my dad, Glen, began working on the Apollo space mission projects. That was a very exciting time to grow up. I felt like I was part of history when the first man landed on the moon. I call Rancho Santa Margarita and Corona, CA my home now. You may wonder how I live in two cities. My two sons, Michael 18 and Connor 17, were raised in Rancho Santa Margarita. Their father and I have a mutual agreement in sharing responsibility, half of each month. This works out great for both the kids and for us. It’s a “Win-Win” situation! more

The Ambassador of Motorsports- Bob Varsha

Bob Varsha has been covering the world of racing for over 20 years. In that time he has developed a valuable insight into the fast paced and sometimes glamour filled world of racing. Through it all, he has kept an open-minded approach to broadcasting while maintaining a level of professionalism that is currently missing in parts of the sporting world today. We recently had the opportunity to talk with him about his path into broadcasting, some of the great personalities of racing, and the various disciplines of the sport.  

Mecca of Speed: You studied law in college, how did you make the transition to motorsports broadcasting?

Bob Varsha: While I was in college, my sport was running, I was a distance runner. Then I moved to Atlanta to attend law school at Emory University. I kept up with my running and fell in with the Atlanta Track Club. I became their first executive director when the club became big and cumbersome, needing a new business like approach. I did that for a couple of years. more

Take The Adventure - Charles Zwolsman

Talking with Charles Zolsman you get the feeling he is a levelheaded individual with great aspirations in motorsports. He understands that the road to success may not always have a defined route, but the key to success is to keep moving forward.

Mecca of Speed: People new to the Champ Car series may not be familiar with the name Charles Zwolsman. You started your career in go-karts and then progressed through the formula ranks in Europe. In 2005 you joined the Atlantic series and won the championship. What attracted you to the Atlantic series?

Charles Zwolsman: It was a kind of coincidence. We had several options in Europe to race in the world Nissan series. A week before the Atlantic series started, somebody called me an asked if I would like to do one race in Long Beach. I thought, ‘Hey, why not?’ more

Understated Determination - Justin Wilson

Sitting down with Justin Wilson you quickly notice a few things. The traditional proper English manners are evident in the way he conducts himself. He is also a relaxed individual who will give you his undivided attention no matter what is happening around him.

While talking with the Northampton resident you start to get a feeling of what the man is about. He has definite goals and an understated determination to reach his goals. Unlike other sports where athletes will tell you how great they are, or how many points they are going to score, Justin Wilson focuses on what he wants to achieve and lets his results speak for them self.

Mecca of Speed: For fans that are new to Champ Car or racing in general, when did you get an interest in motorsports, and how did you get started?

Justin Wilson: I got the interest from my father; he raced before I was born and was a big fan of motorsports. When I was eight years old he brought me along to a kart race and asked if I wanted to have a go, to which I said yes. Then we went out and bought a kart and went kart racing. Straight away I knew this is what I wanted to do. more

The Resolute Racer - Guy Smith

When I was a kid, in my eyes racing drivers were viewed with great admiration and almost God-like status. The things they could do in a car placed them a step above the rest of us mere mortals. Over the years, my admiration for drivers has remained, but the God like status has been replaced with respect.

While talking with a crewmember during the autograph session of the Generac 500 at Road America, my wife took our kids to meet the drivers. When she got to the Dyson Racing table, she told Guy Smith that when he was in Champ Cars, my daughter, who was three at the time, decided he was her favorite driver. Not only was Guy flattered, but Chris Dyson seated to the left responded “That is so cool.” more

Racing Is My Passion - Mario Dominguez

For the last five years Mario Dominguez has called Champ Car home. With only 14 races on the Champ Car schedule in 2006, Mario has branched out to sports car racing in the American Le Mans Series. We caught up with Mario at the Road America event and discussed his current racing career in and outside of ALMS.

Mecca of Speed: It’s a nice surprise seeing you here at Road America for the ALMS (American Le Mans Series) event, in addition to running in Champ Car full time. Was this a last minute deal, or something you have had in the works with Risi Competizione?

Mario Dominguez: It was a last minute deal when they called me to do Lime Rock Park. For me that race was a big learning experience because I had never driven a GT or sports cars before. Nothing like this in my life, I’ve only done single seaters. It was a big learning experience, but I think I did quite well. more

Racer To The Core - Jorg Bergmeister

For some drivers, winning the Grand American Rolex series in a Daytona Prototype would be the end to a great season. While Jorg Bergmeister has clinched the championship in Grand Am, he is in the middle of his favorite part of the racing season- the final three races of the American Le Mans Series.

As defending GT2 Champion in ALMS, Jorg Bergmeister is trailing Johannes Van Overbeek by 16 points with two races left in the season.

We caught up with Jorg Bergmeister and teammate Patrick Long during the autograph session at the ALMS race at Road America.

Mecca of Speed: Road America has done some repaving on selected corners for 2006. How does the car feel on the new track surface?

Jorg Bergmeister: Right now it’s pretty tricky with the different pavement changes. As soon as you hit the new pavement with the front, you pick up some grip. Then you have oversteer until the rear touches the new pavement as well. But it’s still my favorite track over here (United States). I just love it here, it’s great fun. more

Yes I Wear Shoes In The Car - Nelson Philippe

Approaching Nelson Philippe in the Road America paddock, I introduced myself: “Nelson Philippe, John Vatne from Mecca of Speed. Do you have time for an interview?”

Nelson’s response: “Ah Mecca of Speed, I can’t believe it’s not Fabio.”

Nelson’s reference was to a Paddock Pass I did before the start of his rookie season. A straight forward piece referencing how Nelson came into the series as a paying driver and that for him to be taken seriously he would need to start posting top tens by mid-season. Not a flattering piece, but honest from my point of view three seasons ago.

Without hesitation or an ounce of ill will, Nelson shook my hand and welcomed the interview. The basic courtesy of offering me a seat started what I consider to be a good look into not only Nelson Philippe the driver, but the young man who is far more mature then many 20 year olds while still retaining the basic joy of life we all have as a child (but which regrettably some have lost). more

Your Average Guy Just Faster - A.J. Allmendinger

What happens when you mix an all American boy with a healthy dose of speed and determination? You get A.J. Almendinger.  During the recent open test at Road America on August 3-4 2006, we had the opportunity to talk with A.J. Allmendinger about life inside and outside of Champ Car.

Mecca of Speed: A.J. you have three years of experience in Champ Car. The last time you were in a Champ Car at Road America was in 2004. Have you found any changes between the repaving of the corners, or the set up of the car that gives it a little different feel then in the past?

A.J. Allmendinger: For me the track is fairly new because this is really only my third time here between Barber Dodge and Champ Car. I’m still learning the track. It’s probably not one of my best tracks, although this two-day test is going to be a lot of help once we get back here in September. more

An American Racer - Justin Marks

Justin Marks is an American racer – and a versatile one at that. From cutthroat Speed World Challenge sprint racing to the annual survival contest of the Rolex 24 At Daytona and the paint-swapping stock car insanity of Talladega Superspeedway, Justin’s a seriously talented and versatile professional racer.

Hailing from Northern California, Justin’s laid-back demeanor masks a serious competitive streak that enables him to tangle with the world’s best and most aggressive drivers – and increasingly often, he’s come out on top.

Mecca of Speed: A casual race fan may consider running the PTG BMW in the ALMS series and a stock car in the ARCA series like comparing apples to oranges. How would you compare and contrast the experience of racing in these series?

Justin Marks: They are completely different. The cars are so different and require a completely different approach. You have a 3300 pound car with over 800 horsepower and a small hard tire in ARCA. In ALMS the car is 2500 pounds with 430 hp and tons of racing systems like ABS, traction control, no-lift shift and advanced, and high-grip Yokohama tires. more

The Proficient Driver - Andy Pilgrim

In the world of road racing, you will be hard pressed to find a driver with as much experience in a variety of cars as Andy Pilgrim. With 53 race wins in 10 different series and five professional championships, it's easy to understand why his knowledge and experience are sought after by several of professional racing teams and vehicle manufactures. 

We recently had the opportunity to talk with Andy about winning his most recent championship in the Speed World Challenge series, life as a professional driver and some of his interests outside of the racing world. 

Mecca of Speed: During the World Challenge championship last year, what did you find as the greatest unseen challenge during the season?

Andy Pilgrim: Weight benching in racing. The rewards weights were posted on the windshield because we get reward weights for having good finishes. The bottom line is when we had the reward weight on the car, the car got progressively more and more difficult to drive. There definitely were the weight issues, which was the hardest thing. Being the heaviest car for 8 of 11 races, sometimes by as much as 200 pounds, made it very tough. more

Life of Ryan - Ryan Hunter-Reay

What do you want to be when you grow up? Ask that question to most young go kart track racers and you will likely hear the obvious answer, a racecar drive.

In the mid 1990s, among all those kids at the go kart track who wanted to be a racecar driver was a young man working hard to get the most out of himself and his go kart, Ryan Hunter-Reay. In 2000 Ryan entered the Barber Dodge Pro Series and started his climb up the open wheel latter. While he now has experience in a variety of open wheel racecars one thing has remained from his go kart days, the desire to get the most out of himself and his racecar.

Mecca of Speed: You have had the opportunity to drive a couple of two seat open wheel racecars in the last year. How would you describe their driving characteristics compared to a single seat open wheel racecar?

Ryan Hunter-Reay: Yes, I really enjoy driving both the Champ Car and Formula 1 two-seaters because it gives me the opportunity to share with others that unbelievable exclusive world that only open wheel drivers at the top levels normally get to enjoy. Ninety-nine percent of the time we’re out there enjoying the most exhilarating feeling on earth by ourselves and the only exception is when you drive one of these special cars. more

CCWS Safety Team - Chris Hillen

If you ask a race fan to name the team that has been involved with the Champ Car World Series (CCWS) the longest, most will answer either Dale Coyne Racing or Newman-Hass Racing. A trivia savvy fan will answer the Champ Car World Series (CCWS) Safety Team.

The CCWS Safety Team travels with the series to each on track event. The team is highly trained, advanced as any Champ Car race team on the circuit.

Recently, we had the opportunity to talk with Chris Hillen, a veteran member of the CCWS Safety Team. Through this interview, we hope to give you a chance to see what is involved with being a member of the best safety team in motorsports.

Mecca of Speed: What made you a candidate to become part of the CCWS Safety Team?

Chris Hillen: I am a fulltime firefighter-paramedic, with over 26 years of field experience. This experience includes being part of fire departments in both Wisconsin and Colorado (Denver). I also have a long time interest in open wheel racing, with fond memories of attending the Rex Mays Classic at the Milwaukee Mile and the Indy 500 as a child. more

That Girl Knows Racing - Beccy Gordon

When you mention the name Gordon in various racing circles several names come to mind, Bob, Robby, and Jeff are the most common. Over the last few years the general public has started to learn about another Gordon.

Beccy Gordon has been involved in racing as long as she can remember. We recently had the opportunity to ask Beccy about her past involvement in racing, current activities, and what she hopes to accomplish in the future.

Mecca of Speed: New fans to motor sports may be familiar with Robby's current activities in NASCAR but motor sports and the Gordon family has quite a history. How far back in history has there been a Gordon in motor sports?

Beccy Gordon: Racing in my family dates back to the early 1900s with my great-grandfather, Huntly Gordon who raced Indy Cars and even at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The pictures and stories I’ve seen and heard about him are truly amazing. more