The thrill of burning down city streets at 185mph? The inside
scoop on two-time defending champion Sebastien Bourdais? Cashing in
big time at age 24 with three wins in a row this summer and a
third-place finish in steamy Edmonton last week?
The thrill of burning down city streets at 185mph? The inside scoop on two-time defending champion Sebastien Bourdais? Cashing in big time at age 24 with three wins in a row this summer and a third-place finish in steamy Edmonton last week? On the eve of the San Jose Grand Prix, step behind the wheel with former Hollister resident A.J. Allmendinger, a rising star in Champ Car. In the continuation of an occasional series, sports editor Scott Campbell sits down with another impact player in South Valley athletics.
Free Lance: A.J., thanks for taking a few minutes with us here. I know the requests are piling up for your time, hometown race and all. What most excites you about this weekend?
A.J. Allmendinger: Just the chance to come out with Forsythe Championship Racing and try to win another race. This is a street circuit, which is a race that we won on in Toronto. I think we have great cars on a street circuit like this so I’m just really excited about getting the chance to come out here and fight for another victory.
FL: Is it going to be as hot as Edmonton?
AA: Yeahhhh, that’s a good question. I don’t know if it’s going to be as hot as Edmonton. It’ll be warm for sure, but I don’t know if it’ll be as hot as Edmonton. From watching the MotoGP race on TV and hearing from my mom and dad, as long as it’s not as hot as last weekend here, I think we’ll be OK.
FL: What are your fondest memories of living in the Hollister area?
AA: Oh, the late-night bowling for sure. I think it came down to being able to be with my parents and be able to spend the last three years with them. We had a nice house. It was a nice little town, just kind of a peaceful place, so that’s what I enjoyed about it.
FL: Has this week been too crazy, or did you get to see your parents in Hollister?
AA: Unfortunately, not really. But they come to most races. At least 3/4 of the races. With my schedule, I really don’t get the chance to get back. I guess I just miss my dog (Brittany). My dog lives with my parents.
FL: What do you have to say to all of your fans from the South Valley?
AA: I mean, I hope I can make them proud. I leave everything I’ve got on the race track. I’m always giving 100 percent. I thank my fans for believing in me and I hope I just do everything to make them proud.
FL: Are you living your dream now? Three wins in a row, four straight podiums.
AA: Yeah, definitely a dream come true. Not really hiding any secrets or anything, I was struggling at RuSport. My time was up there and I just wasn’t having fun anymore. So, to come out here and kind of be back to my old self where I come out to the race track and have a bunch of guys that I can laugh and joke with, and be excited to jump back in the car … it’s definitely my dream come true.
FL: What’s it going to take to get on top of the podium Sunday?
AA: Just a good consistent car with no mistakes during the race. Obviously, this track is very narrow, very slippery and it just lends itself to a lot of mistakes. And obviously I had one last year that put me out of the race. And that’s really what you’ve got to focus on. But it starts (Friday) in the practice sessions, trying to work on a consistent car. Sebastien’s probably going to be the guy to beat again. He had a great car here last year. So, we’re just going to have to work hard like usual and make Forsythe try to be up there again.
FL: How long are you going to stay with this series?
AA: As long as I want to, hopefully. As long as I have a ride. I don’t know. It comes down to always having the best opportunity. And, you know, if I have the chance to win races, win championships, that’s what I’m looking for. But it’s kind of up to Forsythe or any other team that wants me.
FL: What’s your favorite race in the series?
AA: Any one that I win at, honestly. That’s what it comes down to. I love San Jose. Toronto’s a great event. Long Beach. I mean, we’ve got so many great events. Australia’s amazing. So, I wouldn’t really say I have a favorite event to go to. It really comes down to any race that we have great car at becomes a quick favorite.
FL: Scariest moment in a car?
AA: Uhmm, that’s a good question actually. Scariest moment in a car? (pause) Not winning.
FL: You don’t strike me as someone who drives a Camry. What’s your street ride?
AA: Ford GT Mustang.
FL: What are you hobbies, things away from cars and racing?
AA: I’m really a laid-back kind of guy. I love video games. They’re the best way for me to sit back and chill. Especially racing games. So, even when I’m at home, my life doesn’t get too far from racing. Watch TV, hang out. I’m really not too crazy.
FL: What other sports do you follow? What athletes do you admire?
AA: NFL, for sure. I love football. I would say my all-time favorite athlete, outside of racing, is Brett Favre. He’s all about trying to win, not showboating. He’s just in it to win.
FL: A little word association. Street-course racing?
AA: Exciting.
FL: Sebastien Bourdais?
AA: One of the best.
FL: Forsythe Championship Racing?
AA: Best team in Champ Car.
FL: Danica Patrick.
AA: Uhhh, good.
FL: Open-wheel racing?
AA: Some of the most exciting racing on this planet.
FL: NASCAR?
AA: Juggernaut.
FL: If there’s one race where you most want to win, if you could only win one race, where would San Jose rank?
AA: Really high, honestly. Definitely, one of the top-three probably on this circuit that I would love to win, if that was my one.
FL: Bright blue sky here, sunny day, Thursday. Are you ready to roll?
AA: Life is great. Of course.
