Conservative Student News

Photo credit: David Daly

So David, tell me a little bit about your passion for road racing. How did you get into it?

My dad is the reason for my involvement. He was involved in circle track racing for 15 years prior and now has been in road racing for the past 10 years. It's purely a hobby for him. He also operates Luther Westside Volkswagen, which is our main sponsor. I've been around cars for as long as I can remember: As a kid I would spend tons of time at the shop with my dad. I'd watch the mechanics and went to every race.

When did you get your own racing car?

When I was 15. I'd been pushing my dad to get a car for me for a long time. My first car was a Formula Vee (Formula Volkswagen). We bought it in the winter, two months before the racing season started. When I got it - it was red, pink and green. By the time the season started in late April, my dad had painted it silver and added my name, number and sponsor. I spent a lot of time in the garage, just sitting in the driver's seat and getting familiar with the feel of it.

What is your racing number?

20. It's the same number as my Dad's and it was the number I had in athletics growing up.

Do you have any funny stories from racing school?

Racing requires different licensing than traditional driving. I have obtained both my regional and national licenses, so I qualify to race anywhere in the U.S. in my class. At my first driving school, my car blew its motor after the first two laps. It was pretty nerve-racking. I had to finish the school with my Dad's car.

How do you stay in the game during the off-season?

The road-racing season is late April through early October. During the winter, I participate in an indoor go-cart league with my family and friends. There are two indoor go-cart venues in the Twin Cities.

What's it like to be part of a racing family?

My dad races in a different class - ITB (Improved Touring-B) - in a Volkswagen GTI but we race at the same venues because we're both in the same club: Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). SCCA is the international gateway for racing. Racing and cars are really a lifestyle for us. Racing is about being with your family and enjoying the competition.

Who has been your coach throughout your racing career?

My dad - he's the reason for my involvement. He's my crew chief, so I'm on the radio with him when I'm in my car and visa versa. He was probably pushing me to race as much as I was pushing him in his racing career.

You must have a favorite course.

Yes, the Road America course in Elkart Lake, WI. It's the most premier road racing course in North America. I've been going there since I was 10. It's a four-mile, fourteen-turn professional racing circuit that has lots of topography and it's extremely fast. The upkeep of the course and facilities are top-notch.

Who do you admire most professionally?

The entire Andretti family. Mario is the grandpa, Michael is his son, and Marco is his grandson. They are a professional racing family from California. Mario is a legend who has won races in every class.

What are you doing this weekend?

Participating in the first race of the season at Blackhawk Farms Raceway. Races are usually weekend events with a few practice and qualifying sessions. Typically, I am racing a total of six hours over the weekend.

In the future, how do you plan to incorporate racing into your life?

I plan to forever be racing. I'll most likely continue racing at the same levels because of my other goals and time commitments. Racing is my happy place, my therapy. It's about the speed, the competition and being with my family.