Q: How did you get started in motorsports?
A: While working at Honda Access Corporation (a Honda R&D company focused on factory automotive accessories), my boss (Robert Clarke) was selected to start up a new racing company called Honda Performance Development, Inc. (HPD) with the intent of taking Honda into Indy car racing for the 1994 season and beyond. After applying for a position with HPD, I was transferred to the new company in 1994 and assigned to be an engine engineer (in training) supporting Honda’s first Indy car team, Rahal-Hogan Racing. The rest is history!
Q: You’ve had 30 years of experience at Honda. How do those years of experience help give you a leg up in your role as RLL COO?
A: Over the 30 years, I occupied roles of increasing responsibility from leading trackside support staff, to leading HPD in-house engine development resources, to serving as assistant vice president, then for the final seven years serving as VP/COO of Honda Performance Development, Inc. At HPD, I was involved heavily in both Indy car racing as well as sports car racing from an OEM perspective while at the same time working closely with Honda and Acura teams. The OEM perspective helps me with companies like Honda and BMW and the many years of working with racing teams helps me with acclimating to RLL.
Q: You’ve got one NTT INDYCAR SERIES test session and race under your belt with RLL. What’s some things you’re keeping an eye on for improvement and things that you’re encouraged by?
A: I’m keeping an eye on our competitiveness in this new INDYCAR season. This is the final season before the start of the era of hybrid powertrains in the INDYCAR SERIES so this is our opportunity to refine our race craft to return to the top step of the podium before another degree of complication is added to the mix. I’m encouraged by the addition of our new Technical Director, Stefano Sordo, along with the solid technical foundation that he is putting in place as an investment for our collective future.
Q: What is your favorite INDYCAR race to attend?
A: It is hard not to pick the Indy 500 given the unique history and scale of the event as well as the impact that results from winning the event. I would give honorable mentions to racing at Long Beach, Road America, and Laguna Seca as well.
Q: What’s the thing you’re looking forward to the most this season?
A: Seeing steady, positive progress resulting from our collective efforts.
Q: What is something that partners can be looking for from RLL this season?
A: Positive promotion of our partners both on and off the track as we pursue competition excellence.