Our second guest for IndyCar All Access is a longtime IndyCar fan, Jeff Podraza. Here is our interview with Mr. Podraza.
Q: What is your favorite racing memory?
I started becoming a fan about six years ago I was given a photo that a friend it taken of Darío Franchitti driving the Canadian club car. My sons were both about five years old and I was looking for a new sport to expose them too. I wasn’t ready to get them in the football or wrestling or anything so I thought that motor sports would be a good idea.
Four years ago I finally got a chance to head over to Sonoma Raceway the Friday before the race. I bought a paddock and pit pass and will he was totally impressed about the access access I had to other drivers but what I really wanted to see and meet was was Tony Kanaan
I was able to rub noses and talk with the likes of Kim Green, Marco Andretti, Ryan Briscoe and Ryan Hunter Reay, Darío Franchitti and of course I did get a chance to meet Tony Kanaan.
I know a long way to get your answer but my favorite racing memory is getting to be on the track and talking with people about open wheel racing.
Q: What is your favorite track and least favorite track, explain why your answer is so?
I think I know this might sound cliché but I think my favorite track has to be Indy. Way too much history way too many legends made on that track.
Although I’ve never been there I’m not a big fan of Long Beach it’s a tight track it doesn’t give you very television television viewing I’m in the whole area is very tight areas of driver access pit access and getting around.
Q: Favorite driver?
Of the more veteran drivers I have to go with Tony Kanaan, a fan favorite on the couple has had some rough times over the last few years but I think he’s doing very well with KV over Andretti.
Q: What are your thoughts on the 2012 season?
It took me a while probably one or two races but I really like the DW 12. This is really a great addition to the track. I was partial to running all the Same chassis tire and gas and engine this came down to be the set up the car and the ability of the driver. I do feel sorry that lotus is pretty much out of the series I thought they would’ve been a much bigger and better contender next to Chevy and Honda. I think we’re going to see some very cool long time veteran drivers in the in the areas of Newgarden Hinchcliffe for for sure. I would like to see De Silvestra do better I’m hoping that they get her a different engine manufacturer. Last I’m hoping that with the likes of Tagliani getting the pole with Justin Wilson getting the win we will start seeing more for at then just the Gnassi or Penske teams in on the podium.
Q: What is your view on the CART/IRL Split?
Honestly I don’t think I’m knowledgeable to comment . I know about the troubles that cart and IRL were having prior to them in a coming together and I don’t know with really the viewership could handle them going back to two different leagues just might one or both.
Q: What would be your dream schedule?
Great question I like the track to Kentucky to the high banks at speeds and there’s been some amazing photo finishes so I’d love to have that back on the schedule I think with them running Sonoma and Fontana we don’t need to have Long Beach on track I thought the Texas race was amazing as was Milwaukee.
Honestly with troubles we’ve had in Brazil I’m not sure we need to necessarily do something there with the streets and everything rain possibilities and repairs we just you know I think that could do with out. With China out this year looking forward I think with all the drivers we have now coming out of the UK would be nice to do something in either England or Scotland.
We would like to thank Mr. Podraza for taking a few minutes to answer these questions.
You can follow Jeff on Twitter: @jeff_indycar
You can follow us on Twitter: @IndyCarAllAcces
