RFM Front Page News

VANCOUVER, Canada (December 27, 2003) -- Michael Valiante is a young Canadian driver that is a proud product of the CCWS ladder system; starting with Barber Dodge in 1999 for 2 seasons, he moved up to Toyota Atlantics in 2001, and in 2002 he was asked to drive for the premier team Lynx Racing. He just completed his second year as the driver for the Lynx Racing Team (and that is the team that produced Patrick Carpentier and Memo Gidley). Lynx Racing, however, only gives a drive for 2 years, and Michael has done his time. Michael was poised to drive with the big boys in Fontana on November 2, 2003; but, that ride was doomed to disappointment when the wildfires of California took that race away from all of us. Michael is still searching for that next step up; and speaking from a purely Canadian perspective, I’m right behind him pushing and hoping this fine young racer gets the call and is pursuing his dream next year (and you will hear about it here first when he does!) Michael took time out to tell us about his test in the CHAMP car, his year in 2003 and about what is turning out to be every series drivers’ favorite fan request to get signed!

Margot Orenchuk: Let’s talk about the testing you did with Walker racing last week. When did you get the call? Why did they say they wanted you?

Michael Valiante: I have been talking with Walker ever since last season on putting a program together. Unfortunately, it did not work out last season so we focused on 2004. An opportunity arose to compete in the Fontana race so I jumped at the opportunity. Obviously it would be a great challenge but I felt I would have enough time in the car before the race. A few days before the event, as you know the fires were out of control in LA so the cancelled the event. It was disappointing but there was nothing I could do.

Why did Walker want me, well I was hoping that is was because I was qualified for the job J. But, you would really have to ask him that.

MO: How did the testing go?

MV: The test went very well. It was such a great experience because it was such a well-rounded test. We ran race simulations, pit stops and chassis set-ups. I not only learnt a lot from the test but I was able turn the fastest lap over the 4 day testing evaluation.

MO: Tell us the adjustments you needed to make in your driving style between your Atlantics car and the CHAMP car.

MV: The biggest adjustment was adapting to the horsepower. I felt that the Atlantic car prepared me very well for the test. People have been criticizing the Atlantic car and it’s shortcomings, but I have to disagree. Although the car could use a little more horsepower I think what it really needs is softer tires. I found the braking points to be similar in Atlantic car as a Champ Car but obviously you are going much faster. The Champ Car is much more physical, has more grip and that is where the Atlantic car must be improved so you can be more aggressive with them. Although the tires are large on an Atlantic car they are far too hard. I realize that reduces the amount of miles you can get out of a set but I think the trade off is worth it.

MO: What is the worst thing that can happen to you to destroy your focus during a race?

MV: The worst thing that has happened to me is that I was dehydrated during a race and my muscles began to cramp up. Thankfully, it was on the last few laps of the race so I was able to finish.

MO: What is you favorite off-track activity?

MV: I would have to say my favorite off track activity is Kart Racing. I have driven Go-Karts for nearly 15 years now and enjoy keeping fit by driving them. I have a personal sponsor, which is www.italkart.com and that is the karts I drive. Italian Motors has also been a long time karting and car sponsor www.italianmotors.com.

MO: What is the strangest thing a fan has asked you to do? And did you do it?

MV: The strangest thing a fan asked me to do is sign their chest. Sure, I did it... you have to keep the fans happy!

MO: What was your “highlight” of 2003?

MV: My highlight of the 2003 season was winning my last race for Lynx. Many people on the team where leaving at the end of the season and it was a great way to thank them for all the hard work they had done for me over the past two years.

MO: What was the funniest moment you had in 2003?

MV: The funniest moment was when I was racing in Milwaukee and our car wasn’t so great. My engineer told me at the end of the race that he was going to tell me either to pick up the pace or park it. He then thought to himself that I would actually come in and park. It was such a difficult weekend I could do nothing else but laugh.

MO: Who is the one person you admire most, and why?

MV: I admire Michael Schumacher the most because of what he has accomplished. I like to watch and see what he does differently and he is truly a great driver.

MO: Do you have any rituals you do the night before a race (that you can talk about!)?

MV: Hmm, pre-race ritual. Well, I don’t do anything too freaky or usual. I usually say a prayer that I have always said since I was young when I raced. That’s it; I know that is a pretty boring answer.

MO: Not at all!! Who are your racing heroes?

MV: Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Alain Prost.

MO: If this CHAMP car drive is denied you, do you have a drive for 2004?

MV: Not yet and that is what I am working on. We will see…

For more information on Michael, visit www.michaelvaliante.com

Next week: Oriol Servia