Here for the long haul:
J.J. Lehto of Champion Audi
By Margot Orenchuk
Photos © David Babcock and Kate Shaw

VANCOUVER, Canada (February 25, 2004) -- As you wander down Pit Lane in Sebring come next week, a more complete driver you will not run across than Jyrki Jarvilehto. (But you can call him JJ). From Formula Ford, to F1, to CHAMP cars, and winning Le Mans! Closed wheel, open wheeled, prototype, Sports Car GT, it doesn’t really matter. Looking back over JJ’s massively impressive career, he truly has been there, driven that. And done a whole lot of winning while he was at it, too. RFM was able to get in a few questions to Mr. Lehto in between testing his Audi R8 about his year in 2003; and as you will be able to tell from his answers, he still has lots left to accomplish in the racing world before he hangs up his helmet. 

Margot Orenchuk: JJ, Why did you start to race? What defining moment made you say “I just HAVE to get behind the wheel and drive that car”? 

JJ Lehto: I was six years old when I started go-karting. My father was a big fan of Motorsports; so he really wanted me to be a pro race driver. 

MO: How would you sum up 2003? Did you accomplish everything you had hoped for? Was there anything that was left you felt needed to be accomplished? 

JJL: Well, I didn’t win the championship! 

MO: Do you have any superstitions on race day?  

JJL: No. 

MO: What has been your favorite track to drive? Why? 

JJL:  Suzuka, Laguna Seca and  Road Atlanta.…. They are all technical tracks and very challenging to drive. 

MO: What is you favorite off-track activity? 

JJL: Relaxing with my family. 

MO: What was the highlight of 2003 for you? The best moment? 

JJL: Winning the race at Petit Le Mans! 

MO: Do you feel the LMP cars get enough respect from the GT and GTS classes? 

JJL: Yes, I do. 

MO: What is your most secret, guilty pleasure? (that as a racer you should not really do? Like eating cheeseburgers, or drinking too much wine with dinner, that type of thing)  

JJL: I am old enough now that I can do whatever I want. 

MO: What is the biggest sacrifice you make for your job? 

JJL: Staying away from my home and my family too much.  

MO: What would you say if your children came to you and said “Dad, I want to be a racing car driver?” 

JJL: I am looking forward to hearing that! 

MO: What has been the oddest thought you have had when behind the wheel? 

JJL: There have been way too many. 

MO: What is the one question you hope never to be asked ever again?  

JJL:  "WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO RETIRE?" 

MO: Is there any type of racecar left you have never driven yet that you have really wanted to? Perhaps, Dakar? 

JJL: World Rally Car.

MO: Do you still go to the Anger Management classes?? J 

JJL: Can’t live without them. 

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

JJL: Yes, I did. I just can’t tell you what, or where. 

MO: Who are your racing heroes? Or, who is the one racer you wish you had had the chance to compete against? 

JJL:  Niki Lauda, Juan Manuel Fangio. 

MO: As you look forward to 2004, what are your personal goals either on or off of the track? 

JJL: To win as many races as possible. 

RFM would like to thank JJ and Melissa Grunnah for her assistance in getting this to us is such a timely fashion, and we look forward to hearing more from JJ in Sebring and beyond!

 Next week:  Seth Neiman and Johnny Herbert