Q&A WITH MICHEL JOURDAIN, JR

Source: RacingWest.com
Date: 02/20/2006

Michel Jourdain Jr. is the first driver from Mexico to compete full-time in the NASCAR Busch Grand National Series. Before NASCAR he competed in the Grand Prix of Long Beach at age 19, becoming the youngest driver in the history of the CART Championship Series. He was also the youngest driver to compete in the Mexican Formula 2 at age 14.

Jourdain, an International fan favorite, is not actively competing this season, but followers of his career know he is doing what he can do, no matter what it takes, to get back behind the wheel. His hopes are very high that something will come together for the NASCAR Busch Series race in Mexico.

RacingWest: How did you first get started in racing?
Michel Jourdain: In Mexico I was racing Formula 2, Neon Challenge, sports cars, I was even racing semi-trucks. I was racing everything I could.

RW: What or who opened the door and allowed you to go to the CHAMP Car Series?
MJ: My first race was actually in the IRL in Phoenix. It was the year of the split in open wheel between the the IRL and Champ Car Series. The opportunity came with Dick Simon to do the IRL race and they also had a team in the Champ Car Series and they decided to put me there.

RW: Being that you are the first driver from Mexico to compete full-time in the NASCAR Busch Series. Do you think your participation has helped bring NASCAR more recognition in Mexico?
MJ: I think so, yes. The more time racing, the more time in the media, the more Mexico fans become closer to NASCAR.

RW: What was the biggest challenge you faced going from road course racing to NASCAR?
MJ: My biggest challenge was just that everything was so different. It is like going from baseball to golf; similar but so different. Everything was different. What are the differences between baseball and golf? Everything. They have only the ball in common. Starting in NASCAR was like starting from scratch and I think the hardest thing was I had to forget everything I had done in my life and begin new.

RW: Do you feel being the first full-time Busch series driver from Mexico put extra pressure on you?
MJ: I don't think so, because at least I never thought about that. I never look at myself as different than others based on things that surround me; like being the first this or that. For a long time I was the youngest driver in Indy Racing but I never thought of people expecting or not expecting things from me because of my age or nationality.

RW: Do you feel NASCAR's driver diversity program has helped you?
MJ: To tell you the truth, not much. It is a good idea, but for me it has not brought any luck.

RW: Do you ever see NASCAR enjoying the same International success that the Formula One enjoys?
MJ: I think NASCAR would have to make new championships to be a success Internationally--it would take a lot of years. I think they could become successful.

RW: With such a diversified racing background, which form of racing has presented the biggest test for you personally and why?
MJ: That is a really hard question. It was very difficult last year in the Busch…but thinking back 10 years ago to the Champ Car Series that was very hard as well. They both were very big jumps in my career. The different series are very hard to compare. But I would think the NASCAR Busch was hardest. It was so different than what I was used to and the drivers are so specialized. The drivers drive those cars every weekend for their entire career; they are just so, so good at what they do.

RW: Which form of racing do you find offers the biggest fun impact?
MJ: The most fun is definitely off-road. It is not what I do for a living, but what I love to do. I have competed in the Baja 1000 the last 4 years. There is a big group of friends and we do it with my family. Driving through all different terrains is the best and the pressure is not that big. Of course, you still want to win. You are in it for a long time and that makes it a lot of fun.

RW: Which is the most amazing track you have been to just for the sheer awe of it and why?
MJ: Very hard question. There are a lot and lot of great tracks. My favorite as a driver. Laguna Seca (Monterey, Calif). That is my favorite.

RW: We are talking about all the great tracks but you are without sponsorship this year. How frustrating is it to you having to sit out races and miss all the great tracks due to a lack of sponsorship?
MJ: It is very frustrating. It kills me. Not being in a car or getting ready for a race is very tough. That is the way it is, though. I have to keep working hard to get back in the car as soon as possible.

RW: What do you have to offer a sponsor that is unique?
MJ: Right now in the NASCAR Busch Series I think I have a lot of unique things but mainly experience and although I am not 19, I am still young and have a long career ahead. I offer good balance between age and experience. I have raced so long people know me. There is a lot of time left to be racing.

RW: Besides the normal signage on a car what does a sponsor receive when they support you, your team and your car owner?
MJ: They receive full dedication to make sure they get not just what they want, but that they get more than what they expect from me, the team and everybody. We are good at that. We want to make sure they never leave us because they will enjoy so much working with us.

RW: The Busch Series will be returning to Mexico City in March. Any hopes of a ride there?
MJ: I think so. I think it is looking good for me to race there.

RW: As long as we are talking about the race in Mexico and being that you were born and raised in Mexico City, can you recommend any other thing besides the race itself that first time visitors to Mexico City should not miss?
MJ: It depends on the time they have. The main thing is the pyramids, they are only 25 minutes away and they are spectacular.

RW: Now that we know a great place to visit, can you recommend a great place to eat for the fans, media and race teams?
MJ: For first class Mexican food I recommend El Meson Del Toreo and another one is La Fonda del Refugio. For the best tacos it is Los Panchos.

RW: Back to racing, in 2005 you competed in a NASCAR Grand National West race at Phoenix and finished 6th. Any chance of seeing you in any more West Series events?
MJ: That race was more preparation for the Busch series. We came together for that. The more driving, no matter what it is I would like to do it.

RW: What is the biggest difference between the Busch Series and the West Series?
MJ: The Busch has the radial tires and the West the bias ply. In the West Series the tires are a lot more fun to drive. I enjoy that tire a lot more.

RW: What else did you enjoy about the West race?
MJ: It is less pressure, it was my first stock car race so at the same time I was really, really nervous.

RW: When you were young, who was your inspiration?
MJ: My dad.

RW: Now that you are older, which driver do you most admire?
MJ: I have never been one of those to have heroes. I admire champions and everyone that is good at what they do--in racing and every sport in life. I try to recognize the best and try to learn from them.

RW: I understand your son, Michele Jourdain the III, will be turning one year old this March. What has it been like to be a father?
MJ: It is the best, the best ever. It is amazing. So hard to tell what it feels like. My life has changed so much. Everything is better. Everything has a lot more meaning. I realize now what the important things in life are.

RW: If your son grows up and shows an interest in racing, where will you start him?
MJ: Go karts probably

RW: What will you tell him it takes to be successful in racing?
MJ: First, you have to have ability. If you have that most importantly you have to be a dedicated person to be successful. Dedication in racing is maybe more important than any other job. You have to want it bad and work hard at.

RW: If dreams could come true, which one race would you most want to win?
MJ: The Indy 500. I grew up watching that. One of the first things I remember is a race when Jose Garza was in it. He was leading the 1981 Indy 500 as a rookie. I also went to see my uncle race in the Indy 500 a few times, and I raced it as well. It is an amazing event.

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