SPORTS BABE OF THE DAY: Kyle Marcelli, Professional Race Driver, American Le Mans Series, @KyleMarcelli
I was so excited when the opportunity came up for me to interview Kyle Marcelli.
The 24 year old started out playing ice hockey before being introduced to auto racing. Kyle’s Uncle Mike introduced him to racing when he took him to the rental go-kart facility in Goodwood, Ontario. He later expressed to his father that he wanted to race instead of playing hockey. Kyle’s very first race was the Simcoe Kart Club in 2001 at the age of 11, where he placed second. In 2010, he made his debut in the American Le Mans Series. Kyle has since entered 119 races, has 24 pole positions and 20 wins.
1.) Who would you suggest as the next Sports Babe of the Day?
www.colleteracing.com
2.) How do you want to be remembered?
A passionate, hardworking, never give up kind of guy. “Lived a good life, loved a good wife, and always helped someone in trouble”.
3.) All the ladies are dying to know: single or locked down?
Locked down to Amy Marcelli.
4.) If you were not driving race cars, what would you like to be doing?
Either a pilot or custom home builder.
5.) What is satisfying about driving race cars?
The thrill of pushing the car to its absolute limit, lap after lap, and the competition of being faster and smarter than the others.
6.) If your life was turned into a movie, who would you cast to play you and who would be cast as your leading lady?
Immediately, Justin Timberlake comes to mind for playing myself and Rachel Bilson as my leading lady.
7.) Who has been a “hero” in your life and why?
My father, it’s where I get my hard working, never give up attitude.
8.) Besides driving close to 200mph, worrying about tire wear and maintaining control, what is something that you worry about during a race?
Having to use the bathroom or, losing your brakes.
9.) What has been your favorite place to race and why?
Imola, Italy. For a few reasons, motorsport in Europe is very popular, and the Italian culture is my background. I won this race also which made it more special.
10.) If you won a million dollars, what would you do with it?
Buy a few toys i.e. a Cafe Racer motorcycle, ’72 Porsche 911 and invest into real estate.
11.) What is the best piece of advice you were ever given and what was it?
“Win the race, as slow as you can” – Aunt Eva
12.) What is something that you must do before or after a race?
Before – Pray, After – Eat some junk food.
13.) If you could change one rule about your sport, what would it be and why?
The driver rating system in place. It weigh’s positive for some but negative for many. It’s allowed for more amateur drivers to buy drives at the top level of the sport which means less professional drivers earning paid drives.
14.) Would you like to drive in NASCAR one day and if so, who would you want to drive for?
Yes, as a matter of fact, I’m trying to do 1-2 NASCAR events this year in the Camping World Truck Series and the Canadian Tire Series. In Sprint Cup it would probably be Earnhardt Jr.’s team.
15.) What motto do you live by?
Philippians 4:13
16.) What is the scariest thing that you have had to do? Are you glad you did it?
Corporate sponsor speeches are always full of pressure. Never excited to do them, but happy I did afterwards.
17.) If you could sit down with anyone, past or present, who would it be and why?
James Braddock, This guy was an incredible athlete and person. To go through his struggles and succeed was amazing.
18.) What advice would you give to someone who is trying to get into auto racing?
Work hard to get winning results on track, but work twice as hard to build relationships and networks off the track.
19.) What is your best auto racing memory to date?
Winning the prestigious “Petit Le Mans” 10 Hour race at Road Atlanta in 2013.
20.) Who would be your ideal teammate and why?
Jeff Gordon, a great racing driver and a character out side of the race car, I think we share a lot in common.
21.) This is where I turn it over to you. You get to ask me anything 🙂
What was your perception of a “racing driver” prior to this interview?
THIS OR THAT
1.) Blonde OR Brunette? Both
2.) Facebook OR Twitter? Facebook
3.) Halloween OR Christmas? Christmas
4.) TV OR Movies? Movies
5.) Nascar OR Indy Car? Indy Car
6.) Video games OR Board games? Board Games
7.) Batman OR Superman? Batman
8.) Spring OR Fall? Fall
