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Questions and Answers
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Q: What did it mean to you to win the Greg Moore Legacy Award back in Champ Car?
Adam, Canada
Q: Hi Justin,
We met back when you worked for the Jaguar F1 team and i was privileged to be taken on a hot lap in the new Jaguar XKR at Monza, i still remember it well!
Glad to see you are getting the recognition you deserve in the US, but how do you rate the driving experience of F1 compared to ChampCar and IndyCar?
Also, if you have any tips for a 23 year old budding clubman driver who still has a novice cross... i'd appreciate it!
Cheers,
Rob
Rob Fenn, Kent UK
Q: Justin
Am I right in thinking that most of your oval races have been on anti-clockwise circuits?
If so, how on earth do you adjust your neck muscle exercise regime to cope with road circuits such as Watkins Glen with it's welcome left and right turns. I have this image of you between oval races having a permanent tilt to your head!
Regards
Simon Pannell
Simon Pannell, London
Q: What driver in the IndyCar series do u most respect?
kaitlyn, West Virginia
Q: Good Luck Justin!
Blades Or Owls?
William , California
Q: What Sky channel can we watch the IndyCar Series on?
John Payton, West Midlands, UK
Q: How tall are you?
laura, St. Petersburg, Fl
Q: Hi Justin, it's been great to see you running so well at St. Pete's! I just was wondering, of the Lola, Panoz and Dallara, which you've driven in CCWS and IndyCar, which car was the most fun as a driver? and which would you rather be running if you had the choice?...
Duncan Butcher, Toronto, Canada
Q: Justin
Having had reservations about watching racing on ovals, I thoroughly enjoyed the Homestead race. Congratulations to you for keeping it on the park and coming in a creditable 15th.
Can you please explain the term "the car is loose" as this was mentioned several times by the commentators.
Thanks
Simon Pannell, London
Q: Justin, how do you fit in the IRL's Dallara chassis? I am honestly concerned because I heard directly from Elan that they had considered your height when making the DP01. But are you uncomfortable in the Dallara? Do you feel at all unsafe?
Jay, Atlanta, GA
Q: It would have been very interesting to have seen you paired with Webber for a whole season; do you feel there will be opportunities for you in F1 again in the future?
Ian
Ian, Silverstone, Northamptonshire
Q: Hey Justin
How did you get your helmet designed?
My son is becoming a racing drvier, and needs a helmet with a custom design.
Was hoping for your help & advice & the overall cost?
Ian :), Shefield
Q: Was it hard getting into Indy?
& How did you get into Indy?
Jamie C, Nottingham,UK
Q: Justin, best of luck to you in the IRL this year. Sadly, the two races we attend every summer (Road America and Cleveland) are no more.
On that note, which track will you miss the most now that the majority of Champ Car events are gone?
Ben Malec, Buffalo Grove, IL USA
Q: Justin, I had just been thinking, as many have, about what a great move to Newman/Haas/Lanigan you'd made. But suddenly it looks as if you're on top of the world, in what will likely be the best team in a unified open-wheel U.S. series. How do you feel about all of this, and about being able to race in the Indy 500? All the best to you, and Stefan as well, for 2008!!!
Jim Valyo, Scotland, UK
Q: Congratulations from the family Justin.I'm hoping you're pleased with the new team. Are they making you feel at home like RuSPORT did?
Danny Miranda (Justin's Cousin), Rotherham , S Yorkshire England
Q: ey up laddie!
well done fella!
right proud of u signing 4 Newman-Hass!
has it sunk in yet?
good luck 4 this season!
Tara, Sheffield, UK
Q: Congratulations on the Newman Hass Lanigan Drive and very best off luck for 2008.
Will you be keeping a connection with CDW in the future.
Martin Baugh, Lincoln. UK
Q: No question, just ecstatic that you will be driving with Graham Rahal at Newman/Haas/Lanigan in 2008. That's a DREAM TEAM for the fans, the sponsors, and the series!!!!
Best wishes for an amazing Champ Car season, and see you at Sebring.
Jay
Jay, Atlanta, GA
Q: It's been sooo quiet regarding your 2008 season. When can we expect any news?
Nick, Campbell River, Canada
Q: Justin, with the basic destruction of RuSport, will you stay in Champcar for '08? No hard feelings if you leave for Indycar. Champcar is going downhill fast.
Mike Parker, Indy
Q: Was your dad a karting world champion who came from Barnsley? Is he called Mick Wilson?
Wayne Simm , Barnsley
Q: Justin
It's great to see you doing well in your career.
I heard you played the Geoff Crammond Grand Prix games. What did you think to GP4?
R Sitch, UK
Q: Hi Justin,
Firstly just can I say thank you for the pleasure you have given us throughout your racing career. We managed to see you in Formula Vauxhall (junior?), Palmer Audi, F 3000 and Formula 1 in the UK, and having met you a few times (under the guise of autograph hunting for my son!). You are a gentleman both on and off the track.
Two questions, firstly having seen how 'average' some of the Formula One drivers have been this year, are there any openings available for you? Secondly, how do you rate Bourdais, and how will he fare in F1? He has looked very average at times this year with the new car, despite being in the best team with the best resources.
Good luck for 2008, sorry to hear the news about RuSport. I hope that the good seat you deserve awaits you.
Kind Regards
Pete
Pete Hayes, Canterbury, England
Q: Hey Justin,
Met you at the autograph session in Toronto this year and was wondering if you will be sticking around with Champ Car in 2008. We're hearing rumors of CDW wanting out and you possibly ending up in IRL with CDW. Is there any truth to that rumor???
Signed,
Concerned Champ Car Fan
Alex, Mississauga Ontario Canada
Q: Hi Justin, I hope you´re enjoying the little break. I have some questios for you:
1. What do you think about the Mexican fans?
2. Do you like the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez with or without the chicane?
3. What are your plans for the next season?
Good luck!!
See you soon.
Geetings from Mexico.
Vicky, Mexico City, MX
Q: Justin, you're the best. My wife and I love to see you at races, and my mom was impressed with you as well, since you always seem to be calm and have time for the fans.
How do you go about landing an outstanding sponsor like CDW? They are so supportive and seem to match your own personality so well.
And, can you do your best to come race at Road Atlanta? We'd love to see the Champ Cars on that circuit and I'm sure you'd enjoy racing them here too!
Jay
Jay, Atlanta, GA
Q: Well done one on your win in Netherlands and your 2nd place in the championship.
Maria Darakchieva, Razlog, Bulgaria
Q: What's the story behind "BAD ASS WILSON"?
Nick, B.C. Canada
Q: Congratulations on ASSEN!!!!!! A podium just isn't in the same universe as a win! I was curious if you might have been close to a record for celebratory dough nuts? Sweet win for you and RuSport, maybe they can take you where you want to go for 2008 eh?
Nick, B.C. Canada
Q: Your luck has got to change soon Justin, could not believed what happened at San Jose.
It took a lot longer than 20 mins to sort my drive shaft out last week, lucky you're not in my Suzuki Esteem.
Take Care
Chris Green
PS no need to reply to this one but it's nice to know that you read your questions, enjoy your weekend off
Chris Green, Mt Tremblant
Q: Hey Justin
If you weren't too classy and subject to political restraint, would you say that there are two or three drivers in the series who have no place being at the champ car level? Well you don't have to, I just said it for you. CLARKE you _%_^__%$#_$!!!!!!
I bet the Saftey team gets tired of responding to yellows for the same charecters.
Great job so far this season!!
Nick, Campbell River, Canada
Q: Hey Justin, big fan as I’ve been following your racing since F1! Being a fan of both F1 and Champ car, it seems that as a driver you’d rather race in a series that all the teams/drivers can be competitive, as in Champ car. While in F1 it’s all about the team, politics and budget.. With that, are you looking to stay in Champ car in the future?
How have you seen the series change since your rookie season, excluding the new car?
I'd ask if you're planning on moving to another Champ car team w/CDW, but I know it's not Politically correct to answer mid-season..
I really hope you stay in Champ car as it’s very refreshing to watch you race, as you are a great competitor and true SPORTSMAN!!!
Always pulling for you!!!!
Scott Dusten, Edison, NJ (USA)
Q: Hi Justin,
I'm interested in becoming a racer, but I don't have a history in motor sports and am wondering if you have any insight to offer on how I might get on the inside. I know your connection is through your father and you started at a young age. I'm sixteen, and want to get in asap if I can. I heard about you through my step-dad, who works at CDW. I thought it was cool that you are sponsored by CDW and hope I can come to a race sometime. My parents just met you at your 2007 Toronto race. Nice job getting in at 3rd! I also love working on cars and plan to go to tech school to learn all I can. Can you offer some advice?
Thanks
Christian Krotky, Chicago IL
Q: Dear Justin
Great to meet yourself and Barry in Mt Tremblant last weekend. Really enjoyed the Toronto race thought that you probably could have finished higher on the podium if it wasn't for the incident on lap 18. The car looked fantastic in the last third of the race when you were really pushing.
How much does it change your mental drive when you were back in twelth? There are always going to be other incidents, but you can't predict the two leaders taking each other out, so how hard do you push and when?
Look forward to the next race and hopefully to see you back here in Tremblant next year. Good luck with the rest of the season
Chris Green
ps.Promise to have a bike that fits you next year
Chris Green, Mt Tremblant
Q: Hello Justin,
I just wanted to say that in today's day and age with superstar athletes who think that they are above the common person (fan) it is a real treat to have a person like yourself who takes the time to talk to race fans, sign autographs, sit and talk and have a cocktail with the average Joe. There needs to be more professional athletes like yourself who are very kind and caring for the fans.
OK here's my question: coming from a person of height like yourself, how do you fit into the small confines your race car?
Your fan forever, Jim Rivers
Jim Rivers, Bkersfield, CA USA
Q: Congratulations on your marriage Justin! Jus' a quickie; will u be having any kids? And if so, any names for the little nippers?
Tara, Sheffield, UK
Q: Hi Justin. First of all good luck this season. My question is: what are your goals for this season?
Vicky, Mexico City, Mexico
Q: How similar are the new Panoz chassis in comparison to an F1 car? Judging by the speed they seem to be on the same level if not better!
Phil Martin, Guernsey
Q: How does the DP01 feel? Is it an improvement to the old chassis? Would you race at Le Mans again in your career?
George Trepczyk, Barnsley
Q: With the Race of champions being at Wembley this year, is that something you would like to do? Your English fans would love a chance to support you on home soil :-)
Roz, UK
Q: Hi we are all looking forward to this year being your championship year :-)
Are you approaching it any way differently, any new training or anything, team tactics etc? Thanks and Good luck!
Roz, UK
Q: Message to Barry G, London
Barry, London
Q: After seeing you come up through karting, to where you are today, what has been your best race and why?
PS: How's your dad these days?
M Gray,
Q: Do you see yourself staying put in America for the rest of your career, be it in Champ Car or one of the other racing series ( a la AJ!)?
Simon Pannell, London
Q: How does it feel win the Greg Moore trophy, coming second in the title race, who got you into racing and what football team do you support?
Georgeboi999, Barnsley
Q: Great last race of 2006 especially with the injury. I have to agree with Jeremy Dale's version of events but thought your diplomacy will see you a more popular champion next year. If you return the favour to Seb same place next year to win the title he can have no complaints!
Have you driven the new Panoz yet and what are the main differences it will bring to next years champ car series?
Sam, Coventry
Q: Hello Justin! Which race would you consider your finest in 2006? It was exciting to witness you kill the gap in Edmonton and overtake Bourdais. Then again, you were tearing through the field in Montreal before you signed the wall (you're in good company though). Hope you heal up quick!
Nick, Alberta, Canada
Q: Justin, I've been an avid follower of you ever since I saw you at CCWS Vancouver race a couple of years ago. How do you feel about AJ leaving Champ Cars for NASCAR?
Jessica, Vancouver, Canada
Q: Have you taken a liking to any specific American foods or beer since you've been living here? Also, can't wait to see you do some donuts in the DPO1. Do you think it'll smoke the tires even more if you dumped the clutch in second gear instead?
Ryan Prelle, New Jersey, USA
Q: Which of the new races on the 2007 calendar (as announced so far) are you most looking forward to - Las Vegas, Zhuhai, St Jovite or Phoenix?
Carol Stanley, London
Q: Hi Justin.
You are one of my favourite drivers since I saw the F3000 championship in 1999. Congratulations for the 2005 championship! Now with -62 pts on Seb in the championship, do you think you can fight for the championship or are you focused to secure the second place in the champ?
Best wishes,
Cheryl
Cheryl Cloux, Nyon, Switzerland
Q: Hello Justin, congratulations on your Edmonton win, and your third place standings in the championship (for now), I have high hopes for you. I had the pleasure of meeting you in Toronto, and you were gracious enough to have your picture taken with me , so thank you for that, it made my day , let me tell you. I have been to both F1 and Champ Car races, and have the perception that the atmosphere in Champ Car is more relaxed, friendlier and less political. Is that a fact, and do you have a preference as to which series you enjoy most.
Jacqui Hardtke, Toronto, Canada
Q: What do you think of Lewis Hamilton and have you got a myspace page?
George Trepczyk, Barnsley
Q: hi Justin.
belated happy returns 4 the 31st of July (ur birthday), just a quick question; how tall are u?
ps: could u send a get well soon to Cristiano 4 me from me and all my family (we are all big fans of u and Cristiano)?
thanks Justin!
Sarah, Salford, UK
Q: how do Justin!
just wanna say, i'm really sorry 2 hear about Cristiano's accident. hope he gets well soon.
have u been 2 see him?
send my regards 2 his partner & family.
ta chuck.
Tara, Sheffield, UK.
Q: Hi Justin.
I was giving you the gears in Portland about your golf games with AJ. Caught up with him yet?
Thanks for signing the flag. Hope you saw it while on the drivers float.
Keith Bell, Vancouver
Q: What sunglasses (Brand + Model) do you currently favour and are the manufacturer's a personal sponsor?
Rob + Mike, UK
Q: hi Justin, it's me: Gina (again).
i've got a few more questions to ask you.
1) do you like football (or as the Yanks call it: soccer)?
2) if you do like football (or soccer), who do you support?
3) do you like rugby?
4) if you like rugby; which do you prefer: league or union?
thanks a lot.
ps: congrats on your 1st win of 2006! " 'ave it!"
Gina, Manchester, UK
Q: This is not a question. I want to congratulate you on your win in Edmonton. I was soooooo nervous and jumped up and down in my living room when they waived the checkered flag.
I saw you in Toronto and will see you soon in Montreal.
Congratulations to you and the CDW team.
Joanne, Montreal, Canada
Q: I have a MKII golf and want to stop the lift off understeer, do you have any tips?
William B Hunter, Shuntingdon
Q: If you weren't doing Champ Car, what would have been doing instead?
Tom Brisbourne, Shropshire, England
Q: If there was one circuit on this earth that you could drive a Champ Car on, where would it be?
Phil M, Guernsey
Q: Justin, congrats on a strong run in Cleveland last weekend, we were heartbroken when the suspension broke and you went off.
Anyway, my question has to do with preparing the car before it goes into the transporter after the race. I noticed that the crew will start the engine and run it for about 30 seconds just before the car gets put on the transporter. Also, it seemed to me that I could faintly detect the scent of two-stroke oil in the exhaust when they were running the engine.
My guess is that they run the engine briefly on a mix of methanol and two-stroke oil in order to get some oil in the cylinders for when the car is transported.
Am I close? Or did I totally miss the boat?
Good luck and we'll be cheering you on at Road America!
Ben
Ben Malec, Buffalo Grove, IL
Q: Hi Justin,
Avid follower of the series and this is my second question to you: Do you know if there is a chance of Champ Car staging a race in the UK? and if so, where do you think would be best, Silverstone, Brands...? Surely now is the best time for Champ Car in Britain with you running so strong and Katherine and Dan up and coming.
PS. I'm still hoping RuSport are gonna get a 1:18 model of your car commisioned.
Chris
Chris, Kirby-in-Ashfield, UK
Q: Who would you say are the people that you consider friends in the Champ Car World Series, and what do you make of your new team-mate Cristiano da Matta?
Phil M, Guernsey
Q: Do you feel threatened by RuSPORT's decision to replace A.J. with Da Matta, with all the talk of helping the team to challenge Sebastian Bourdais?
John Russell, jprussell4@aol.com
Q: We're really enjoying watching you challenge Sebastian this season, you two are class of the field this year. What's the big advantage Newman/Haas has over RuSport? Be pulling for you in Edmonton, good luck!
Nick, Alberta
Q: Not A question, but thanks for the entertainment you bring to a british F1 fan that still follows your career in champ car racing. F1's loss is a big Champ Car gain. Keep up the good work, Justin
Eric Thompson, Huddersfield/England
Q: Night driving for most people is very tiring and with glare from lighting can be difficult to judge road layouts. At Houston how much more difficult was it to judge your braking points compared with day time driving? You suffered blisters on your hands during that race, were you aware that you hands were blistering badly or was the concentration required so intense that you were oblivious to it?
Darren Apps, Berkshire. England
Q: Justin, what kind of road car(s) do you have and do you have a heavy right foot?
Ryan Prelle, New Jersey, USA
Q: Ey up lad!
Just 3 little questions.
1) what do u think of the artic monkeys (the band)?
2) which part of Shefield are u from?
3) when u are in the USA, what do u miss from the UK the most?
ta-ra chuck!
Tara, Shefield, UK
Q: Is it difficult to stay competitive in Champ Car World Series?
Michael Großkopf, Germany
Q: Just wondering if you still remember that time in Belgium, when you came to the Astromega team to do a seat-fitting, back in 1999 I think.
I interviewed you when I was doing a short film on the team as a school project. During the interview, I couldn't stop thinking "this guy will one day be victorious in some great ace-level race class" and I have been following you ever since. I'm sure your first win of the season will come soon!
My question: Since you meet lots and lots of people during your carreer, do you remember many of them, or must you concentrate on the "important ones"? I always feel on that level, you meet too many people on too little time. How do you know who to know? Good management?
Unknown,
Q: We met after your race in Long Beach. I have picture of you, your family and friends. I would like to email you a copy. Again it was a pleasure meeting you and I wish you the best of luck this season.
Ken Ennis, Bakersfield, CA
Q: A strange question, but here it goes. During the Long Beach race, the TV coverage would ocasionally scroll the last name of the driver and the country he of she was from, and a picture of a flag. Next to yours and Miss Legge's name was a white flag with a red cross in the middle (more like a big plus sign), and not what I thought was the British flag, like the one on the roll hoop on your race car. What gives?
Brian Peterson, Phoenix AZ
Q: If at the end of the year a Formula 1 team who could score points at every race offered you a drive for 2007 would you consider it? Or are you happy in Champ Car, where you know you have a chance to win every race you compete in?
Richard Sims, London
Q: Congratulations on your 2005 season!
I wonder how Livery design is approached in the states / Champ Car. Are companies doing the job in-house or hire designers or agencies?
Also, do you know if there will be a Car update at some point, as the current cars are quite old now.
Thanx and good luck for 2006 ... hope to see a #1 on your 2007 Car!
Boris Felix, France
Q: Have your experiences in F1 and then Champ Cars influenced Stefan's view on how best to pursue his racing career in single seaters? p.s well done in the recent 24hr Rolex race!
Simon Pannell, London
Q: Congratulations on 2nd place and a brilliant drive in Daytona. You must be very happy with the result? Being the top Champ Car driver along with AJ must have made it special. What is the likelihood that you will team up again for next year’s race or race individually in other similar events like NASCAR?
Darren Apps, Bracknell, Berkshire
Q: What do you do to relax and have fun, in both the small times between races and the big break (of sorts) between seasons?
Henry, Orlando, FL
Q: I have been an avid supporter for sometime now, but have yet to see you in a Champ Car race. Which would be the best circuit to do this and why?
Karen, Ashford, Kent
Q: Are you thinking about a return to Formula 1? We could do with another good British driver!
Good luck in the future!
Jack, Cullingworth
Q: Have you ever been invited to compete in the Race of Champions and if so, would you accept?
Gareth, Salford
Q: If given the choice between a Champ Car title and a Formula 1 title, which would you go for, and would you donut to celebrate an F1 win?
Alex, Tunbridge Wells
Q: Sir Jackie Stewart once said that you are too tall
to be successful open wheel driver.
Are you glad to prove him wrong?
Neven Majstorovic, Croatia
Q: What was your reaction on hearing that Champ Car is going to Road America in 2006 instead of Las Vegas?
Carol, London
Q: With yourself and AJ up amongst the elite, do you think your relationship will change next season if you are both challenging for the title?
Darren, Bracknell, Berks
Q: When you joined F1 in 2003, there were 3 other British drivers; with whom did you get on with the best, and why?
Gina, Manchester, UK
Q: Do you think there is a chance that Champ Car might hold a race in the UK and,if so, do you think Brands Hatch would be a sell-out venue for such an event?
Simon Pannell, London
Q: Congratulations on Third in the Championship. Are there any plans for a Champ Car race in the UK, and will you be racing in the UK at any time?
Martin Baugh, Lincoln
Q: As the season has finished, what will you be doing between now and April?
Stephen, Maidstone, Kent
Q: Well done on your win in Mexico and your 3rd place in the championship.
Richard Rixham, Sheffield
Q: Will there be a 1:18 scale diecast model of your RuSport ChampCar to celebrate your first race victories in the series and your third place in the championship? Would be great to get a model.
Chris Davies, Nottingham - UK
Q: Congratulations on your win. We flew to Vegas to see you race and you struggled with what seemed a badly set up car, so well done on this well deserved win!
You seem to be beter on street/racing circuits than ovals: is it the car, you, lack of experience on ovals or watch this space?
Would you look to come back to F1?
All the best next season!!!!
Chris Pinkney, Croydon, Surrey
Q: What a way to go winning the Gran Premio Telmex Tecate Presantedo Por Banamex Race and winning it from Pole.
Andrew D Lawson,
Q: Do you hope to carry on in Champ Cars next year?
William Barnes, Cornwall, UK
Q: Do you have a specific plan for beating Paul Tracy in the next 2 races and would you settle for 3rd in this years Champ Car series?
Sam, Coventry
Q: Do you feel your brother can go as far as you have in motorsport?
James, UK
Q: Champ Car has a lot of temporary street circuits as well as permanent race tracks. Are the challenges for these circuits different, in terms of driving style or set-up?
Jenny, Leicester
Q: What's your favourite track on this season's calendar and why?
Paul, Birmingham
Q: How would you compare an F1 car to a Champ Car?
Stephen, Kent
Q: What things do you most like about Champ Car?
Colin, Cambridge
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