Secrets of the Brickyard are Revealed to Kiwi Racer
by Allan Brewer
allan@indyproracer.com
 Integra Motorsports’ Jonny Reid at Indy. Photo: DanaGarrettIRL
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New Zealand’s Jonny Reid got his first taste of Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Thursday (May 22nd), putting the No. 9 Integra Motorsports Dallara through its paces in both morning practice sessions and afternoon qualifying for Carb Day’s Firestone Freedom 100-mile race.
When he had a chance to reflect on his day, Reid was emphatic in his description of the sights and sounds of Indy.
“It’s fantastic!” he said. “I love the high speed.”
“It’s a lot different to what I’m used to,” he continued, “but I’m learning lots and am already flat (throttle pedal to floor) all the way around.”
Reid’s no stranger to most followers of motorsports’ junior leagues. Many recognize his accomplishment with A1 Team New Zealand as a significant and important achievement for driver and team from the tiny South Pacific island nation.
With his second runner-up finish in the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport secured, Jonny can now turn his full attention to a new challenge: oval-track racing.
First Impressions Count
The twenty-four year old racer has his sights sets on making a strong first impression in his American racing debut.
“I want to go out, be smart, feel the changes and eventually get quicker.”
“The car set up is the biggest challenge,” to overcome, he said. “Anyone can go flat here if you have the right car. The key is to make it that way. That will be the hurdle.”
“It’s such a fine line between under and oversteer,” said Jonny, “and you don’t want the latter at such high speed.”
“The best thing is to go back and talk to the guys who have more experience, like Wade (Cunningham) and Scott (Dixon) to find out how the car should be working—and how I can be quicker!”
Chip Ganassi Racing's Scott Dixon Offers Tips and Support
Fortunately for Reid he’s party to one of the best teams in the business, with David Hunt at the helm; and linked to the dominating red and white cars of Chip Ganassi Racing in the IndyCar Series.
The imperative is simply to be attentive and listen carefully while picking up the nuances of the big 2.5 mile oval on the fly.
So far, so good.
“Working with my team and learning from their experience by providing the information they need is something I can do with no problem at all,” said Jonny.
“I’ve had chats with Scott (Dixon) before,” he continued on how important the IndyCar Series superstar has been in Reid’s decision to come to America.
“I’ve met him a few times back in New Zealand and once over here,” Jonny said.
“Although it’s a hectic time for him now, heading into the Indianapolis 500, the occasions I’ve been able to speak with him have been very helpful.”
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