Q & A // SELMANTS SPEAKS WITH LAWSON ASCHENBACH

In any professional sport, rookies are expected to come along slowly and steadily and gradually improve as time passes. Mistakes and inconsistencies are expected with any newcomer. Apparently Lawson Aschenbach didn't get the memo. Lawson stormed onto the professional racing scene with a third place finish in his first professional outing in a Porsche 911 at the Denver round of the 2005 Speed World Challenge GT championship. Lawson followed his strong professional debut with a superb 2006 season, winning the Driver's and Manufacturer's Championship, along with Rookie of the Year honors in the highly competitive Speed GT Championship... [read more]

Aschenbach's smooth driving style and impressive consistency on his way to his multiple championships caught the eye of General Motors and he was signed as a GM factory driver for the following season. 2007 saw Aschenbach drive for Team Cadillac in a CTS-V on route to another Speed GT Manufacturer's Championship and a third place finish in the Driver's Championship.

These days, Lawson pilots the #74 Compass 360 Racing Honda Civic in the ST class the Grand Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge with teammate, David Thilenius. The Continental Sports Car Challenge has established itself as one of the most competitive sports car series in the world, with eight manufacturers represented in the ST class. Lawson and David currently hold a slim five point lead in the championship after four races. Lawson was kind enough to take some time out of his schedule to answer a few questions about his racing career.

Joey Selmants- How did you get your start in racing?

Lawson Aschenbach- I started racing Karts at the age of 8 and did almost all 4 cycle racing. The lack of power in 4 cycle engines definitely helped shape my driving style. You learn the art of being smooth, but fast. It's a very tough thing to learn, but it has absolutely helped me throughout my career.


Selmants- You've gotten to drive some very impressive cars in your career. Is there a favorite that stands out?

Aschenbach- I'd say the Team Cadillac CTS-V in the SPEED World Challenge GT series. Working with GM, Pratt & Miller and Katech on the program was an amazing experience and something I'll remember for the rest of my life. The car had great power and handled like a true sports car. I also have to say testing with Forsythe Racing in their Lola Champ Car was definitely an eye opening experience!

Selmants- What was it like competing in your first 12 Hours of Sebring this year?

Aschenbach- I've always wanted to compete in the 12 Hours, so it was a great experience. Driving at Sebring is always fun and I hope to do many more of these races. It's a physical race and requires great training and mental focus. The whole Velox Motorsport team did an amazing job and I'm looking forward to working with them more in the future.

Selmants- Drivers have to be fit nowadays, especially in endurance racing. What does your training routine consist of?

Aschenbach- Training is definitely a very important part of racing. I've slowly been able to critique a training plan that involves running, weights, circuits, intervals, boxing and a few others thrown in there every now and then. I believe you need to love training, so you need to tailor your regime to things you like. Boxing has been a huge help to my program, as it allows you to keep your reflexes solid. Most people don't understand how hot it gets inside the cars, so conditioning is very key.

Selmants- The Continental Tire Sports car challenge boasts a great schedule with some of the best tracks in America.Is there a track on the calendar that you always look forward to?

Aschenbach- Mid-Ohio! This is my favorite track and I'm always very excited to race there. It's one of those places I just look forward to every single year. It's a tough track and you truly have to be on your game every time.

Selmants- Have you enjoyed your time with Compass 360 Racing so far?

Aschenbach- Racing with Compass360 has been a great experience. Karl Thomson and Ray Lee have put together a very strong program and I'm honored to be driving with them in 2010. The No. 74 C360R Honda Civic Si has been strong all year and I'm looking forward to the rest of the season in the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Series.

Selmants- Who would you say is your stiffest competition in the ST class this year?

Aschenbach - To be honest, the ST class is packed with competitive cars this year. I think it's the strongest field ever and it's going to get even tighter as the season goes on. The BMW 330i, Mazda 3, Mazda Miata, Kia and Mini all are quick and have been challenging our C360R Honda Civics all year. It's going to be a tough season, so we need to be on our game each weekend!

Selmants- What have you and team thought of the series' switch to Continental tires this year?

Aschenbach- Continental has truly done their homework! They have put together a great tire for the 2010 season. The tires grip well and are very consistent. I think everyone in the paddock can say they are excited about Continental Tire and we are all looking forward to racing on their tires into the future.

Selmants-How does the C360R Civic compare to the Cobalt you drove at a few races last year?

Aschenbach- One of the great things about the Continental Tire Challenge is the car diversity. Each car has it's advantage and you need to exploit the strong points as much as possible, while trying to make up for the weaknesses. I'd say our Civic and the Cobalt are quite different. The Cobalt brakes better and has bit more straight line speed, but our Civic seems to have the advantage in handling.

Selmants- How do you rate the team's chances of grabbing another win at Lime Rock?

Aschenbach- I think we have a great shot to win at Lime Rock. Even though it's a small track, it's very tricky and you really have to give it everything you have. I'm looking forward to the race!

Editorial: Joey Selmants
Photo: Curtis Creager