In my short career, I’ve made some pretty questionable choices, but the best ones weren’t really mine to begin with. It all started when my mom made the brilliant decision to get me off motorcycles and onto cars. I was deep into motocross, desert racing, and TTs when opportunities started knocking on my door. A guy with a speedway team and another from a BSA/Triumph dealership offered me a three-cylinder 750cc BSA Rocket for racing, and I had a blast testing it at Willow Springs. From then on, I stopped chasing rides and just let offers come my way, leading my mom and dad to push me towards a career in cars.
Then came Roger Penske with an offer I couldn’t refuse. Joining Team Penske was a dream come true, even though it was just a part-time ride shared with the legendary Mario Andretti. But hey, part-time with Penske still beats full-time with any other team, right? I guess the best career decision I consciously made was to follow my passion for racing and grab every opportunity that came my way. From getting my pavement license to racing in Formula Vee and Super Vee, to eventually making my mark in Formula 5000, I just couldn’t resist the thrill of being behind the wheel.
Now, let’s talk about the worst career decision I ever made. Squeezing past Corrado Fabi in practice at Sanair in ’84 was definitely not my brightest moment. My feet and ankles paid the price, and my career could have done without that risky move. As for my greatest race, it has to be the fourth win at Indy in ’91. Everything went according to plan, with the first half focused on getting the car’s handling just right and the second half dedicated to making my way to the front. Beating Michael Andretti in the final shootout and pulling away for the win was truly gratifying.
But of course, not every race can be a victory. My most disappointing race was probably at Indy in ’85, right after my comeback from the Sanair accident. Qualifying 10th and struggling to find my rhythm early on, I eventually found my stride and set the quickest lap of the race. Missing out on the win that day was tough, especially when I was determined to prove that my injuries wouldn’t hold me back on ovals.
When it comes to significant wins, the 1985 Pocono race holds a special place in my heart. It marked my first win after the accident, and the journey to that victory was filled with podium finishes and pole positions. Passing Mario on the last lap to win at Michigan in ’81 was also a standout moment, showing that even against my heroes, I could come out on top. As for my best teammate, I can’t pick just one. Each teammate brought something unique to the table, from Bobby Unser’s speed to Al Unser’s technical expertise and Danny Sullivan’s media savvy.
Now, let’s talk cars. The 1982 PC10 stands out as the best car I ever raced. With its fantastic speed and performance, it was a dream to drive. On the flip side, the PC15 of 1986 was probably the worst car I ever raced. Lacking feedback and feel, it made for a frustrating season of highs and lows. In terms of tracks, Indy takes the cake for qualifying, while Michigan and Milwaukee offer the best racing experiences with their wide and versatile layouts.
Looking back, I can’t help but think about the car I wish I had raced. The roadsters from the ’60s, especially Parnelli’s from ’63, have always intrigued me with their focus on mechanical grip and pure racing. And if I had the chance, I would love to tackle Darlington Raceway with its unique banking and challenging turns. As for advice to aspiring racers, take your time, gain experience in different cars, and never rush through the ranks. Every lap, every race is a learning opportunity that will only make you a better driver in the long run.
