Continental Tire IMSA Spotlight: Jan Magnussen

IMSA Spotlight: Jan Magnussen
Driver: No. 3 Corvette Racing Corvette C7.R
Follow: @JanMagnussen

After seeing the sister car win the GTLM championship in 2016, how gratifying was it to deliver a second consecutive title to GM and Corvette Racing?

“It was very gratifying but there were also many other emotions we felt throughout the year. I don’t want to say we were every nervous but there was a high level of anticipation each weekend.

“We went into a lot of weekends knowing we were way down on outright pace. We usually qualified on the last two rows in our class.

“But to be able to turn that around and have the results we were able to achieve, I’m really, really proud of that for everyone with Corvette Racing. It’s really incredible when you look back at it.”

Is there a race or a result that stands out above the others this from this past year?

“No, there wasn’t a single moment or race that resulted in our championship. There were a lot of weekends where we got more out of a race than anyone thought.

“A big part of that was our strategy and not making mistakes. That is down to everyone who is part of the team – drivers, engineers and crew. We finished every lap in GTLM this year. You can’t do that by making mistakes.”

You have been paired with Antonio Garcia for quite a few years now. What makes your partnership with him work so well?

“It’s that he is just like me! Being serious, Antonio and I like the same things when we are in the car. Our driving styles are very similar. Some of that may come back to our open-wheel backgrounds.

“But I think when we look at what we need to go fast and be competitive, we communicate very similar things to Kyle Millay, our engineer. That’s really important for us as drivers and helps us to go forward in a common direction.”

What do you do in the offseason to stay sharp for the upcoming season?

“There’s not much of an offseason really. I’m spending some time with the family and of course trying to stay in shape over Christmas.”

What are you most looking forward to in 2018?

“Hopefully a repeat effort, although it would be great if things were a little easier! I’m looking forward to another fantastic season with Corvette Racing and my teammates.

“The WeatherTech Championship is super competitive with the level of teams and manufacturers. We of course think that Corvette Racing and Chevrolet have proven themselves to be the best.

“But in this championship you are constantly pushing yourself every weekend. As a racing driver, you can’t ask for more than that.”