Continental Tire IMSA Driver Spotlight: Bruno Junqueira

Driver Spotlight: Bruno Junqueira
Driver, No. 09 RSR Racing Oreca FLM09
Follow: @BJunqueira

What were your impressions of the first year of the TUDOR Championship? What would you like to see enhanced or adjusted for 2015?

“The first year of TUSC was good. It made a stronger sports car category in the USA, with some cool races in the calendar, great drivers and a lot of cars.

“To a point, I felt PC and GTD got less attention than they deserved. I think the series understood that, and it will be better for 2015.”

Can you describe the level of competition in the PC class?

“The PC class was the most competitive in the three years I raced. When you’re averaging 10 cars and with some very good drivers, the races were fun to drive and watch. It was very competitive.”

What’s the hardest part of racing in a spec class?

“I like to race in a spec class, because the cars are the same, so it is really up to the drivers and teams.

“There is no BoP, or other excuses. And there are really good drivers in PC, so it provides very hard competition.

“On another hand, we don’t win the race overall and it is not a “pro” category, so we get less expositions, but that is ok for me.”

Can you share your 2015 plans as yet?

“Not yet, but I hope to be able to share my full 2015 plans soon.”

Coming from such a racing-rich country as Brazil, who were your racing heroes and do you feel your country really looks up to you as one of theirs?

“When I was a kid, I used to wake up early to watch the F1 races and support Nelson Piquet and Ayrton Senna. In the afternoon, we would watch Emerson Fittipaldi race IndyCar. They were great inspiration for me, and my generation as a whole.

“I’ve had some great achievements in my career, but it’s NOT even close to Piquet, Senna or Fittipaldi.

“I don’t think I can’t be a hero like them. But I hope I have been able to show my fans that dedication, love for racing and hard work can pay off.”