Continental Tire IMSA Driver Spotlight: Bryan Sellers

Driver Spotlight: Bryan Sellers
Driver, No. 17 Team Falken Tire Porsche 911 RSR
Follow: @BryanSellers

How important was the win at Watkins Glen, especially considering your uncertain future?

“A win is always important whether your future is certain or unknown. However being in the position I am currently, and being a ‘free agent’ for 2016, a win becomes even more important. I think in this business you are remembered by what you did in your last race. Fortunately, our last race was a very good one. This win was unexpected I would say, but I hope it shows that there is a lot of versatility to the Team Falken Tire program and that we will never give up.”

The GTLM class is almost entirely made up of full factory efforts. How’s it been competing, and winning, as one of the only privateer squads?

“GTLM is mostly made of full factory manufacturer programs and we are one of the only privateer teams in the class. So, winning against the factory programs has been extremely difficult. But, that makes it even more rewarding when we do win against the ‘works’ teams. We know that we are not a full factory deal, but internally we operate as if we are.

“The program has been built from top to bottom with the best people that Derrick Walker could find. That has included everything from drivers to engineers and mechanics. We work hard as a group and showing what we can accomplish up against some of the best teams in the world has been fantastic. When we do beat them at times, it is one of the most rewarding things that I think we could ever feel.”

How has the chemistry built between yourself and co-driver Wolf Henzler through the years?

“Wolf and I have been driving together for quite a while now and the chemistry continues to grow year after year. We had an immediate connection early in the program. We get along well; we share some of the same interests and our personalities mesh well.

“Over the years, we have learned what the other will or will not like inside of the car. That helps us know how to balance what may be best for us on a personal level versus what will be better for us as a team. He has been a great teammate but, more importantly a great friend. He is one of the few people that I can speak with about every aspect of my life. That is something special. I think that our friendship shows in how we are able to work together on and off the track.”

With wins at Petit Le Mans and Watkins Glen, what have been some of the keys to success in endurance races?

“I think over the past couple years we have been strong in endurance races for a few reasons. The first, and maybe the most important reason, is how well we all work as a team. Team Falken Tire is a great environment and we all feed off of each other. There is a ‘never say die’ attitude that we have and that shows in the long races. Our guys really get the opportunity to shine in the endurance events.”

What is your most memorable road trip?

“My most memorable road trip was in 2005, my first year in sports cars. I was driving for Panoz Motorsports and co-driving with Marino Franchitti. We were on a week long PR trip from Sonoma to Portland doing a media guided tour. I met my wife Jamie on that trip. I have memories that can never be duplicated or replaced from the trip!”