Continental Tire IMSA Driver Spotlight: James Davison

Driver Spotlight: James Davison
Driver, No. 007 TRG-AMR Aston Martin Vantage
Follow: @JDDavison007

What did you make of the first year of the TUDOR Championship, and what would you like to see enhanced or changed going into 2015?

“It was a success for the first year of TRG-AMR as a whole. We had a number of up and downs, as any team will in Pro/Am endurance sports car racing. However, we finished the year on a high that has laid a very good foundation for 2015 that I’m excited about. From a driver’s point of view IMSA did a great job all round.”

How would you rank the GTD competition this season?

“Very good. I know what guys like Jeroen Bleekemolen, Kevin Estre, Dane Cameron, Jan Heylen, Leh Keen have achieved in the past. They’re world standard GT drivers and the teams supporting them are fantastic also. It’s great to race and chat amongst all of them.”

Considering it’s been a challenge to have a full-season deal for several years, how rewarding was it to know you had a full-season deal all of 2014 and already have one set going into 2015?

“Extremely. Through pure perseverance, self belief and determination I was able to break through the whole financial barrier that many young drivers face in their junior years. After four years I hadn’t given up, Kevin Buckler had the balls to give me a chance and the rest is history. Looking back, it’s gratifying to know I’m here right now on merit and repaid the faith. I’m not relaxing however. To stay on top in modern motorsport, you cannot leave any stone unturned on or off track. It keeps it exciting for sure.”

Did you feel your performances (scoring four straight poles to end the season) really showcased your talent level to the paddock?

“I’ve always been a believer that results speak for themselves and motorsport is a bigger team sport than any other I know of. I personally put in a ton of work with my mechanics and engineers to enable me to perform to the best of my ability. As a result we had a number of strong qualifying and race performances that hopefully puts us on our rivals radar now. I must say I’m excited to have Christina Nielsen onboard next year. She is 50 percent of our team’s success right there.”

You made your Indianapolis 500 debut this year, as well. What were the emotions of that and how important is it to be able to get seat time in different machinery over the course of the year?

“It was an incredible experience. After finishing runner up in Indy Lights in ’09 over guys like (James) Hinchcliffe, (Charlie) Kimball and so on I had to wait overtime for my Indycar chance due to the whole financials of the sport. The wait was well worth it and it’s for sure a race I hope to to compete in every year now. It truly is “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing”. Being one of 33 men or women in that historic event can only be good for a racecar driver’s brand. Having your face on the Borg Warner Trophy would be racing immortality. It has always been my lifelong dream to win the Indianapolis 500.”

Do you have any fun offseason plans?

“A couple of friends from the V8 Supercar series are headed over next month so I’m likely to go have some fun with them. Historically, I have always headed back to Australia but I am not sure if I will have time to this year. I live in St Petersburg, Fla. now and recently started doing a ton of training with Tristan Vautier and Sebastien Bourdais.”