Pirelli Paddock Pass: Jarett Andretti

Jarett Andretti kickced off another busy season of Pirelli GT4 America competition at Circuit of The Americas in March with his Andretti Autosport team in both the Sprint and SprintX categories.

This week in the Pirelli Paddock Pass, Andretti talks about the start to the season, the importance of consistency within the team, how he’s put the down time to use, and more.

What were you takeaways from the season opener at Circuit of The Americas?

“I thought it went pretty well. We ended up running second in Sprint on Sunday which was pretty good after starting sixth.

“I think that where we unloaded originally and the speed that the McLaren had there made it a pretty succesful weekend. On the SprintX side I think we maximized our points the best we could. We ended up fourth in both races.

“It was one of those weekends where you take what you can get and move on to the next one. I think we did everything that we could to maximize the points from each race.”

What is the significance of being back with the same program for a second-consecutive year?

“It means a great deal. We only had one change on the crew side and the guy who came in is actually a really good friend that I’ve raced against in the past.

“We have a really cool team camaraderie. I think Colin fits right into that. It’s nice to have the same consistency year after year because we’re still building our team.

“We’re probably one of the youngest teams in the GT4 paddock, so we’re still building. We had an awning delivered to the track at COTA and had to set that up!”

What does Colin bring to the equation?

“I think he’s very level-headed for his age. He’s very calm and collected, so it makes for a good yin and yang. I’m more excited and on the chip, he’s much more even-keeled. We balance each other really well.

“He doesn’t tear the car up, he’s very smooth in the car, and he does a good job for us.

“He just turned 18, so for someone his age he has a great deal of maturity, and that’s what you need in a pressure-packed motorsports atmosphere. He doesn’t take unnecessary risks but he gets the job done.”

What have you been doing in the time off?

“I’ve spent a lot of time with family in North Carolina. My mom, my sisters, and I did a lot together. We’ve been working on projects around the house. I also have been back in Indiana working on some things.

“With the race team, we’ve been working on some things that we otherwise wouldn’t be able to. Usually you don’t get a chance to take a breath after the first race of the season, and even in the offseason you’re putting together partnership and working on the following year.

“Now we’ve had a chance to work on our team, work on ourselves as individuals, and I’ve been training a lot as well. My dad put a gym in the house about 15 years ago and it’s been used pretty frequently here.

“I’m excited to get back to it but it’s time we’ve spent well preparing for the rest of the season.”

What have you missed most about being at the track?

“I’ll just enjoy seeing all the guys, being around the whole team, and actually being able to compete. Racers aren’t meant to be domesticated like we’ve been the past 90 days or so.

“It’ll be nice to get on the airplane, get to the track, and compete.”