Pirelli Paddock Pass: Anthony Imperato

This week in the Pirelli Paddock Pass, Anthony Imperato reflects on his experiences racing in Pirelli World Challenge this season in selected events with Wright Motorsports, how he got his start in racing, and more.

What was your impression of racing in Pirelli World Challenge this season?

“I had a great time racing in PWC this season with Wright Motorsports. To be on the grid with some of the best drivers in the world, and behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT3 R— you can’t ask for much better than that.

“I’ve only raced in single make series in the past and remember sitting on the grid before the first race at Road America and saying to myself how awesome all these different GT3 cars are.

“It’s a good benchmark to see how far you are off the pros and watch what they do so you can try to learn from it. I hope to be back next season.”

How gratifying was it to take class wins at Watkins Glen?

“To be honest, with the absence of the three most competitive AM drivers that weekend, the wins were not that gratifying.

“I was hoping to see if I could improve my results from the last time out at Road America but we did
not get the chance to.”

What was it like knowing you were with the reigning GT championship team and in Patrick Long’s championship-winning car from 2017?

“I felt no added pressure going into the race weekends knowing what the team and Pat have done in the past. I am always confident and comfortable racing with Wright Motorsports wherever we go.

“We knew diving into these races with no prior testing in the car it wouldn’t be easy. We made the best of it and learned a lot.

“It is a special car for sure which has seen incredibly talented Porsche works drivers behind the wheel. It’s an honor to get to race it.”

Where did your interest in motorsports begin?

“My interest in motorsports probably began later than most in the sport. I started getting into cars as a teenager but never knew anything about racing.  

“I started doing some regular track days in my early 20’s but still never thought about racing. After searching Porsche videos on YouTube I came upon the Porsche GT3 Cup challenge. That really triggered my interest in racing and made me want to go watch a race.

“I searched for races local to me and in 2013 I saw that ALMS was racing at Lime Rock. I attended the race and was blown away.

“A few months later a family friend racing in the challenge club racing series invited me to drive one of their race cars and I was hooked after that. I entered into my first race season that following year; followed by a season of Ferrari Challenge.

“Over those years I always followed the Porsche GT3 Cup series and knew that was where I wanted to eventually go.

“In 2016 I entered my first season with Wright Motorsports and now I’m about to finish my third season this weekend. I love motorsports and I am grateful it is something I get to partake in.”

What are your ultimate goals within the sport?

“My ultimate goals in this sport are to just keep learning and improving every time I’m in the car. I try to do the best I can and to be competitive wherever I go.

“I want to do some endurance racing here in the states but also have interest in doing some Porsche Carrera cup races overseas. We will see what the future holds. Thank you Sportscar365 for the feature!”