Where are you from and where did you grow up?
Rochester, NY
How did you get involved in the sport of rally?
I was always into action sports like snowboarding and mountain biking. I love the thrill of going fast over stuff and trying to maintain control on the fly. Especially over unknown terrain. I suppose it’s because I like surprises. There is always something right around the corner. Those sports also submerged me deep into nature, something I also love. One day a friend’s little brother told me about Rally, so I ran off and bought a car and started competing. I started easier with autocross, rallycross and TSD. Later, I began competing in hillclimbs and stages.
What made you want to be a driving instructor?
I have always been blessed with people who are good mentors. Those people have helped me live a very happy life. I was interested in sharing my knowledge of something I knew a lot about and that made me happy. I wanted to be able to show other people how to find happiness through the sport of rally.
What made you choose DirtFish over any other driving school?
Aside from all of the standard work benefits, I would say the large volume of folks who come through our programs. They’re all very interesting and come from all walks of life, from young to old and laborers to millionaire executives. They are all brought together to this sort of pinnacle point by racing cars. Once here, it’s all about the driving. It blows my mind in a strange way… so basically my mind is blown every day and I like it.
And, why rally over other motorsports?
Because it’s badass. You’re constantly testing yourself and trying to solve problems in a very, very short amount of time. You are required to solve all sorts of complex problems; only it’s at 100 mph with a cliff on one side. Talk about consequences!
What do you like to do in your free time?
Go fast over other stuff on things. Hang with my wife and kids. Recently I’ve taken up the drums and guitar.
Do you compete in any type of racing? If so, what series do you compete in? What kind of car do you race?
I’m pure Rally. My current Rally car is a 1976 BMW 2002.
What is your racing history and background? How long have you been racing?
I’ve been racing since 2000, so about 18 years. I have competed in autocross, rallycross, TSD, ice racing, hillclimbs, track days, and of course stage rallies. I’m sure there some other stuff in there that I’m missing.
What kind of car do you drive daily?
A Dodge Ram 1500.
What kind of jams do you listen to while you’re cruising to work in the morning?
I’ve been all about Psychic Ills recently. Mostly the Scientist and King Tubby in the summertime.
What else should the DirtFish fans know about you?
There’s probably a lot more that they SHOULDN’T know.
