Champions Traits Story and photos by Dwight Drum
© 2004-7 Dwight Drum Web work by Larsen & Drum
IndyCar Champions & Contenders
Dan Wheldon Marco Andretti Danica Patrick A.J Foyt IV Ed Carpenter
Champion Traits Quest
Two active seasons in top sanctions gathering nearly 150 answers from highly skilled motorsports racers to one champion-traits question has produced many thoughts and no simple explanation.
The basis behind the single question is looking for a way to measure the complex human ingredients it takes to produce a top sanction champion. If found there would be a mad rush to buy the formula. As we know life and science works in other ways.
That knowledge didn't stop the question or the answers.
One question never needs asking. It takes a very brave person to have the fire to fly on a solid racetrack. The question asked results in many reasons in many minds. The only consolation to this dedicated quest is the more answers, the better.
That said, smart drivers have a bright way of defining what it takes to be the best. Their thoughts are worthy of attention.
THE QUESTION: Do champions have common traits and abilites and if so could you identify a few?
Dan Wheldon
"It's really not the champion, it's what you have surrounding you. I've been fortunate to have Ganassi Racing and Honda backing me. Without good people you can't be a champion.
Any personal trait?
Sometimes when I haven't had the equipment, you get more aggressive.
Marco Andretti
"Yeah. I think one is determination. You got to be able to know how to win. I say that meaning like you take risks but only the necessary ones. Just maximize however the car can finish make sure it gets there rather than take a risk and then risk not even finishing. I think points are key. That's how you make a champion."
Danica Patrick
Common traits, you obviously have to be good. You have to be talented. You have to be determined. You have to have a good blend of aggression and patience, because you have to finish the race if you want to get that far."
Do you feel you have any of those traits?
"I would sure as heck hope so."
A.J Foyt IV
"Common traits and abilities, you know, I'd like to have a couple common traits of my grandfather. He's the best race car driver in the world so to have just half those traits would be nice.
Other champions?
"I think they have the same kind of stuff. You look at Mario, Michael and Marco obviously genes are a good thing in that family for sure. I think it definitely does yeah."
Ed Carpenter
"Obviously they're all winners. It takes a lot of patience to win a championship. I definitely think if you have what it takes to be a champion and if you are in the right situation you're probably be a champion in whatever you do."