Exclusive interview with Tanner Foust about his ERC plans!

2010-03-27

		Who is Tanner Foust? Tanner Foust is a versatile and multi-talented driver known for his supreme car control and a proven track record of podium placements and national championships. He is a two-time Formula Drift champion (2007, 2008), and one of just four drivers to have been invited to every X Games Rally competition, with the Rockstar driver scoring gold in 2007, silver in 2008 and bronze in 2009. He has twice represented Team USA in the annual Race of Champions, teaming with NASCAR star Carl Edwards in 2008 and Travis Pastrana in 2009. His varied race experience also includes multiple seasons of open wheel competition, the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, five Ice Racing championships, a Production Rally Championship title and the SCORE Baja. He also holds class lap records at numerous US road courses in Time Attack. Even if you haven't seen Foust on the track you've likely witnessed his precision car control on TV or the big screen. He was a lead driver in the Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift, Bourne Ultimatum, Dukes of Hazzard, Red Dawn and Iron Man 2, movies, and also handles stunt driving in numerous popular TV shows and commercials.
Foust is currently an on-air host for Supercars Exposed, and was also picked as co-presenter for the US version of the seminal BBC auto show, Top Gear. More infos: tannerfoust.com.

For which reason(s) do you want to compete in the European Rallycross Championship in 2010?

The first European Rallycross race I saw was back in the late 80's or early 90's and there were Volvo 240s and Peugeots racing against each other. I didn't know what the sport was, but it looked like a huge amount of fun. The United States will have its own European-style Rallycross events later this year and I wanted to get out there and learn the sport before it hits big here.

Have you ever seen videos or maps about the tracks where you will drive, for example on our website 'rallycross.hu'? How do you think about them?

On Internet, I have checking out 'google' and differents shared videos of the tracks. The cars are being pushed so hard and the proximity is so close that I don't think learning the track is the difficult part. Understanding the character of the competition and each individual driver is going to be the real challenge.

How do you feel and expect your first Rallycross at Montalegre in Portugal?

I will be in Europe for some testing early next month and I'm excited to be in the car again. It has been developed since the last time I drove it over here for X Games last summer and I'm looking forward to seeing what new stuff the Rockstar Rally Cross team has cooked up.
I'm also looking forward to some one-on-one coaching. Having Andréas Eriksson, one of the best drivers in the series, as my team manager is great.

Who, do you think, are the hardest opponents for you?

I haven't had much of an opportunity to learn who to watch out for yet. The sport isn't televised in the US so it's difficult to see more than what people post up on YouTube. It's a sport where the people involved do it for a while, and they do it well. To be competitive in Europe, you have to go and immerse yourself in a team that has a history and be a student.

What is your relation with Andréas Eriksson?

Andréas Eriksson is a really nice guy - until he puts a helmet on. Then he can be your absolute worst nightmare as a competitor. He's my team manager and I know I can learn a lot from him this season.

You are the first american in ERC. Are you proud of this?

Being the first American to compete in the European Rallycross championship adds a little bit of pressure because people tend to judge based on first impressions. I'm there to learn and I hope to have the chance to evolve as a driver this season.

Does it mean that the victory is a question of prestige or just a challenge for you?

I've always thought that the driving was the coolest part about motorsport and I got into racing cars because I enjoy it. I also enjoy the learning process, the variety of trying different kinds of racing.

What do you think about the fact there is no European style Rallycross in America yet?

It's coming. There are three events planned for this fall and I think it's going to be hugely popular here. It's incredibly entertaining to watch and I think the fans will enjoy it.

Name: Foust Tanner	Natinality: American
Date Of Birth: June 13, 1973	Lives: Dana Point, California
Education: Bachelor of Science Degree EOP Biology / CU Boulder
Daily cars: Toyota Tundra (2010) / BMW M3 (2004)