GX Catches Up With Vitor Meira

May 26, 2008
By Christian Anderson
Indianapolis, IN

Recently GX got to catch up with Vitor Meira, driver of the No.4 National Guard Indy car, after placing second in the prestigious Indianapolis 500. We got to chat with Vitor about the life of a racecar driver, fitness and the National Guard. Be sure to watch the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 25 to cheer Vitor on, who qualified to start the race in eighth spot.

GX: What’s it like to race in the Indy Racing League?

VM: It’s really a thrill. I’ve been racing for a long time, and I never imagined I’d end up in IndyCars. I used to dream about Formula One, but being a part of the Indianapolis 500, which is the greatest race in the world, is beyond what I imagined.

GX: How do you feel racing for the Army National Guard in the No. 4 Guard car?

VM: It’s an honor. I tell all the soldiers that come to the track to watch us, that if I do my job half as good as they do their job, our race team will be in victory lane every weekend. I’ve learned a lot being around the Citizen Soldiers every weekend. I’m proud to represent those men and women and bring their message to a new audience of people. I’ve got over 300,000 new fans that I have to race for every weekend.

GX: Which tracks are your favorite? Do you like the oval tracks for high speed or the road tracks for the hairpin turns?

VM: Obviously the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the greatest track in the world, but I like tracks wherever my car is good. Ovals are a lot of fun when your car is handling well, but when it’s not, you’re usually in for a long day. I grew up on road courses and I’ve always enjoyed racing on that type of circuit.

GX: What’s it like to drive over 200 miles per hour? Is it hard to transition from racetrack to driving around town?

VM: I remember the first time I drove an IndyCar in a test with Panther Racing; I couldn’t believe the speed. I also couldn’t believe that they ran on oval tracks with other cars out there. But it slows down for you and you learn how to drive at those speeds. Unfortunately, the crashes are when you notice the speed the most.

GX: Do you ever look back on your start in racing as a teenager and feel amazement at how you have come so far and achieved all this success?

VM: All the time. I’m very lucky to do this for a living.

GX: Is it fun to travel around the country and the world, doing what you love?

VM: It’s great, but working with the people at Panther make it even better. Plus, when you have the support of Delphi and the National Guard, it helps us do our job the right way.

GX: How does physical fitness play in your racing performance? Do you still race triathlons?

VM: The fitness aspect is huge in racing. I haven’t raced in a triathlon recently, but I still work out for a few hours everyday. I work with Tim Drudge from St. Vincent Sports Performance Center here in Indianapolis, and he’s got me in the best shape of my life.

GX: Do you practice racing during the week?

VM: We really can’t. I can only practice when I’m with the team at the racetrack. But I work out every day to keep up physically with what I have to do on the weekends. We review race tapes, in-car camera film and those types of things. We’ve always trying to figure out a way to be faster the next weekend.

GX: What do you do to relax and take time for yourself?

VM: I play video games, hang around the house and spend time with my wife. I don’t do anything crazy like some racecar drivers. I watch Family Guy a lot, Curb Your Enthusiasm on HBO and lots of racing stuff. I play racing games on PlayStation 3.

GX: If you could give a shout out to the Soldiers of the Guard, what would you say?

VM: Wow. I wish those guys understood the amount of respect I have for them. They have such a huge role in Iraq and Afghanistan, but at the same time they’re protecting those of us here in the United States everyday. Some of you guys might be fans of IndyCar racing, but I’m a fan of yours.