I personally have been a huge fan of Gary's all the way back from my days at TMR M'Zine! I was excited when his 2007 season ended with a championship. It was an amazing year for Gardella Racing and something tells me that 2008 could top last year! Gary has a lot going on in 2008. Make sure to keep an eye out here for updates and more inside stories.
We took a few minutes to get inside Gary's head and look forward to 2008. Here's what he had to say:
GM - Gary, you had an amazing 2007 race season. How do you feel coming off such a huge season for yourself and your team? And what did 2007 mean to you personally?
Gary "We are proud of our '07 accomplishments." It was the first season we ran the purpose-built Cobalt and the team came back from behind the pack to take the championship." The success we saw in 2007 makes me push my team and myself that much harder so we can try and maintain the lead position in Pro Fwd."
GM - It didn't take long for you to jump into plans for 2008. We've heard that you are gearing up and getting ready for the 2008 season. What are you looking forward to the most?
Gary - "I have a great crew in place for '08." We have been working hard preparing for the season. The off-season is my favorite part of racing; making upgrades to the cars for consistency and reliability." Once all of the labor is done, we head down south to do some testing to see if the upgrades have worked out." Since this is the second season we are running the Red Bull Cobalt, we are looking forward to seeing how fast these FWD's can really go."
GM - What's next for Gary Gardella in racing?
Gary -" On the drag side we are coming out with a two-car team, in Pro FWD and Hot Rod. We will be running for two national championships. Unlike in '07, the Hot Rod Cobalt will be running a complete race series." Also, we are expanding into drifting for 2008." The team has contracted driver, Ryan Tuerck and we have put together what we feel is a very competitive team."
GM - Is your passion to race as strong as it was 8 years ago when you really started to make some moves?
Gary -" I think that it is stronger." I enjoy every type of racing." As I gain experience and knowledge, I work to find ways that I can be involved in as many aspects and kinds of racing that I can." Right now, I have my head set on getting involved in time attack and karting." But the same as 8 years ago, when I have a weekend off, you can find me at a local Sport Compact Event."
GM - I'm sure you heard about the new 2008 Cobalt SS and the nice engine platform it will be coming with. What are your thoughts on that, and are you looking forward to jumping behind the seat of one of those suckers?
Gary - "Yeah I can't wait to drive the '08 Cobalt SS." GM is offering a great package to the Sport Compact enthusiasts." The SS is the right car for anyone who is looking to have a ride with both speed and style." Just take a look at some of the factory upgrades that GM has to offer!"
GM - Last year you raced an airplane! What kind of wild things can we expect from you and your sponsors this year?
Gary - "Racing an airplane was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but we are working on some projects that may be just as exciting and interesting in '08." We are always brainstorming on how we can top that one!"
GM â If Gary Gardella were a car, what kind of car would he be?
Gary - "If I were a car I would be a Pro Stock Chevy Cobalt." At every NHRA event it seemed that a Chevy Cobalt was in the final elimination rounds in '07. In racing it is not always about winning, it is about consistency and being there at the end."
GM - Any last words for those ECOtec race fans out there?
Gary - "Make it out to your local Sport Compact events. This is an opportunity where you can ask as many questions as possible about the Ecotec." There are very knowledgeable people and you will find that almost anything can be answered; so donât be nervous to approach someone in the pit area." In '08, from drag to drift you will see an Ecotec battling to win rounds and the championship! Make sure to checkout www.gardellaracing.com to keep updated on how the season unfolds.
