Interview with Connor De Phillippi
As part of our '90 Seconds with...' feature we spoke to Connor De Phillippi. At the age of 4 Connor wasn’t asking for a Tonka Truck or a Matchbox car, his toy came with a real engine and tires that needed changing. After seeing a neighborhood boy driving a go-kart on his street, he knew he needed to have one of his own. On his 5th Birthday Connors dream came true, when his grandfather got him his very own Tony Kart with a 50cc Comer engine. His foot hit the accelerator for the first time and hasn’t let off since.
What would you be if not a racing driver?
If I weren’t a racing driver, I would like to be an Entrepreneur. From a young age I’ve always wanted to own my own business. Restaurants and Sports Nutrition would be the two areas that I have interest in.
Do you have any pre-race superstitions?
Previously I used to be very superstitious, but that has somewhat dwindled away. A few things that remain part of my pre-race ritual would be always putting I put my left glove on first, and always tightening my right shoulder strap down last.
What is your favourite racing circuit?
Hmm.. Favorite racing circuit. It kind of depends on in which way I enjoy it. As far as pure driving, I would have to say Monaco because I absolutely love street-circuits and when you put a lap together there on the limit it feels incredible. When it comes to tracks that are amazing to drive, but also have fantastic ‘race-ability’ I would have to say Spa-Francorchamps and Road America.
Who do you admire the most?
The most important person I look up to would definitely be my Grandfather. He is a racer and an amazing business man that supported me from the very beginning. If it was not for him, there is no possible way I would have made it to this point in my career. As far as athletes I admire, I would say I have always looked up to Alex Zanardi. In my opinion he is a world class athlete and human in every aspects.
Favourite food?
When it comes to food, I’m just a massive fan of it in general! I guess I would have to say Mexican food and Italian food are my top two. I could live off of that for the rest of my life without any complaints.
Which other series would you like to race in?
My 2016 season plans are pretty hard to beat. If I were to choose another series, I would definitely like to race in either the FIA World Endurance Championship or the complete Blancpain Endurance/Sprint Series.
What road car do you drive?
I currently drive my first and only road car I’ve ever owned. A Mazdaspeed 3! It is an absolute blast. I believe in the EU it’s known as the Mazda 3 MPS.
Most memorable racing moment?
I’ve been fortunate to have quite a few great moments in my career. If I were to narrow it down to one moment, I would have to say winning the Walter Hayes Trophy race at Silverstone in 2009. It was my first experience in Europe, first ever race in a Formula Ford and first time racing a formula car in the rain. And to come out on top still makes me smile just writing about it..!
Do you have any tattoo’s, if so what and where (be honest!)?
Negative! I don’t have any tattoo’s...... at the moment.
The 2016 Hankook 24 Hours of Dubai proved to be a career-enhancing weekend for Connor De Phillippi. Throughout the entire 24 hours, the media named De Phillippi the star of the race due to his impressive performance behind the wheel of his Land Motorsport Audi R8 LMS. We wish Connor all the best in 2016 in the VLN series and at the Nurburgring 24 hour race. For more information on Connor please click on his logo.
