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Spec Focus Racer Q&A
Getting to know your Spec Focus Racer
Craig Capaldi
SF: This is a first of a many question and answers of NASA Spec Focus Race Car Drivers. The idea is to get to know more about each of the drivers. Today, we're lucky to have the 2-time NASA National Champion in Spec Focus, Craig Capaldi.
SF: First off Congratulations on winning your 2nd Spec Focus National Championship.
CRAIG: Thank you.
SF: Was 2008 National Championship harder to win then 2007?
CRAIG: Difficulty hasn't changed since the series was created, on any given weekend anyone of the competitors are more than capable of grabbing the top spot. Every race gets harder to win and it seemed as if I had a bulls eye on my back this entire season. The hardest thing was the pressure I had put upon myself to repeat, we all know that in racing there is always a bit of luck involved. My biggest challenge was proving to myself that 2007 wasn't a fluke.
SF: When did you first get involved in racing?
CRAIG: I have grown up at some of the finest race tracks in the country such as Daytona, Road Atlanta, and Mid Ohio to name a few. I personally first got behind a wheel in 2001 with my first drivers school in my Improved Touring Cougar. I campaigned the Cougar a couple of years as well as trying my hand in some local karting.
SF: When was the first time you drove a Spec Focus on the Track?
CRAIG: I got the chance to do a HPDE event and a couple local track days in 2006 in one of my fathers rental SF cars. Since then I've slowly began expanding my schedule.
SF: What surprised you the most about the SF Race car?
CRAIG: The entire package! From the first time in the seat I was amazed by multiple aspects. The brakes are stellar, power is enough to keep you excited but not enough to get yourself in over your head, and the suspension kit is very well balanced which makes the car a blast to drive at the limits.
SF: Do you think the SF is an easy car to start racing with?
CRAIG: Whether your an experienced racer or just getting started, the SF package I believe has to be one of if not the most enjoyable and affordable options at the track these days. The multiple combinations available make it easy for everyone to create a car to there liking. Couple that with a FWD platform and the SF is defiantly a great option to get started in door to door racing.
SF: What's your favorite thing about NASA?
CRAIG: The people and the atmosphere they create. Everyone is on the same team, and that's yours! Everyone is very helpful, informative, and out to make sure you have the safest and most enjoyable experience every weekend.
SF: Most people know you come from a Racing Family background with your father, Leo Capaldi who has raced for 30+ years from everything to Karting to World Challenge Touring Car Racing. But, Have you ever raced against your Leo?
CRAIG: We have never actually raced against each other, we have been out together on open track days a time or two but that's been about it. I've been twisting his arm to do an enduro with my younger brother and myself so we'll see what we do in 09.
SF: Does you dad ever give you tips on how to drive on the track?
CRAIG: That depends if it is one of his cars or my own, his cars he just says don't hurt anything and take it easy! When I'm in my own car he has given me a tip or two. In all actuality he has always been a big help and believe it or not someone I still look up to. Biggest thing that sticks in my mind was the 2007 Nationals. It was the first time I used a in-car radio as I had always been against it, as I proceeded to overdrive the car I heard his voice "Your in the lead....be smooth and just hit your marks". Ever since then my consistency and overall outlook at a race has been greatly improved.
SF: During those time with Leo at World Challenge Touring Car racing, What was it like being a Crew Chief for Leo?
CRAIG: As every racer knows, the hardest thing is being on the other side of the pit wall, especially when its your father. It was still an amazing experience learning the business end of motorsports through a professional atmosphere. Knowing all late nights and weekends spent to bring a privateer effort to such a professional series was all anyone could ask for as I watched Leo on track.
SF: What do you do for Leo Capaldi Racing now besides racing a Spec Focus?
CRAIG: You name it and I do it. As a family business everyone has to do a little bit of everything. I come from a CAD background so I do a little in house CAD, installs, racecar builds, chassis set-up, and basic wrenching. Everyone here has their own set of specialties and we all chip in to help each other learn what we need to be on the top of our game.
SF: What are your future goals in racing?
CRAIG: My biggest goal is to continue having fun and keeping my family involved. I haven't had Roger Penske of Jack Roush knocking my door down as of late so as long as I'm having fun you'll continue to see me at the track. Ideally I would like to get myself in a Mustang or a KONI Challenge ST car in the near future, we'll have to see how things play out.
SF: What type of racing do you enjoy to watch on TV?
CRAIG: Everything that has 4 wheels! I enjoy the winter months most when Speed Channel airs the BTCC and the European Touring cars.
SF: Thank you for answering these questions, best of luck to you for the up and coming season.
CRAIG: Thank you.
