The Channel Grill - Nick Cassidy
Speed Freak
17 year old ex-Westlake Boys High School student Nick Cassidy is one of New Zealand’s hottest motor racing prospects. He is currently competing for Giles Motorsport in the Toyota Racing Series, New Zealand’s premier motor racing division. Nick was the 2011 Toyota Racing Series Rookie of the Year and is tipped for much bigger things in the sport. The 2012 International Toyota Racing Series started with a round at Invercargill in mid-January and has included race meets at Timaru and Taupo during January with concluding rounds being held at Hampton Downs (Auckland) and Manfield (near Palmerston North) in early February. Channel Magazine’s Aidan Bennett put young Nick under the Channel Grill in early January.
AIDAN BENNETT: What are your plans now that you have left Westlake Boys to pursue your motor racing career?
NICK CASSIDY: For 2012 now that I have left school, I will be putting a lot of effort in off the track to pursue my career. This starts from a preparation point of view, being fully organised to minimise the stress and mistakes that could happen on a race weekend. I believe that while I was at school I didn’t have enough time for this area, and suffered as a result, so that’s something I am wanting to improve on in 2012. As the higher levels of racing are much more physical, the demands on the driver become much higher also, so I need to focus a lot on my physical training this year. It isn’t as preparation for the cars I am racing now, but for the years to come as I need to be ready for any opportunity that may arise.
AB: You recently had some test drives in Europe – Spain and Italy. This must have been a great experience?
NC: It was an amazing experience. I was driving against some of Europe’s best young drivers, which provided an awesome bench mark. Saying that though, it is this caliber that we will have in the Toyota Racing Series this year so it was good to see what the competition will be like. I tested for the Ferrari Driver Academy in Italy, and the knowledge I gained from engineers and driver coaches was invaluable – something I will be able to take with me into this year’s series.
AB: Greg Murphy has been mentoring you a bit lately. How has he been helping?
NC: Greg has been a huge help. Towards the end of 2011 I was invited to do two races in the Development V8 Supercars Series in Australia, through the help of Greg and his team. It wasn’t just about driving, but I had a lot to learn in all aspects. I had to understand and learn the cars, but also how to stay cool when things weren’t going my way and make the most of the situation I was given.
AB: What makes you so good at making cars go fast?
NC: I still have a lot to learn! Certainly over the years it has been emphasised to me that I need to learn and understand vehicle dynamics to apply to my racing, and I believe that has certainly helped me in terms of getting used to cars quickly. I am at a stage now where everyone puts in a lot of effort though, so I won’t be giving too much away.
AB: Who inspires you to be the best?
NC: My parents have always inspired me. At the end of the day I do it because I have a passion for it, and my parents support me as a result. But my Father has always said that if I do something I should do it properly, so I need to apply as much effort as possible and the next 12 months or so will be the most important in my career.
AB: Who is your motor racing idol?
NC: The late Jason Richards. The determination and yet positive outlook that Jason had on life was incredible, someone who worked so hard in all aspects of the sport. Not only a champion on the track, but off as well, and I think that is something that us young guys need to aspire to as its not only about driving that makes you successful in our sport.
AB: The best track you have raced on so far?
NC: The best track I would have raced on would be Mugello, Italy. It is a track that is owned by Ferrari, and the facilities and layout are amazing. It has a lot of elevation, and you really need to be on your game to be fast. Technical but enjoyable.
AB: Ever worry about the dangers of top level motor racing?
NC: Not at all. As the series’ are now so competitive, the level of concentration and focus is so high that you don’t really think about that. The speeds are very high, but the cars now are also a lot safer than even 10 years ago.
AB: What will you miss most about New Zealand if you achieve your dream of living and racing in Europe?
NC: I think I will miss friends and family a lot, but at the end of the day I am prepared to make sacrifices for my dream. I have been preparing and working as hard as I can nearly my whole life for an opportunity, and if I was to go to Europe for one year I would need to be fully focused and make the most of it. At the moment it is make or break, so for sure I will miss things but it will be better in the long run.
AB: What are your other interests away from motor racing?
NC: Lately I have really started to enjoy both Tennis and Golf. I admit I’m not very good but I enjoy playing with friends and family. Now that Motor Racing is so full on, I definitely don’t mind chilling out with a few mates at the beach and having a break once in a while.
AB: Complete the following...
NC: In 10 years time I want to be... Driving in Formula One. It is a high goal but like Toyota say, “if you can dream it you can do it!”. It requires a lot of work over the next couple of years and once there the work load won’t decrease, but I am doing all I can to make my self prepared and give myself the best opportunity.
Visit: www.nickcassidy.co.nz
Doing what I love doing
