Meet our Driver: EJ Viso

20 Questions with EJ

What was the first race you attended as a kid?

In 1990, I went to the GT De Las Americas in Venezuela with my dad. I was very young, and soon after I started racing myself.

Where was your first race, in what type of race car and how did you do?

In 1992, I was 7 years old, my dad and I entered a mini go-kart race in Venezuela and I won! After that we were hooked!

What has been your greatest moment as a race car driver? And your worst?

The best would probably have to be the first time I drove the F1 car in Silverstone for Spyker, it was amazing! Without a doubt my worst moment was my big crash which was at Magny-Cours in GP2.

Who is the toughest driver against whom you have competed?

My teammate in karting as well as in Formula Renault, Lewis Hamilton, was a fierce competitor.

Which other driver do you admire most? Why?

Michael Schumacher- because he knew how to get to the top and stay there.

Do you have any superstitions or rituals at the race track?

I have many…I always put on my right shoe and glove first, get in the car from the right side, and get out from the left. I always have a cross on my helmet underneath the visor...also right before the race I hit the steering wheel in
a specific way every time. I’m sure there’s more, but they all seem so normal to me now, it’s all part of a routine.

What do you take with you on the road to make it feel more like home?

My I-pod and speakers.

What is your favorite part of a race weekend?

Just before the start of the race when the lights are on and your heart rate is high and you’re just waiting to launch the car…

What is your least favorite part of a race weekend?

When it’s over and everyone packs up to go home.

What is your ideal day off?

Training on the beach, but relaxing at the same time, kite surfing, kayaking, cycling, running swimming, basically anything outdoors.

What sports do you play for fun?

All of the above, anything outdoors but I don’t play any ‘stick and ball’ sports.

What is your favorite kind of music? Your favorite group/band?

Just depends on the mood I’m in, I listen to certain music when I feel like relaxing, and certain music when I’m feeling energized and pumped up. I couldn’t even begin to just name one band that’s my favorite…

What is your favorite movie/film of all time?

I l Padrino.

Do you have any pets? If so, what?

I have 2 Rottweilers (Diablo and Diva) and one snake, Tracy, a boa constrictor (no, she’s not named after Paul Tracy).

What was your first road car?

Toyota Yaris

What road cars do you have now?

Mercedes Class E 55

If money was no object, what road car would you like to own?

I really like the Hummer H1, the older one that the military used.

Do you ever get road rage?

No, when I’m driving on the street I don’t even notice if someone cuts me off.

What would you be doing if you were not a race driver?

I think I would like to be in the military, like a special ops force like the SWAT team or Navy SEALS or something like
that…

How many languages do you speak?

3 ½ (English, Spanish, Italian, and some Portuguese)