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Life in the fast lane
Jimmy Vasser talks about fast cars and caring for kids
by Brion O'Connor
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 Jimmy Vasser's quiet, even temperament belies the fact that he makes his living at roughly 170 miles per hour. Racing formula automobiles is a nerve-wracking, white-knuckle profession that penalizes lapses in concentration or judgment harshly, in terms of races lost, sponsorship money squandered and the risk of physical injury. Yet Vasser, as though in the eye of a hurricane, remains calm and alert in this dizzying proving ground, the result of lessons learned and skills developed during 27 years behind the wheel of a race car. And he wins.
Vasser, who competes in the bright red cars of Target/Chip Ganassi Racing, is one of the most successful drivers on the CART (Championship Auto Racing Team) circuit, bumping tires with the likes of Michael Andretti, Christian Fittipaldi, Paul Tracy, Al Unser Jr., and Gil de Ferren. Foremost among Vasser's talents is his knack for finishing, and finishing in the money. He has been among the top three drivers in the FedEx Championship Series for three years in a row, highlighted by his 1996 overall title.
"One of the most important things I learned at the various levels I raced at was, you can't win if you don't finish," he says. "A great team attitude, a tremendous car, the series' best sponsors and some good luck are just a few of the reasons this team has achieved so many amazing accomplishments."
Add understatement to his list of personality traits. By the completion of the 1998 season, Vasser had compiled points-paying finishes in 53 of his past 63 starts, dating from 1995 at Milwaukee. After his first $1 million payday (at the U.S. 500) and championship in 1996, Vasser dueled with teammate and good friend Alex Zanardi, who took back-to-back titles while Vasser finished third in 1997 and second in 1998. Still, the pair made Target/Chip Ganassi the first team to win three consecutive PPG Cups since 1981-1983. With rookie sensation Juan Montoya as his new teammate, Vasser is pushing for an unprecedented fourth team title in 1999. It is a record of accomplishment that has marked Vasser's steady rise through the ranks of racing, which started when he first got behind the wheel of a quarter midget at age six.
Just prior to the 1999 season, Vasser signed a new three-year deal with Target/Ganassi, ensuring that he'll continue to be a force on the circuit. A well-rounded athlete, the 33-year-old Vasser also enjoys golfing, snowboarding, skiing, classic car restoration, and, simply mowing the lawn. We couldn't get word, however, on the modified tractor mower he uses at his Las Vegas home.
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On audio: Meet race car driver and CART superstar, Jimmy Vasser.
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Jimmy Vasser
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