AH: All things considered that sounds like a pretty good deal. What are your thoughts on the series in general?
MP: The series is a great concept and is already very impressively run in its first year. Volkswagen is really doing something unprecedented in North America. For American race fans, think IROC level parity among cars. The series is based on a platform that has been successful for over a decade in Europe, the Polo Cup. Even so, this series is a hybrid version of any previous development racing series. First off these are clean diesel racecars that surpass environmental standards and get great gas mileage. VW is not directly trying to make money on the series unlike most development series, they just want to promote clean diesel technology and in the process help young racers like myself offset the costs associated with pro racing through their manufacturing process.
AH: How are things going with the championship? Do you still have a shot at it?
MP: The crash was a real downer, but I am just trying claw back up into the points chase. I still think I can win the 8 race Championship even with a DNF, although everyone else tells me I'm nuts. I consider myself fortunate to still be fourth in the points after being given a string of bad luck. I won the opening round at VIR with no issues. Then at Mosport I had a flat on the first lap of qualifying and had to start in the back. It rained as the race started and we were on slicks. There were only 5 laps of green flag racing because of safety concerns and I went from 23rd to 8th. At Portland I qualified on the pole and had the fast race lap, but the crash with 2 laps to go got me a DNF. I missed our only practice session at Lime Rock because a water hose busted on the out lap. I later qualified 3rd in a session cut in half because of tire chunking issues. I had the fast race lap, but finished second. If not for race 3, I could be leading the points with a small cushion, but for now I have to play catch up.
AH: What are your future goals for racing?
MP: I am 25 and sort of viewing this as one of my last chances to make a statement as a young driver. I have never had a stage as big as this one to showcase my talent, so I am trying my best to seize the opportunity. As for the future, my dream is to make a living in motor sports racing. Whether it is road racing or circle track racing, I can't think of a better day at work than behind the wheel. Point blank, when somebody asks me what I do for a living I hope to say I race cars.
AH: But in the meantime what is your daily grind?
MP: I do have a backup plan. I am an accountant and in the final semester of getting my graduate degree in Accounting. The military has given me the capability to do all these things with educational benefits. When not working at my day job, my dad, brother, and I are at the shop working on our Miatas.
AH: An accountant?! Any advice for racers looking to write off their racing expenses?
MP: Look into starting a racing business. Create an S Corporation so personal income can roll through into your racing business to help launch the idea. I do a couple race rentals a year and sell some setup and maintenance services. You have to show a profit after a few years, but initially you can use personal income to start up without being taxed. If you think racing is too expensive, try doing the work yourself and give it some time, you would be surprised at the helping hands you'll find if you look for them.
Well there you have it folks. If you want to race, don't give up your dreams. And if you start to make it and need to write off some expenses, look up Mark Pombo. This guy really knows what he's doing.
By Andy Hope
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