The latest Racers at Home series article saw me ask IMSA WeatherTech racer Colin Braun some questions. Braun is a legend of American sportscar racing. He is a three-time Rolex 24 class winner and has enjoyed success in series as varied as Nascar and Global Rallycross.
Braun enjoyed a long partnership with amateur driver Jon Bennett at CORE Autosport. They secured back-to back LMPC titles in 2014-15 before stepping up to the main Prototype class in 2018. They came within three points of the overall title in their debut season. For 2020 he joined DragonSpeed to win the LMP2 class, and is projected to return to the Le Mans 24 Hours for the first time since 2007.
Q1) First of all, where have you been spending the lockdown?
I have been spending that at my home in Charlotte, NC!
Q2) How have you been filling your time?
I have been spending it staying in shape, my trainer Trey Shannon from Podium Performance has created some great at home work outs, and I am lucky to have my own home gym – as well as a lot of cycling! Plus getting into the SIM scene a bit has consumed some serious time!
Braun has experienced success in many categories, but has really made his name in sportscar racing. Here he is is celebrating one of three Rolex 24 victories back in 2014. Photo: Motorsport.com
Q3) How did you assess the Rolex 24 with the DragonSpeed team?
I was really thrilled, the entire team did a great job and it was a total team effort win!
Q4) How have your racing plans for 2020 been affected by Covid-19?
Well I think fortunately for the racing community most of our events have been postponed and not cancelled, so certainly some schedule changes but other than that I am glad to know we can all look forward to getting back to the track here, hopefully, soon and safely!
Q5) Have you been joining the online sim racing trend recently?
Yes I have been getting back into that scene, it is tough – lots of little tricks and things to go fast on the SIM vs real life but I am learning and having fun!
Q6) What has been your career highlight to date in your career?
Man tough, winning the 24 Hours of Daytona 3 times is pretty darn special! Also though my NASCAR Truck series win in Michigan was really special!
Braun has found success in many categories, including this Nascar Camping World Truck Series win at Michigan in 2009. Photo: Geoff Burke/Getty Images
Q7) What is your favourite race track and why?
I love Mosport – such an amazing track – great rhythm and flow! Very fast and full commitment in the prototype cars – just an amazing feeling to be on the limit there!
Q8) What is the biggest thing you miss about racing?
I miss the feeling in the car of being on the limit the most! A close second is all the great people in the sport, so fun to be able to get down to work with a lot of motivated and focused people pushing towards the goal of winning!
That wraps up my chat with Colin, my sincerest thanks go to him for giving up the time to answer these questions! Follow Colin on Twitter here and be sure to check out his website https://colinbraun.com/.
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