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| Driver News - Colin Fleming |
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 | Colin Fleming
(Photo courtesy Skip Barber Racing) |
Editor’s note: Although this was a personal e-mail to some of Colin Fleming’s contacts here in the US, I found it interesting and wanted to share it with the readers of EKN news. It was nice to receive an update from him, particularly to realize what a life changing experience he’s going through this season as a Red Bull driver.
The thrill for Colin started last September after he was one of three kart racers selected to advance as part of the Red Bull Drivers Search program. While it’s a dream come true for many, you can see the reality beginning to sink in as Colin describes below. He only talks briefly about his training program, but I know that there for a while, it was an eight hour, six day work week with a grueling program designed only to build stamina. It makes the typical 45 minutes to one-hour routine seem insignificant.
Add to this reality, the difficult time it must be to live in a foreign country so different from the US; away from your friends, family and familiar surroundings that provide comfort. Over there, many don’t know Colin from squat – he’s just another driver trying to move up in the ranks to them. As Danica Patrick mentioned to me last summer, the hardest part for her while in Europe was building relationships as well.
It’s difficult, at best, to be a youth in today’s world, much less be in a situation such as this. It appears; however, that he’s making the most of it and willing to do whatever it takes. Who knows, he just might “sweep” his way to the top. I’m sure there are many of us here in the US hoping it will happen for him.
And, if he happens to travel home via Ekartingnews on the world-wide web, we miss him too.
-RMB
Letter from Colin – February 22, 2004
Hi all -
I just wanted to give you all a quick update before it all starts. I have been in Switzerland for the past week while we put the finishing touches on the car. My relationship with the team gets better by the day and I feel that I have impressed them quite a bit since we began working together. Since I officially moved to Europe in early January, my entire life has revolved around training and preparation. Working with Red Bull’s trainer has not only improved my fitness level but has upped my confidence substantially and confidence in racing…well it is what separates the men from the boys.
One thing that has put me at a disadvantage is the fact that I have never worked with a professional race team. The past two years in the Barber Dodge system have taught me pretty much everything I know, now I must learn how to establish a relationship with a team owner, engineers, mechanics, etc. I have been very active in the workshop, literally washing windows, sweeping the floors, doing whatever I can to help. Every member on the team has mentioned that I am the first race driver they have seen doing this type of thing, I think it is working in my favor.
I have about 10 days in the car before the first race, by that time I should have a good handle on the car and will be able to concentrate on winning. I have learned enough German to get around and have made some good friends. This has helped tremendously because I have to admit I was going crazy spending my life in the gym/apartment.
On the business side of things, I am in the process of signing a manager, I have always handled the sponsorship/public relations aspects myself but I found it taking my focus away from the actual racing. I can not reveal who he is as of yet, but he has worked with some big names in open wheel racing and should be able to take my career to another level. He has Formula 1 ties and will introduce me to some very important people.
On another note, the Barber Dodge Pro Series, where I competed last year has decided to take a sabbatical from racing this year, I am grateful for this Red Bull program or I might have been on the sidelines this year. The crew at Skip Barber are great people and I wish them luck in what will be a difficult season for open wheel racing, hopefully we will see a revamped series in 2005.
I leave for the first official Renault test tomorrow, in the meantime, I love hearing from all of you, wish me luck and keep me updated; hope all is well.
Colin Fleming
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