Catching Up with Scott Goodyear

We caught up with the new F4 U.S. and F3 Americas Race Director Scott Goodyear. The 11-time Indianapolis 500 starter and former ABC color commentator chatted about his plans for the upcoming season, his time behind the wheel and even called out a current F3 driver for a racing challenge.

Read what Scott had to say (in italics) below:

1. What part of the job are you most looking forward to?  

Watching young drivers develop and gain confidence behind the wheel. We have assembled a terrific team of Stewart’s this year who are passionate about racing and helping young drivers grow as drivers behind the wheel.  

2. What do you feel will be the biggest challenge for 2019?

To have the young drivers fresh out of Karting understand that racing a car is a big step up from a kart. Cars are heavier and take longer to stop, they don’t turn as quickly and it’s not as easy to change direction as it is in a kart. 

3. What tracks are you looking forward to visiting?  

We have a good blend of tracks to compete at in 2019. I think whoever is going to be Champion in their class will need to not only be fast, but also need to be very disciplined and have a lot of patience. 

4. What was your most memorable moment of your racing career?  

A lot of people would expect me to say the 1992 Indy 500, or Indy Car race wins, but for me as a driver, it was winning Pole at the CART Indy Car Race at Phoenix International Raceway. Breaking Rick Mears track record and having Mario Andretti start beside me on the front row was an honor. 

5. What  knowledge have you learned along the way do you think will be most helpful or that you’ll pass down to F4 drivers?  

Patience, learn the traits of your competitors, follow how the track will change throughout the day and over the weekend, work with your engineer to make your car better each session, and eat sleep the business if you want to succeed. Our entire team is anxious to share our knowledge and experience with all the drivers this year. 

6. What intrigues you most about the new Ligier JS F3 car?  

The F3 car is fast, sexy and the perfect step for young drivers to continue to hone their skills to become a professional driver. We are very fortunate to have the F3 formula here in America. 

7. Your son Michael started out in the inaugural season of F4, what is he up to now?  

Michael loved his time behind the wheel of an F4 car. He continued on and raced a BMW Touring car in Canada, winning at his favorite track, Mosport Park. Michael graduated from Ball State University this past spring with an accounting degree. He is now training to become a commercial pilot as he loves flying. 

8. Who was your racing hero growing up? Why?

Gilles Villeneuve. He was making his mark in F1 when I started racing cars. He arrived on the F1 scene and everyone took notice, including Enzo Ferrari. Ferrari hired him to drive for his team. Unfortunately Gilles career was cut short by an accident that took his life.

9. Do you have any other hidden talents other than racing and talking on camera?  

I enjoy working on cars and doing home remolding when time permits. When I’m home I try and take in my kids sports where ever they may be competing. 

10. Who do you think could do a lap around Sebring faster in the Honda Civic Type-R pace car, you or F4 Champion Dakota Dickerson?

Oh, experience trumps youth in this case. Not to worry, I’d be kind to him, ha ha. Now, if we have to get in a single seater and do a complete race distance, I’d be left way behind.

The F3 Americas season starts April 3-5 at Barber Motorsports Park Supporting the NTT IndyCar Series