Oliver Askew was one of the most successful drivers on the Road To Indy where he won multiple championships (USF2000 and Indy Lights) and earned his way into the NTT IndyCar Series. Unfortunately a shunt at Indy caused a concussion and ultimately a job loss at his previous race team. In 2021, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing picked him up for the final three races and Askew produced with a superb Firestone Fast Six qualifying spot (5th) the weekend before the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. We caught up with him in Long Beach and had a nice chat. In this interview Askew talks about how he prepares to go racing at the drop of a hat and the importance of team building from a driver’s perspective.

By Larry Mason Copyright © 2021 Larry Mason Oliver Askew walks down Shoreline Drive just minutes before the 2021 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. Oliver Askew walks down Shoreline Drive just minutes before the 2021 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. Oliver Askew definitely knows how to hustle a race car around a track as shown here attacking the curbing in Turn 1. Oliver Askew definitely knows how to hustle a race car around a track as shown here attacking the curbing in Turn 1. With the advent of wraps for race cars these days, the Rahal Letterman Lanigan team gives Oliver Askew one of the most intricate and colorful sponsor liveries of any car on the grid. Here Askew prepares to muscle his way through the Turn 11 hairpin. With the advent of wraps for race cars these days, the Rahal Letterman Lanigan team gives Oliver Askew one of the most intricate and colorful sponsor liveries of any car on the grid. Here Askew prepares to muscle his way through the Turn 11 hairpin. The beautiful natural colors of nature surrounding the aquarium fountain are mimicked on Askew’s color scheme. The beautiful natural colors of nature surrounding the aquarium fountain are mimicked on Askew’s color scheme. Here Askew is shown leading eventual winner Colton Herta through the fountain area (T3) during the race. In his short NTT IndyCar Series career, Askew has already earned a podium finish. Here Askew is shown leading eventual winner Colton Herta through the fountain area (T3) during the race. In his short NTT IndyCar Series career, Askew has already earned a podium finish. Interview and photos by Larry Mason