Santino Ferruci has had some strong finishes in the Indy 500 driving for a number of different teams both part-time and full-time. This year he’s full-time with AJ Foyt Racing. We had the opportunity to chat with him at the 2023 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach press luncheon. He’s very down-to-earth and honest in his approach to racing. He talks with us about his preparation for Long Beach and gives us his insight preparing for the Indy 500. He also fills us in on how simulation work is key to being ready to go fast right away. Enjoy!
NOTE: Santino Ferruci would go on to finish 11th at Long Beach after starting 18th. He put a huge smile on AJ Foyt’s face when he nearly won the Indy 500! He ultimately finished third.
By Larry Mason
Copyright © 2023 Larry Mason
Santino Ferruci waves to the fans just prior to the 2023 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.
Ferruci’s helmet design looks like a party in the big city!
Early in the weekend the clean and pristine AJ Foyt Racing Dallara Chevy of Santino Ferruci heads through the tricky Turn 10.
The hairpin radius at Long Beach matches the top of the logo of his major sponsor!
Ferruci is right on the mark for his apex at the fountain of the Long Beach circuit. This precision driving helped him move forward markedly in the race.
Ready for launch; Ferruci is riding the curb hard in Turn 5 hitting the apex perfectly. This curb hopping will lead to some “air time” momentarily.
Ferruci’s car is resplendent in the stars and stripes at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as it crosses the famed “yard of bricks” during practice for the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”–photo credit to: INDYCAR Photo
Ferruci isn’t shy about going for it at Indianapolis. Here he’s squeezed tight to the wall as the top three finishers cross the yard of bricks at this year’s “500.”–photo credit to: INDYCAR Photo
Interview and photos Copyright © by Larry Mason (unless otherwise noted)