Allan McNish
Allan McNish
Allan McNishis a British former racing driver, commentator, and journalist from Scotland. He is a three-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, most recently in 2013, as well as a three-time winner of the American Le Mans Series, which he last won in 2007. He won the FIA World Endurance Championshipin 2013. He is also a co-commentator and pundit for BBC Formula One coverage on TV, radio and online...
NationalityBritish
ProfessionRace Car Driver
Date of Birth29 December 1969
miles
I don't do much driving - about 5,000-6,000 miles a year. And most of that is to the airport and to the racing circuits.
difficulty encounter great job learned mechanics might preparing race situations tough
We encountered some difficulties, but nothing that was insurmountable. The mechanics did a great job preparing for things that might come up during the race. I think it's going to be a very tough challenger. I think we've learned that we're not where we need to be. There are so many situations you encounter in a race that you just don't get in testing.
brakes cost entire lap tense
When it's wet, you're much more tense on the steering wheel, you have to dance with the throttle and the brakes more. Each lap is a different scenario, so you're really on the edge of your nerves. One mistake could cost you the entire race.
coming dangerous darkness drivers dropping early either evening feeling morning race sun time twilight
The most dangerous part of the race is early evening and especially early morning. It's the twilight zone. Either you're going into darkness and the sun is dropping down, or you're coming out of the darkness and the sun is coming up. At the same time, you've got new drivers coming in and feeling their way around the circuit.
call dangers extremely living love lucky start thinking time wake work
I just feel we are extremely lucky that when we wake up, we get to go to work and do something we love. Honestly, we can't call it work. We're living the dream, really. If you start thinking about the dangers too much, it's time to stop.
beyond boundaries element involved natural push zone
We're involved in racing because there's that element of competition. But there's that desire to push yourself beyond the natural comfort zone and the boundaries that are preset if you like, and to be better than the rest.
absolutely best flat
My motto is to do everything absolutely flat out and to the best of your ability.
fighting winning reality
As a driver you enjoy winning races, and if you win in the easiest way possible, fine, but in reality we all remember the fights to the end, the nip and tuck stuff.
car waiting ferrari
I clipped a Ferrari, hit the gravel trap at a fair old speed, which lifted the car up into the barrier, and then rolled a few times. I had no injuries or anything - I just had to wait for the marshals to right the car before I could get out.
son car racing
It was not until I started racing for car manufacturers that I found a car I could really get attached to. I am the son of a car dealer, so up until then, cars just came and went.
weekend thinking race
I think music can really affect people's emotions and, when I am about to get into a race car, I definitely listen to music with a good beat - that's when you've got the adrenalin pumping. And the time before you go into a race weekend, you have a lot of emotion and adrenalin, and a lot of focus.
morning believe boys
My very first car was a grey Alfa Romeo Alfasud, which I got in 1987. But, in our family, all cars were for sale - so they might be there in the morning and were gone at night. In the mid-90s, I joined Porsche and the Carrera was the car, and the Carrera 4S was the one they gave me. As a wee boy from Dumfries, I couldn't believe it.
thinking mirrors texting
I think that texting and driving is a 100 percent no-go. I think it should be banned everywhere because you cannot be focused on looking ahead, in the mirrors, being aware of what's around you, and to type on a small keyboard and a small screen.
commitment night focus
To be a racing driver it's essential you have very good eyesight, and that's especially relevant at night. Your senses are heightened, you're travelling over 200mph, you need to focus on that 110-metre braking point and you have to have absolute faith and commitment in your driving.