Everything slows down…the momentum of the engine vibrates through your hands as you turn the key. The 
smooth and powerful vibration charges you. Your heart races as you place your hands on the steering wheel and shift the car into gear. The adrenaline rushes through you as you watch the speedometer escalate. This is what I imagine when I sit behind a steering wheel of a Porsche. It is the simple and subtle design lines and perfected engineering of the Porsche that draws me in. It is what drives my passion and pure fascination with Porsche and the world of motorsports. Through my passion of following Porsche and motorsports, there was one particular driver's story that made an impression on me. His fascination and passion for motorsports turned into a childhood dream which inspired a journey that became his reality.
Patrick Long
Patrick Long is a local southern Californian boy who took on a unique journey at a very young age. He began racing karts at age eight and went on to capture several state and national titles. He became the first American to win an International European karting event in 20 years. In addition, he went on to win 15 WKA Constructor’s Cup series races in a row, placing second in the international North American Karting Championship. Long still holds the highest ranking for finishing position for an American in the series. He moved to France a few years later to make his debut in automobiles.
As a Porsche works driver, Long maintains Porsche values and philosophies of stretching the boundaries and continual improvement on and off the track. He recently received the honor of being named to the American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association’s All-America team for third time in a row. It was not only his commitment on the track that inspired me but off the track as well. He supports Athletes & Entertainers for Kids (AEFK) an organization to help give disadvantaged children a fighting chance for a happy and productive life.
Get to know Patrick Long in this interview by RennTrack.com before the Long Beach Grand Prix. The interview begins at go kart race track, where he began in his career and shares his insight into racing.
Long shares his knowledge and provides wonderful insight into what it takes to be a professional race car driver. Like any sport, racing is a wonderful medium that requires skill, knowledge, form, talent, passion, and competitiveness. If Patrick Long can achieve his dream, his career reigns as testimony that yours can too.
- Is there a professional race car driver that you can relate to?
- That motives you to pursue your dreams as well as expressing your love for all things automobiles?
- What is your favorite Porsche?