JMW Motorsprot : Meet Jim McWhirter
Monday, January 18, 2010
2009 was an important for Jim McWhirter with the launch of JMW Motorsport. Stepping up to the challenge of having your own Le Mans Series team, having been a title winner car owner previously, is a massive undertaking and no more so than the reason for doing it is pure passion for the sport. We caught up with our Team Principal to ask him what has driven (sic) him to the world of motorsport!
Q: When did you first get into motorsport?
J: In 1970 I started racing in 210 National go karts and raced in karting for a further 15 years, eventually finishing in 1982 in the 250cc Superkarts. After a break I returned to racing in the Ferrari Challenge 2002 and 2003. Then for 2004 and 2005 I competed in the Dutch Supercar Challenge.
Q: So having gone from being behind the wheel and having your LMS car run on your behalf, why did you decide to take the brave leap into running your own team?
J: I wanted us, as a team, to control our own destiny. I have the desire to win the championship and the Le Mans 24 Hour is a huge goal for us. To do this we have amassed the most competitive team possible.
Q: How do you feel about the JMW Motorsport team personal?
J: They are the best in preparation - pit stops, strategy and above all commitment. We race very well!!!
Q: What are the strongest attributes a member of the JMW Motorsport can have?
J: Loyalty, commitment and integrity.
Q: What's the greatest pleasure of being JMW Motorsport’s Team Principal?
J: Taking part in a very competitive environment and working with the best of colleagues
Q: What's the biggest stress of having JMW Motorsport?
J: Money!!!!!
Q: What are JMW Motorsport's strengths?
J: We work as a tight dedicated unit who appreciate our opponents strengths but believe that we have that Andretti edge. We have superb partners, no more so than going into 2010 with Aston Martin, Dunlop and Shell, and therefore we have NO FEAR of anyone
Q: What are your hopes for 2010?
J: To compete for race wins, to be in the hunt for the Championship and above all win our class at Le Mans. 2010 will lay the foundations for JMW Motorsport’s continued success.
The new partnership with Aston Martin is a very exciting development for our team and reflects the efforts invested over the past seasons. This may be a new car for JMW, but the same desire, commitment and perseverance is still there and we are confident we shall be in the mix from the start.
