I had the privilege to spend an hour with Patrick on Friday, August 3rd, right after he obtained his pole position. He was on cloud nine, accompanied by his charming wife Annick, Robert Desrosiers, his buddy and agent, and his wife. It's not the first time I had the pleasure of meeting Patrick during automotive-related events. Notably, he was the spokesperson of an advertising campaign destined to entice young people to discover and grow fond of automotive careers.
A generous person
I admire Patrick for his energy and devotion. He's important to his sponsors, because he gives back the support they give him. He says yes, makes himself available, meets amateurs, signs autographs with a smile, all with uncommon simplicity and kindness. Don't ask yourself why we love him.
I asked how he managed to hold it together, having spent the whole week in autograph-signing sessions (Zellers stores, Dodge dealers). He had just obtained the best time in the qualifying session of the Busch Napa 200 and participated in a race of the Rolex Grand-Am series where he handed the wheel to his Pontiac Riley while being in second position. He simply answered that with such results, he was running on adrenaline (and cranberry juice).
But he showed his high level of wisdom by leaving dinner early so he could rest and be prepared for the next day's race. He had to sign a lot more autographs on Saturday, before the race at 4 o'clock. And since he didn't have time visit the kids at the Ste-Justine hospital, he promised Annick that they would go on Sunday. Patrick is also a man who keeps his word.
A talented driver
So dedicated, so calm (yet passionate), I admire his balance and his sense of attack. On a track, while being a gentleman (which he demonstrated that weekend), he won't hesitate to gun it, and find that space to squirt into the lead. Another one of his great qualities and versatility: he raced in Atlantic, Champ Car, IRL and Endurance (twice at the 24 hours of Daytona), and got familiar with his #22 Dodge in just three days. He can race on a track, on a dirt track aboard a motorcycle, and on ovals. He's careful with his vehicle's mechanicals; he knows how to transmit his car's problems to his crew and engineers. What more could you ask of a race car driver?
At last, he is recognized. He built his reputation with his talent, his availability and his relentlessness. I really hope that his dream to race in Nascar will be realized, for our pleasure and his personal benefit. The Association of Dodge dealers in Quebec acknowledged him. Let's hope that Dodge and the Fitz Motorsports team pursue with him. Me and another journalist talked to the team about how talented Patrick is as an oval-track driver, and they seemed surprised by our conviction. Let's hope they do their homework; the Busch series would gain a new hero.
photo:Amyot Bachand
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| Patrick is always available for his fans. |
A generous person
I admire Patrick for his energy and devotion. He's important to his sponsors, because he gives back the support they give him. He says yes, makes himself available, meets amateurs, signs autographs with a smile, all with uncommon simplicity and kindness. Don't ask yourself why we love him.
I asked how he managed to hold it together, having spent the whole week in autograph-signing sessions (Zellers stores, Dodge dealers). He had just obtained the best time in the qualifying session of the Busch Napa 200 and participated in a race of the Rolex Grand-Am series where he handed the wheel to his Pontiac Riley while being in second position. He simply answered that with such results, he was running on adrenaline (and cranberry juice).
But he showed his high level of wisdom by leaving dinner early so he could rest and be prepared for the next day's race. He had to sign a lot more autographs on Saturday, before the race at 4 o'clock. And since he didn't have time visit the kids at the Ste-Justine hospital, he promised Annick that they would go on Sunday. Patrick is also a man who keeps his word.
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| Patrick just qualified his car for pole position. |
A talented driver
So dedicated, so calm (yet passionate), I admire his balance and his sense of attack. On a track, while being a gentleman (which he demonstrated that weekend), he won't hesitate to gun it, and find that space to squirt into the lead. Another one of his great qualities and versatility: he raced in Atlantic, Champ Car, IRL and Endurance (twice at the 24 hours of Daytona), and got familiar with his #22 Dodge in just three days. He can race on a track, on a dirt track aboard a motorcycle, and on ovals. He's careful with his vehicle's mechanicals; he knows how to transmit his car's problems to his crew and engineers. What more could you ask of a race car driver?
At last, he is recognized. He built his reputation with his talent, his availability and his relentlessness. I really hope that his dream to race in Nascar will be realized, for our pleasure and his personal benefit. The Association of Dodge dealers in Quebec acknowledged him. Let's hope that Dodge and the Fitz Motorsports team pursue with him. Me and another journalist talked to the team about how talented Patrick is as an oval-track driver, and they seemed surprised by our conviction. Let's hope they do their homework; the Busch series would gain a new hero.
photo:Amyot Bachand
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