This week we put Strakka Racing LMP2 ace, Jonny Kane, under the spotlight about his sporting passions and memories.
The Northern Irish driver has been racing in endurance events since 2001 when he drove the Lola-MG LMP675. His performances in the little British giant-killer got noticed and, since then, he has made a fine career racing at Le Mans 12 times including a famous LMP2 win in the Strakka HPD car in 2010.
What is the first sport you remember playing/competing in?
“The first sport I really remember playing was football. I must have been 10 when I first played for the school team. They put me in as a sweeper – so I was the last line of defence!"
When did you first remember being at a race track and what event was it?
“The first track I ever visited was Kirkistown in Northern Ireland. My Dad used to race there but that was probably about five years before I was born. The first meeting I can remember going to was when I was around five and my Dad took me and my brother to watch. There were FF1600 and Formula Atlantics racing and I remember very clearly being impressed by the Chevron cars in that category. There were probably saloons or sports cars on too, but back in those days it was all about single seaters for me."
If you could have become a professional in any other sport what would it be?
“Maybe a footballer but what I’d quite like to be is a carpenter. Not very sporting but it’s a handy trade. I’ve been renovating our house and getting a chance to perfect some woodworking skills
Which sports stars outside of Motorsport do you most admire?
“Mo Farah, he’s an athlete I do admire. He has been really successful and that success has come through commitment, hard work and sacrifice. He has to spend long hours away from his family and friends to train. Whilst as drivers we don’t have the training schedules of an Olympian, I understand how much you miss your family when away racing and the sacrifice that means."
Which sporting venue other than a race circuit would you like to visit?
“I’d like to go to the Australian Open in Melbourne. That’s only because I haven’t been to Australia and that would be a good reason to head over there."
Which circuits that aren't on the FIA WEC calendar would you most like to drive the Strakka Gibson on?
"A circuit I haven’t raced at, even though I spent two years in Indy Lights, is Road America near Elkhart Lake. It just looks mega on TV; fast and with plenty of elevation changes. It would be good to have a race there I think.”
If you could share the Strakka LMP2 cockpit with two racing heroes from the past who would they be?
“I know my team mate Lewis Williamson had a Scottish theme so I will go for a Northern Irish line up. I’ll pick GP winner John Watson and Jonathan McGall. Jonathan was really quick in FF1600 and then moved to F3 and Vauxhall Lotus. He was very talented driver in the late 80s, early 90s in those categories."
Did you ever go to endurance races as a spectator, if so what memories do you have?
“I didn’t really go to endurance races but I vividly remember watching the long-distance Bathurst 1000s on TV with the TWR Jaguars and Rovers racing against the 635CSI BMWs. Later on you had the Nissan Skylines and Sierra Cosworths of Dick Johnson and Tony Longhurst. Those races seemed such a tough challenge and I’d love to do a race at that track which, like Road America, has some really quick sections and some real up and down elevations.”
