DRIVER DOWNLOAD: Harry Gottsacker

DRIVER DOWNLOAD: Harry Gottsacker

Defending Pirelli GT4 America SprintX West Pro/Am Champion Harry Gottsacker returns to the series in 2020 again behind the wheel of an ST Racing BMW M4 GT4. Gottsacker’s 2019 championship campaign was highlighted by five wins, three second places, and one third place. This season Gottsacker is paired with Nick Wittmer, who moves up from the TC America series where he won six TCA races in 2019.

Before Gottsacker mastered the skill to win on road courses, he learned to go fast in straight lines. We asked the Alamo Heights, Texas’ native six questions for this Driver Download edition.

2020-03-26-driver-download-gottsacker-2

QUICK FACTS

Age: 20
Team: ST Racing
Car: BMW M4
Favorite Track: Road America
Daily Driver: BMW M3, Hyundai Santa Fe
Dream Car: Hyundai Veloster N
Racing Hero: Kimi Raikkonen
Favorite Food: Tacos
Favorite Hobby: RC Cars
Occupation: Race Car Driver
Favorite Vacation Spot: Watercolor, Florida
Pets names: Hobie
First Car: Ford Mustang
Favorite Movie: Talladega Nights
Favorite TV Show: Brooklyn Nine Nine
Hidden Talent: Eagle Scout

DEEP DIVE 

How was COTA?
COTA went really well!  It was great to be back with ST Racing in the M4 GT4.  I always look forward to the event at COTA because it is my home track and we have lots of family and friends that come out.  It was great working with Nick Wittmer for the first time and we were working really hard to be as fast as possible.  We had a tough run in race one with an issue outside of our control, but we bounced back in race 2 for the Silver class win.

How did you get into racing?
I started going to the drag races as a kid with my grandfather.  My first time on track was at a drag strip! I started karting and spent a lot of time in Norman, Oklahoma working with my team there.

What is your favorite racing memory?
My favorite moment would definitely be winning my first race at Road America.  Our family is from Sheboygan and it was so special to win there in front of everyone.

What’s the story behind your helmet design?
I design all of my helmets by hand and work with Mike Savage to get it put on my Bell HP7.  I always have some ivy patterns in my design and have a circular pattern in contrasting colors.

What’s it like racing at your home track? A lot of family/friends/guests?
It is so much fun at both of my home tracks!  Everyone comes out and they have a good time at the RV watching the race and hanging out.  We typically grill out and have the crew and friends over.  The best part is that we always seem to run well at COTA and Road America!

What is it like being back with ST Racing in 2020?
I’m really glad to be returning to both of my racing programs this year.  It is great to have a relationship with everyone and know what work we need to do to be successful.  The entire team has become family to me and it means a lot how hard everyone has worked to put this program together for Nick and Me. We want to repay their support with great results!

2020-03-26-driver-download-gottsacker-3