Interview with Bruno Massel Jr.
The WyoTech sponsored racer talks about 2007
This week we got a chance to talk with NHRA and IHRA Drag Racing Pro Bruno Massel Jr.
You might recognize him from his many appearances on ESPN, ESPN2 and the SPEED channel.
Bruno talks about his racing plans for 2007, and a new “how to” television show he’s working on for the SPEED channel.
Bruno, you’re always so busy. What are you up to right now?
It’s funny you ask that. Most people think that the racing “off-season” means that we’re sitting back drinking Mai Tais in the islands somewhere. I only wish!
I just returned from the PRI show in Orlando, where I was co-hosting a one hour show for the SPEED Channel.
Currently, I’m in the middle of negotiations for some television show hosting opportunities for 2007. It looks like I’ll be hosting the NHRA Sport Compact Racing series and NHRA “Stylefest” shows on ESPN2.
I’m also working on a 26 episode half-hour “how to” automotive show for the SPEED channel.
That’s exciting. So do you still have time to focus on racing?
I’m currently designing new WyoTech team uniforms, T-shirts and a new firesuit for myself. I’m trying to schedule some time next month, to do a week long R&D session at GM’s new in-house Dyno facility in Warren, MI, as the search for more horsepower continues.
I’ve got some new sponsor negotiations in the mix and I’m looking into purchasing a new transporter for 2007, but am suffering a severe state of sticker shock! Yikes, this stuff can get really expensive!
What makes all of this a bit more difficult is that I’m currently running “Bruno’s Auotmotive Products” the family owned business (that manufactures high end racing transmissions) by myself. It has been a juggling act to say the least.
Yeah, sounds like it. What do you have planned for 2007?
I have high hopes for 2007! If we can roll with the momentum we gained at the end of 2006, I think we have a real shot at an NHRA National Championship in 2007.
On a personal level, I’m beyond excited about the coming of my first child in March. So the real challenge will be managing my time between my wife and child, racing, television shows, and trying to lend a hand when I’m back at home at Bruno’s Automotive Products.
What’s your racing schedule look like?
If all goes right, you should see us at the track in Houston, TX in mid February for the Lucas Oil drag racing series event, than we’ll continue to move west to Phoenix for the Checker Schucks and Kragen Nationals the following week.
My goal is to go out early and establish a lead and make the others chase us the rest of the year.
A lot of people are wondering how you got involved with WyoTech. How did that happen?
Back in 2000, I was profiled on HorsepowerTV about my racing and modeling work. Yes, at the time, my full time profession was that of a male model. I was also in a close chase for the IHRA Top Dragster National Championship over in IHRA.
My now good friend Bob Boysen from WyoTech saw the spot and asked me to do a commercial for the school. I’m happy to say our relationship has grown over the years and 2007 marks the first of a new multi-year, major sponsorship program between WyoTech and Bruno Massel racing.
What do you think of WyoTech training?
I’ve been to the schools on numerous occasions over the past years and am always amazed at what I see: enthusiastic, knowledgeable instructors and cutting edge, state-of the-art facilities!
The learning environment is second to none and I love that once you get a working knowledge in the classroom, you get to apply that knowledge with a great deal of hands-on training.
Why do you recommend WyoTech to people thinking about getting automotive training?
In any career you need a solid foundation. If the automotive world is where you want to be, WyoTech quite honestly gives you a foot in the door to the career you want. Their reputation is impeccable and students come out of the school ready, willing and with the knowledge necessary to excel in their chosen field.
Thanks so much for talking with us and best wishes!
Jessi Combs - Extreme 4x42004 Graduate
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