February 2004

Name: Tom Labetti
Age: 31
City/State: Red Bank NJ
Profession: Financial Systems Consultant

• What year did you first get interested in (or start) autocrossing?

2000.

• What kind of car do you compete with, what class do you compete in, and what are its particular strong suits in your opinion?

2000 Honda S2000, rear wheel drive revving to 9000 rpm and it’s a
challenge to drive.

• How much of the sport do you think is attributed to driver skill vs. car setup?

99.9% Driver Skill .01% Car setup

• What is it about autocrossing that keeps you interested?

#1 the people, #2 the Adrenalin Rush, #3 the competition

• Do you constantly critique yourself during your runs or after the event?

Not too much.  I find I don’t have time for it.  I like to get out of
my car and to a place where I can watch the course and start
concentrating on the next run.

• How do you feel after a fast, clean run?

NNJR B Stock is a tight, competitive class.  When I’m able to get in a
fast/clean run I know that I’m going to move up a place or two.  That
gets the competitive spirit going in me.

• Would you consider expanding your skills to wheel to wheel racing?

I would like to run some wheel to wheel races.  I’ve taken one SCCA
accredited school and done a couple of track days.  The biggest
problems for me are locations of tracks and the cost.

• Have you ever tried to get a company to sponsor you? Were you successful?

No.

• Is it only the driving aspect that entices you to go autocrossing?

No.  The people, the club and the competition all add to my interest in
NNJR autocrossing.

• What trophies or titles have you won?

Trophied @ 2003 Washington DC National Tour Event.
NNJR 2003 BS Champion, 2002 BS 4th place, 2001 AS Second Place
2003 UrbanRacer.com / Honda-Tech.com Super Challenge 3rd place
Most important: 2003 Viper Day instructors challenge winner 😉

• What is your primary goal for the 2004 season?

Trophy @ 2004 DC Tour Event
Take part in a pro-solo event
Get my auto-x fix as often as possible

• If you could have ANY autocross ride imaginable, what would it be and why?

I’ll take an Elise please.  It looks like it is going to be a fast and
fun autocrosser.  Light weight, great handling and a high revving
engine, sounds right up my ally.

• What is your official source for all things autocross in the Northeast?

Perry Aidelbaum’s www.autox4u.com

PS: I really want everyone to know what a great guy and great sportsman
that Fitz Pollard is.  Fitz sacrificed his own position in the season
standings by allowing me to compete against him using his s2000 when my
car was in the shop.  Thanks again Fitz.