As a rookie in the IndyCar Series in 2008, E.J. Viso’s migration from the European formula ranks involved a steep learning curve, especially racing on ovals for the first time.
The challenge was daunting: new series, new country, new race car, new racetracks. But Viso’s aggressive style served him well and made others take notice. The 23-year-old Venezuelan earned a top-five finish in the season’s second race, on the streets of St. Petersburg, and also included a sixth on the road course at Infineon. He drew the most attention, though, on the ovals.
Witness the following:
· Finished eighth at Milwaukee
· Drove from 28th to 14th at Texas
· Drove from 19th to 10th at Richmond
· Improved from 21st to 13th at Kentucky
· Running in the top 10 at Chicagoland (after starting 26th) before contact ended his race
Passing that many cars didn’t always lead to friendly waves from his competitors. In fact, Viso drew criticism for some of his aggressive moves.
“A lot of people had a few comments about him,” 2004 IndyCar Series champion Tony Kanaan said. “I particularly had no problem with him, so I can’t say whether he’s really aggressive or not, it’s just the way he races. It was his first year, and I think he learned a lot. He’s definitely going to be around the front more often this year.”
For his part, Viso makes no apologies for his drives through the field.
“This is my job,” he said. “This is the way I’ve raced all my life. Racing is a risky sport. Everyone knows that. I didn’t mean to make anybody angry, but I don’t think you need to give anything to anybody here. You need to respect and get to that line of respect and the limit, and that’s where I like to be.”
“On occasion on the ovals, I was still learning and they made some comments, but for sure I wasn’t trying to make anybody angry. I love being here, and a year under my belt has brought me a lot of knowledge, and we’re starting in a much better position.”
In 2009, Viso returns with a much higher comfort level in his second season with HVM Racing.
“The expectations for the new season are much higher than last year because we have our first season under our belts and that means a lot,” Viso said. “Last year we started the season with no knowledge at all – of anything. All the tracks were new for us, especially the ovals. It’s something that’s very different to what I used to know to do.”
“This year we’re positioned much better. Our expectations for this year – a realistic position for the end of the year is going to be to finish in the top eight. That would be a good achievement for us. Obviously some podiums are possible for us.”
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