24 Hours of Le Mans

Preparing Le Mans - An interview with Seikel driver David Shep

This year will be the 2nd time that the Canadian driver David Shep will participate in the legendary Le Mans 24h race. He will be joined by American Philip Collin and Austrian Horst Felbermayr in the Seikel Motorsport Porsche.

© Lucian Sonea

The 50 years old Shep, born and living in Toronto, started racing in the mid 90s. Recently he booked the best result of his career, finishing third in the Daytona 24 hours GT class with a Racer’s Group Porsche.

Q: Hi David. We are glad to see you back at Le Mans this year with Seikel Motorsport. What have you been doing since Le Mans 2003?

DS: Well since 2003 I have done a limited schedule of racing here in North America. 3 Grand-Am Cup races in 2004 resulted in 1 podium finish at the historic Mt. Tremblant Circuit here in Canada, and of course the amazing podium finish at this year’s 24 hours of Daytona, driving a Porsche.

Q: It seems that you have developed a special interest for the 24h races (Mosport, Le Mans, Daytona). How would you explain this?

DS: A good question. 24 hour events are so team oriented that not one individual can win an event. I know my limitations as a driver, but being part of a successful team over a long grueling event is what satisfies me.

Q: Let’s go back to Le Mans. Tell us about the best and the worst moments of the 2003 race?

DS: Wow! That is a tough question to answer. The worst moment was being in the car when the driveshaft broke at 2:00 a.m. in the morning while running second at the time! Needless to say it was a very long journey back to the pits. The best moment was just being privileged to take part in the event, to be able to share the experience with the crew and having my wife Nadia and son Darrin beside me.

Q: That year, at the end of your first stint you seemed to be exhausted because of the very high temperatures. How are the physical preparations going for this year’s event?

DS: Very well, thank you. I have been on an intensive fitness program since October of last year and feel terrific and well prepared.

Q: Which part of the circuit do you like most and why?

DS: It’s a toss up: the breathtaking entrance to Indianapolis, and the speed and precision necessary to corner the Porsche Curves without losing time.

Q: What are your expectations for this year’s race?

DS: To finish! — To finish the race is the best ’thank you’ that I could give back to the team.

Thanks to Lucian Sonea.