During a break from Danny McKeever’s Fast Lane Racing School at Willow Springs International Raceway in Rosamond, California, I had the opportunity to ask former NBA superstar Karl Malone ten questions in regards to his upcoming Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Pro/Celebrity race.
LM) Before this event, were you ever involved in racing at any level or perhaps as just a fan?
KM) I was a big fan of Dale Earnhardt and when I found out what happened I started to cry. But I’ve followed racing even more since then. I have a monster truck that I drive.
LM) What are some of your thoughts regarding the training and your experience so far?
KM) To be here with the professionals is awesome. Danny and his staff have been excellent. The drivers - they are truly athletes. I used to be skeptical but now having done it a little bit I understand how much effort it takes. I’m used to driving my 18-wheeler. I’m having so much fun and I haven’t even raced yet that I want to come back on my own and do it again.
LM) You’ve come from a career where your size was an advantage, that’s not the case now – what’s your strategy?
KM) I have to listen to what they tell me and go out and execute. I’m 260 lbs so I need to pay attention to the technical aspect of it.
LM) Based on your balance and agility on the court, do you feel that that is an asset to you on the track?
KM) I don’t know – just to get the car to do what it can do. My whole thing is learning the technical aspect and I know that it will make me a better driver.
LM) What’s been the most difficult part of the training so far?
KM) I just appreciate the drivers and instructors. It’s not difficult.
LM) What part of this has been the easiest adjustment for you?
KM) The people have been awesome.
LM) I assume that your goal for the race is to not only finish, but to win – how much confidence do you have to be able to do that?
KM) I have a lot of confidence but I want to win.
LM) Who do you see as your toughest competition so far?
KM) All of them. I don’t take anybody lightly. Misty is the sleeper there – very quiet.
LM) Are you impressed with the race cars performance?
KM) Oh, absolutely. I didn’t know they could perform this well.
LM) What is your official charity?
KM) It will probably be the Diabetes Foundation or the American Heart Association. . . They’ve both been very important to me.
In the race, Malone ended up tangled in the tire wall but he was able to continue and still managed to get a top ten finish in the celebrity division (9th). He enjoyed the event tremendously and is looking forward to coming back and trying it again.
Larry Mason and Karl Malone (“retired”) talk about racing.
Photo courtesy
of Larry Mason.
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