TESSA GANASSI 'ONE-ON-ONE' WITH CHRIS SUTTON
Tessa Ganassi is the 14-year old daughter of Chip Ganassi, owner of Chip Ganassi Racing Teams (CGRT) which operates seven race teams across three different series. A few weeks ago, Tessa made her first appearance as an investigative reporter inside the paddock area and conducted several interviews with members of TEAM TARGET, as well as race fans, and got their opinions and views on a myriad of subjects - fashion, music, entertainment, food and oh yes, racing. It was her goal to give a teenager’s, perspective into the world of the IZOD IndyCar Series. The team will run a series of interviews, blogs and videos, all seen through the eyes of a 14-year-old girl.
Tessa spoke with Chris Sutton, Crew Member on the No. 10 Target Honda for Target Chip Ganassi Racing in the IZOD IndyCar Series. On raceday, he is responsible for the "Stop Sign" and the "Front Wheelhose Gun", but during the week he is one of the team's transporter drivers. During their conversation, she was able to get the inside scoop from Sutton about what life is like for this member of Team Target.
This is what she found…
Tessa Ganassi: "What do you [Transporter Drivers] do for the race team?"
Chris Sutton: "Well we load the trucks and we drive to the track. We will unload everything, set the pits up and then clean everything up…and clean some more.
TG: "So you guys are the first ones at the track?"
CS: "We are usually the first ones there and we are usually the first to park because we always do so well in the points."
TG: "Is it cool being the only ones at the track?"
CS: "It is very quiet around here and you can get a lot of work done. So…yes."
TG: "What is your favorite TV show?"
CS: "Definitely 'The Big Bang Theory'."
TG: "Favorite Movie?"
CS: "I would have to say, probably, Christmas vacation."
TG: "Do you have a girlfriend?"
CS: "Actually, I have a wife."
TG: "That’s great. How many kids do you have?"
CS: "5 kids. And I am pretty young too."
TG: "If a movie were being made about your life, what actor would you want to play you?"
CS: "Tom cruise. Don’t joke. He is the man."
TG: "If you could have front row seats to any concert, what would it be?"
CS: "I hate to say this…but probably Taylor swift, so I could take my little girl. I would take her because I don’t really care about going to concerts and would rather see her happy."
TG: "What is your favorite color?"
CS: "Green"
TG: "Where is your favorite place to buy your clothes?"
CS: "For me, Target and Kohls. For my kids, a lot of my money goes right to the mall. Places like Aeropostale and…that other place…Hollister. A LOT of my money goes there."