Lawson Aschenbach, Vanderbilt ’06, has never been one to sit in the stands. He thrives off high intensity and fast energy, so naturally sports car racing is a perfect fit for him. “Ironically, I have always felt at ease when racing, even though I am embracing extreme heat well over 100 degrees and g-force pressures . . . I feel very comfortable and calm when behind the wheel in competitions,” an enthusiastic Aschenbach said.

Aschenbach has been racing cars since he was eight years old, and has raced in everything from go-karts at the local tracks to being sponsored by Pontiac and winning the Koni Challenge Series. He says that the most important thing a driver can do to assure a win is to stay relaxed and have a clear head. Drivers top out at speeds in excess of 170 miles per hour, so the slightest mistake can potentially cause serious accidents.

A calculated sport, sports car racing is a unique blend of various types of racing. The cars are similar to those in NASCAR, however most professional sports car series will have much more advanced cars and body styles that look similar to a streetcar. The drivers compete on actual roads, so there are no ovals and very few straight-a-ways. There is also an endurance factor to the sport that often aids in its intense situations. Races can vary from two and a half hours all the way up to 24 hours, which requires multiple drivers for one team.

Sports car racers are often discredited as athletes because, to the spectator’s eye, there is no strength being used in the competition. Aschenbach, however, mentions that one of the most important factors determining success in the sport is the type of physical condition each driver is in. “Most people do not understand what drivers go through during a race and why we need to train. It’s very physical on your body,” he lectured. Aschenbach trains for competitions much like a tri-athlete would, running, swimming and biking and makes a conscious effort to stretch daily. Races usually require drivers to be in the car for up to three hours at a time with a fireproof suit and a full faced helmet, so it becomes vital for them to be in top physical shape.

Unfortunately, Aschenbach explains, like everything else, the economic climate has put a drastic dent into his future plans with the sport. He adds that the economy plays a vital role in every form of motorsports because almost all race teams are solely funded by sponsorships from major and minor companies. “When the majority of companies in America hit a slump, sponsorships are always one of the first things to go,” he proclaimed. Aschenbach tells that many professional, championship-winning drivers are now out of work and are being asked to find funding to continue their careers.

Ultimately, Aschenbach wants to be a champion, regardless of what series he is racing. He aspires to win an Indycar Championship and then pursue a career on the NASCAR circuit. He would also like to mentor younger drivers, and develop a program that will help them achieve success on and off the tracks.

He loves his job, and works tirelessly at achieving the pinnacle of success in the sport. His relentless attitude and exciting optimism give him hope for his future in car racing. So no, Lawson Aschenbach has never been one to sit in the stands with the crowd. He would prefer to stand alone, in the Winner’s Circle. — A. Hammel