Ambassador
Michele Abbate
SPEZIALITÄT
Trans AM series
NÄCHSTES LEVEL RACING SETUP
GTtrack, Single Free Standing Monitor Stand
SPEZIALITÄT
Pro racing driver
NÄCHSTES LEVEL RACING SETUP
GTtrack, Single Free Standing Monitor Stand
What got you into racing?
When I was about 6 years old, my older brother got a go kart and for the next 10 years of my life I was a spectator. Watching my brother take wins and championships across the nation, and then, eventually globally. Although I had I always wanted to race, I wasn't ever handed the opportunity. When I turned 16, I started taking my car to the local SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) autocross events where I finally got my first taste of driving. Since then, I've never stopped chasing my dream of becoming a professional race car driver. I worked my way from auto crossing in a parking lot, to track days and time attack. I went on to earn my provisional race license in 2011, and became a factory driver for Toyota (Scion) from 2012-2015. I became my own team owner in 2016 and made my professional debut this year, 2019, in the Trans Am series - America's Road Racing Series.
What is your goal for the next 2 years?
This is my rookie year in the Trans Am series, and, I am learning a lot. The car is still very new to me, but we are making notable progress at each event. In the next two years I would like to do a few things. Number one would be to win the Trans Am series TA2 Championship - that is my priority right now. I would also like to make my debut in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series at Sonoma by 2021.
What is your favourite race track to race on?
In the US, my favourite track is Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, California. I love how challenging it is but it also has a lot of rhythm and flow. The elevation changes are what make it really unique and I have always done well there. Globally my favourite track is the iconic Mount Panorama in Bathurst, Australia. I was fortunate enough to race at the Bathurst 6 Hour in 2017 and I look forward to returning there soon.
What do you love about your Next Level Racing product? How is simulation helping your training?
I love the quality of my Next Level Racing cockpit. It provides a rigid feel and a true in-car feeling. I also like that everything is adjustable so if I want a friend to try it, it only takes a few seconds to get them set up and comfortable. The setup has allowed me to get a genuine feel of sitting in a race car, while really absorbing the same view that I see out of the windshield of a race car. It provides an excellent experience of driving a race car and is universal enough to associate with different types of cars and track. With the Next Level Racing Simulator cockpit, I am able to get more experience behind the wheel to mentally train my brain and my body to learn new tracks, cars, and set ups. I am so grateful for my NLR set up; it allows me to head to new-to-me tracks with confidence I couldn't get elsewhere!
