Is racing in the genes?

[BootsOntheSide]

To turn the concept around, maybe there are some relatives of racing drivers who hate the sport - maybe some who are rampant environmentalists? Still, having a relative killed while racing doesn't seem to put people off - Jacques Villeneuve and Markus (and Joachim) Winkelhock for example.

[Bononi]

Originally Posted by EERO

The Speraficos (Sperifici?)

Sadly Rafael was killed in a horrible racing accident...

[davyboy]

Originally Posted by BootsOntheSide

To turn the concept around, maybe there are some relatives of racing drivers who hate the sport - maybe some who are rampant environmentalists? Still, having a relative killed while racing doesn't seem to put people off - Jacques Villeneuve and Markus (and Joachim) Winkelhock for example.

Yes poor Rafael Sperafico's accident in Interlagos last weekend was horrific and a stark reminder that our sport is dangerous and that a lot of people, relatives included, do not get involved for that reason.

If its OK with everyone, let's not get the thread diverted into the area of deaths in racing though.

[GORDON STREETER]

I've seen this all the time over the years and IMHO you "normally" get the sons of drivers (especially mediocre ones )given loads of money by the old man to make up for their own shortcomings.
OK I know that the (good) ones do as well !

[Bononi]

Yep, I believe talent doesn't come with "the package", it's a separate gene. You can have all the support and grow in the track, that can make one above the average, you know, discipline, persistence and dedication can make a good professional. But that won't give you the genius plus.

[JeremySmith]

I think you can perfect a skill, but talent comes from a much higher place..

[alonso11]

Yea I completely agree, growing up in a racer family doesnt make you talented it just gets you involved.

In fact, if you browse this list (a rather complete one) wiht family relations in racing, you'll soon find out that "1 real talent per family" is what they have in most of the cases.

[jnr blue 91]

Originally Posted by GORDON STREETER

I've seen this all the time over the years and IMHO you "normally" get the sons of drivers (especially mediocre ones )given loads of money by the old man to make up for their own shortcomings.
OK I know that the (good) ones do as well !

did somebody mention the mansells>?

[GBRM]

Speaking as a son of UK racing family I would say it is in these genes in as far as hand eye co-ordination, reaction times and competitiveness but I also think it is the seed that is sown in your head that excites/ignites you to go racing and you wouldn't necessarily get that unless you were "over" exposed to racing.

My grandfather was a good club driver until he had an accident in '59 and never raced again and wouldn't allow my Dad to race (he only ever watched Dad race once), hence when my Dad did race he was a late starter. My Dad's youngest brother raced but as he worked for his Dad (my Granddad) it was always heavily frowned upon and money was tight but he won races and probably could have gone on to be very successful with some more financial support.

When my parents divorced I was only 3 but it meant every weekend was with my Dad and that meant every weekend was racing!! He would never encourage me to go racing as he had seen too many fathers push their kids into racing when they weren't interested, he couldn't afford to help me financially and he said I wouldn't be as a good as him so why bother!!

As you can imagine I've always wanted to go racing and until it was something I could afford to do myself there was no chance and it isn't helpful having a "famous" relation, sometimes it's more of a hindrance, well, that’s what I’ve found so far. I will never be as successful as my father but does that mean I am a worse driver?? I know I'm not as good but that's not my point, as my father was better than his father, so it doesn't alwats work like that.

Without being controversial I also think racing in the UK racing is a class thing and it was only in the 60/70s that it became more acceptable and attainable to more people and therefore you now see more sons and daughters of then you did before then, which also goes back to the “we may have missed the most gifted driver…” thread, as more people are racing now than before. Yes, you can say Jack Brabham or Graham Hill etc were more successful than their sons but does that mean they were better drivers?? I’m not sure but we will never know (completely different eras, like comparing Schumacher to Fangio) and I just don’t think it’s as simple as black and white stats.

[BootsOntheSide]

It'd be interesting to look at complex cases - for example, Ed Carpenter is Tony George's stepson (no nature links, only nurture), whereas any children Max Papis has would also be grandchilden of Emerson Fitipaldi (two-sided genetic link).

[nycuk]

Originally Posted by BootsOntheSide

I think the frequency of multiple drivers from one family all racing is due more to nurture than nature. When a relative races while you are growing up, you are exposed to it early, get to meet the right people, and your name inspires potential sponsorship and other support. You also get more allowances for poor performances for a while; people want to believe that you can keep the Schumacher/Andretti/Rosberg/Fittipaldi legacy going (this isn't aimed as a dig at any of those drivers, just a general observation). For example, John Button didn't race at a particularly high level, or in anything really resembling Formula One, but his support and enthusiasm rubbed off on his son. Indeed, Jenson and Jarno Trulli were both given motorsport-related names.

Exactly. Someone like Jacques Villeneuve didn't particularly shine in his early years of touring cars, Italian F3 etc and most other drivers with his results wouldn't have progressed much or wouldn't have had the opportunity to develop their talent. Having the Villeneuve name opened doors for Jacques, without a doubt, and allowed him to to acheive the success that he did. Same goes for Damon Hill.

[Red]

Gilles and Jacques. Jacques didn't really shine in any series other than snowmobile racing despite trying CART and F1 as well, did he?








Fear not, fear not, I'm talking about Jacques Sr.

[Red Bulldog]

Jacques and Gilles and a Hill.
Isn't the basis of a nursery ryhme?

[b1ackcr0w]

I'd reckon is about 20% Genes, 80% Environment. Genetics tend to lead to predispositions rather than destinies. If racing drivers were not brought up in racing families, there genetic predispositions would probably lead them to lifestyles with similar characteristics. I bet you would find a lot of them would be firefighters, soldiers, pilots, mountaineers etc. Physical jobs requiring good co-ordination, determination, fitness etc.

[ghinzani]

Originally Posted by Graz

Also in this day and age it doesn't take exceptional talent to reach F1 - Lavaggi, Rosset, Gounon, Raphanel, Ito, Nakano etc. etc. were not exceptional talents but had a bundle of cash - a good substute to a strong surname.

Those three showed talent in lower classes that made them worthy of an F1 chance, Gounon the standout of the three. Should'nt be classed with the others you mention.

[ghinzani]

Originally Posted by Red

Gilles and Jacques. Jacques didn't really shine in any series other than snowmobile racing despite trying CART and F1 as well, did he?








Fear not, fear not, I'm talking about Jacques Sr.

Jacques sr drove for Shierson in Atlantics and was pretty damn quick as far as I recall, also a Champion in Can-am or race winner at the very least if memory serves me well.

[Leighton Irwin]

Jacques Sr. wasn't bad but no where near Gilles (who was?). He did have an attitude though.
For a dynasty look at the Kinser clan in Sprint cars. There is the 'King" Steve, of course, but there is his father, his son and many assorted relatives. The Kinsers alone could probably fill a grid.

[EERO]

Originally Posted by alonso11

In fact, if you browse this list (a rather complete one) wiht family relations in racing, you'll soon find out that "1 real talent per family" is what they have in most of the cases.

What is to me, remarkable about this list is the surprisingly large number of daughters who have followed their fathers into racing. Brava!

[steve nielsen]

Here's one to look for in the future, his father was a F1 driver and his mother has won several kart GP's in her time:

he's won the Dutch and Belgian karting championships this year: Max Verstappen

http://www.verstappen.nl/picture_alb...NAF,_Amsterdam

[Bononi]

Never give up Steve !!

[steve nielsen]

Originally Posted by Bononi

Never give up Steve !!

it might take a few years, but the talent seems to be there(he's 10 years old)

[mjstallard]

I was thinking today - there's gotta be something in either the genes or water in Finland for the amount of Finns that fly per capita

[Bononi]

Originally Posted by mjstallard

I was thinking today - there's gotta be something in either the genes or water in Finland for the amount of Finns that fly per capita

In the water and in the ice...

[steve nielsen]

Or in the Vodka??

[rdjones]

Time to add another name to the list of son's (and Grandson) of Formula One World Champions who have taken up racing - Joshua Hill, he has been testing a Ginetta Junior at Snetterton over the weekend.