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Thursday, May 17
DaMatta takes in Japan's culture
By Cristiano da Matta
Special to ESPN.com
Here we are already in Japan. But first, let me recap our weekend in Nazareth. That race didn't turn out as good as we expected, but we still came out with some reasons to keep our optimism.
|  | | Cristiano Da Matta tests his No. 6 Newman/Haas Racing during practice for the Firestone Firehawk 600. It will be the 300th race for Newman/Haas Racing. |
We had very good strategy when we pitted from third place, but nobody could foresee caution flags on almost twenty laps. The result of it was that cars that finished ahead of us did not have to stop for more fuel, as they were able to save it during those slow laps, and we could not go back to the front. The reason for optimism for us was that once again the car was great during the race, and when it was all said and done we kept leading the Championship, although tied with Paul Tracy.
After the race in Nazareth, I spend almost a full week (wow!) at home, before going to Japan. I used the time to get some physical training in, and I rode my bike almost everyday, in conjunction with a lot of swimming and some running.
I love riding my bike, and it was fairly good weather the whole week in Miami, although it was pretty windy. Tony Kanaan, Christian Fittipaldi, and I, plus our managers were joined this week by Max Papis, who is getting more serious about his bike riding. He is very fit, but we are more "experienced" on the bike, so the friendly competition among us rages on. At the pool I am still trying to master some basics, but I am improving, and the same can be said of my running. It was a good week, and I feel much better after all those workouts.
Then, on Saturday evening, a bunch of us went to Christian's house for some pizza before boarding the plane to Japan on Sunday at an extremely early time. It was a very long trip, but it was okay. Once we got to Japan, I spend one day roaming around Tokyo with the two Fernandos, (my manager and Christian's), using the subway. It was a lot of fun, and we went to some real Japanese places, as opposed to the more "touristy" ones.
We went for a swim in the pool where they held the 1964 Olympics, which was great. We got to eat at some very local places, where the menus did not even have occidental letters. I must confess that I didn't know what some of the stuff I ate was, but it was all really good. The people were all very nice to us, helping us to try and communicate and all.
We also visited the Imperial Palace, and the grounds and other constructions. It was very beautiful and impressive.
At night, we attended a welcome party organized by Toyota, and it was very exciting. All the Toyota drivers got to say a few words, that got translated in Japanese, and we could feel even more how important this race is for Toyota. Like the other drivers, I want to do well here and give them a great performance, but I probably want it even more because they have been very supportive of my career - this is my third year with them. Last year, Michael Andretti won this race, and this year I hope the same team wins!
We arrived at the Motegi track on Wednesday by bus, and it was raining. The weather report forecasted good weather for us in the next few days, so we are not to worried. I am looking forward to racing here.
Japan is a tough race. I had a good car here last year, but we had a problem in qualifying, so I had to start way back and fight for every single position. I worked my way up to fourth place and consider that race one of my best last year. I was happy with my performance, and happy with Toyota's performance. I like the track and am looking forward to racing there again this year with Newman/Haas.
There is a good possibility to pass on the track. Making a pass going into Turn 1 is almost impossible because you are not lifting (off the accelerator) so it is pretty tough. Heading into Turn 3, you are braking coming off of a long straight and it is wide so you can pass others there. I would rather not have to make any passes for position in Japan, which would mean I was in the front.
If I have to pass cars, I hope it is backmarkers. We weren't as competitive as we thought we would be on Friday and Saturday in Nazareth but I was very impressed with how good the car was on race morning and also in the race. Everyone is working hard to be even more competitive and we hope to gain an advantage before any one else does.
The race is really popular with the Japanese. That is the way CART is trying to get it everywhere. After we race there, they wait another 360 days for us to come back and are excited to have us race in their country. It makes you feel good to go to a place that is so excited to see you, and your series. It's nice to know how much they like CART and enjoy our kind of racing.
Last year I saw Tokyo for the first time. I went there for a couple of Toyota appearances and was able to see some of the city and get to know it a little better. There is a lot to do. I had a lot of fun and am definitely looking forward to my week here. It would be even better if I could bring a souvenir back from my visit to Japan. A trophy would be a very nice souvenir!
When I found out Newman/Haas Racing was going to have their 300th race in Japan it didn't really sink in until I thought about how much effort goes into being in 300 races. Even though I have only been with the team since last November, I can tell you that they never took winning any of their 59 races for granted. Instead of basking in the glory of the 59 wins, they were concentrating on why they didn't win the other races. With every win they get, it makes them want more. As a driver, that is an incredibly motivating environment.
Make sure to watch the race on ABC on Saturday. I'll let you know how the race went in my next diary. Until then, bye!
Newman Haas Racing competitors Christian Fittipaldi, who drives the No. 11 Big Kmart Toyota/Lola car, and Cristiano da Matta, who pilots the No. 6 Texaco/Havoline/Kmart ride, will provide regular diaries to ESPN.com throughout the 2001 season. Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories
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