Johnny O’Connell is no doubt one of the most iconic drivers in the history of sportscar racing. He is a 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Daytona overall winner, three times ALMS champion (GTS and GT1), four time class winner in the 24 Hours of Le Mans (GTS and GT1), nine podiums at Le Mans.
He has recently claimed his fourth title in a row in the GT category of the Pirelli World Champion behind the wheel of a Cadillac ATS-V.R. He has kindly answered a few questions for Endurance-Info :
Johnny, you have claimed your third GT title in the Pirelli World Challenge Did you expect it before the start of the season?
Actually this was our four consecutive championships. I was cautiously optimistic, but don’t believe many on the team thought that with a brand-new car we are going to be able to pull it off
Could you compare the Cadillac ATS-V.R to the CTS-V.R? Is it a step forward?
The ATS just had a little bit nicer and more nimble feel to it. The aerodynamics were better, and it was certainly a step forward
As the GT field was very competitive this season, which cars did you impress you most? Which drivers?
I think I was impressed by pretty much every manufacture! If you look at the results every manufacturer was capable of winning a race. A bunch of guys impress me of course Guy Smith in the bentley JD Davidson in the Nissan and Kevin Estre
Do you think that the Balance of Performance was quite fair?
I think for the Canadian race it was pretty darn close. Aside from that I think there was too much fiddling going on.
To your point, what was the turning point of the season, if any?
For sure the turning point came when we want to Canada, just a few weeks after burning the car to the ground. That showed the strength and commitment of the team. Winning there was crucial to our success.
Throughout the whole season Olivier Beretta was your toughest contender. As you know him quite well, as you were Corvette Racing teammates , what could you say about Olivier?
Outside of the car Olivier is a really great guy.
How do you consider your 2015 title among your career record?
This championship could very well be the most special to me. With as much competition in both cars and drivers we really had to work hard and execute. I’ve been very fortunate in my ears driving for General Motors, and look forward to many more years
Do you think that the format of the PWC Races is satisfactory? If you were allowed to change it, what will be your personal choice?
I love the format, and I love the standing starts. Honestly there’s not much I would change in the series.
What are your favourite tracks?
I would have to say Mosport is my favorite that we were a son, although I love all of the street circuits
Have you already some racing plans for next year? Will you try to have a fourth title? With Andy Pilgrim?
Certainly I plan on representing Cadillac in the ATS V.R another time.
You had many successes, with four class wins at Le Mans. Would you like to be back in the Sarthe?
I would love to get back to Le Mans. I’ve been lucky enough to stand on that podium nine times, and would love to have a few more shots at it.
Is there a possibility that we could see some Cadillac ATS-V.R GT3s racing in Europe next year?
At this stage, anything is possible. I’ve always enjoyed competing in Europe, and would relish the chance to showcase the Cadillac
When you stop your racing career, will you stay in motorsport as a Team Manager, or something else?
There is no way I can imagine my life without motorsports being a significant part of it. Hopefully General Motors will find something for me to do.