The Morad in Moradness
Daniel Morad is one of the great Canadian drivers, myself having raced against him back in our karting days I know how fast he is first hand. In this article, I ask Morad what his plans are for 2018 and what was his most memorable moments and then we joke around a bit with questions. Enjoy!
First of all, thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.
It’s my pleasure. Thanks for asking me some questions (laughing).
And I would like to congratulate you on your 3rd. place finish at the Roar before the 24 hours of Daytona 24 hours.
Thanks a lot. It was such a last minute situation so I was pretty happy with the performance considering. The first lap I turned in the LMP3 car was the first lap of the race, so to bring the car back through the field and get us onto the podium was pretty nice. The proudest moment was setting fastest lap after fastest lap, every single lap by the timing strip. We left the weekend with the track record for LMP3, on the last lap of the race, and also with a heavily flat spotted front left tire. Whoops! That’s what happens when you drive a GT car with ABS for a season. You forget how hard to brake!
In our youth, we had raced against each other, back then what was your goal and how has it panned out since then?
My goal was to definitely become a Formula 1 driver when I was growing up. I remember watching Montoya, Kimi, Schumacher and Alonso. That was more or less the generation I grew up watching and just wanted to do what they did. Essentially, I did everything right along the way. ‘Politics’ sometimes, actually, they always outweigh talent or performance.
If given the chance by red bull how would of you reacted?
In 2007, I was part of the Red Bull Junior (Formula 1) Team. I was given one season in their system, and I performed. I set a record at the time for most wins in a single season in Formula BMW USA (6 wins in 14 races), on my way to the Championship against guys like Esteban Gutierrez and Alexander Rossi.
Why do you think Red Bull did not give you your chance knowing any series you competed in you excelled in?
I got a 1 line email after the season releasing me from the contract. I still do not know why I was released to this day, and was never given the answer despite trying to know what happened. From what I heard from other drivers, it was because they didn’t have any use for Canadian drivers and couldn’t push sales of their drink in Canada any further.
Where is your next race, with which team and where do you expect to finish and develop on the rest of your feelings towards that race?
At this point, I still don’t have contracts signed so I can’t discuss full season plans, but what I will say is, follow along on Instagram (@danielmorad) and Facebook and Twitter (@danielmorad) to stay up to date because plans will be announced soon.
Asking you a very direct question, what is your next step for 2018 meaning series and team?
I could tell you, but then I’d have to kill you. Isn’t that the famous saying? You’ll find out soon (laughs).
When you won the worlds in the Rotax World Challenge what exactly happened when you crossed the finish line and slammed into the runner-up driver?
I get asked this question a lot! Everybody thinks my shoe got stuck on the brake pedal. What actually happened in that the tie rod broke on the steering system. That’s why the kart suddenly turned left. I had both of my hands in their air, as you would, coming to the finish line in the World Championships, which is why I had no control when it broke. The only logical explanation I have is, when I lifted my foot off the throttle pedal, the weight transferred to the front of the kart and snapped the threads on the tie rod ball joint end piece. Check the picture out to see for yourself. Regardless, it was an epic finish and one I will remember forever! I mean, it was a last lap pass, 3 corners left in the World Championships. I have goosebumps just talking about it now!
Have you got any news to tell us in the near future?
Racing news is under wraps, but Moradness news is not. If you don’t know what Moradness is, it’s a lifestyle brand that I started with my girlfriend Jessica. It was really her idea to start it all, but my idea for the hats. If you want the full story, which is actually very interesting, you can check it out on www.moradness.com. We are full throttle right now, creating new products and designs for 2018. Like I said, check it all out for yourself on the site and on Facebook and Instagram (@moradness).
What is your favorite car or kart that you have driven?
My favorite car or kart, hmm, that’s a tough one. I’ve had so many good memories in my career. In terms of successes, My Formula BMW car brought me my first major championship as a young professional driver. That one was a magical season as we nearly won at least 1 race every weekend, including a double race victory at the Canadian GP in 2007. For karting, the kart I won the World Championships with is also very special to me, even if it is a little bent now! (laughs)
Recently speaking, the Porsche GT3 Cup car that I drove to the 2016 Championship in Canada and also won the IMSA North American Porsche GT3 Cup title with was a great car to drive and brought me a lot of wins and podiums. Probably the most special car though has to be the Rolex 24 at Daytona winning Porsche 911 GT3 R. That car went through an entire 24 hours without a scratch on it. And for the record, I left my hands on the wheel at all times!
What is your favorite car track or kart track that you have driven on?
Well, I can break it down into favorite kart track and then favorite car track. Favourite kart track is probably La Conca, mostly because it’s a quick circuit with fast corners, but also for what transpired there. Winning a World Karting Championship will give you that special love for a circuit.
In terms of car circuits, I’m asked that question all the time, and it’s a tough one. I can’t nail one particular circuit down but I can say top 5 in no specific order. Watkins Glen, COTA (Specifically sector 1 with the fast S curves), Silverstone, Daytona (Mostly because of what it represents… Rolex 24h win, and its magnitude in size), and Kyalami in South Africa. That is a mega cool track built on the side of a mountain. Okay, actually one more! How could I forget Canadian Tire Motorsport Park? That is one of the fastest circuits in the world. I believe 4th quickest average speed lap in the world. Have you noticed a trend? I like fast corners!
If you would have made a faux pas on your social media would you have cleaned out your account, yes or no and elaborate on your decision, please?
I usually figure my way around problems and always come up with solutions but for those who know me, I am so goofy and if you take some things I say too seriously, sorry in advanced (That is the Canadian in me to apologize a lot). My stories are mostly goofy but also entertaining on my Instagram, but I am pretty cultured and educated on global situations so I handle it all well. I’m basically going to just shamelessly plug my social media throughout this if you haven’t already noticed. So you know what that means? Go and give @danielmorad a follow on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to stay up to date with the goofiness, and while you’re at it, @moradness too! I’m done now! I promise!
How do you feel to be featured as a driver in Motorsports Manager in the Ace mod?
What is motorsport manager?
It’s PC game that puts you in the team manager seat, it’s a strategy game and in the new mod, you are there as a driver that is selectable as is Wickens, Spengler, Latifi, and Rowland.
Oh, no way haha. That’s so cool. I had no idea. Show me a picture of that haha
Hi, I didn’t know you cost that much per race?
226,000 per race. Damn!!!
I would have a yacht and helicopter if that was the case. You can use it anytime haha
lol I always knew you were rich!
Exactly Hahahaha. If only that salary was true.
Thank you for your answers and responding to me so quickly.
Thanks for putting up with me throughout this, and I’ll see everybody else online!
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