Getting to know NASCAR Pinty's Series competitor Alex Tagliani

Motorsport.com spent time this week with Alex Tagliani for this week's 'Getting to know' feature.

Tagliani is preparing to compete in the season-opening Can-Am 200 this Sunday at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and contend for the Pinty's Series championship for the first time driving full time in the series this season. 

In previous years, Tagliani has competed in the Indianapolis 500 and other events that prevented him from running for the Pinty’s Series driver’s championship. This season he’s brought on new partners for his team and will challenge for the crown.

Last season Tagliani enjoyed his best year to date in the series with three wins and finishing third in the final standings despite missing the opener to drive at Indianapolis.

Alex Tagliani (Terrebonne, Quebec, Canada)

1. How long have you been racing and what was the first race you competed in and what kind of car did you drive?

I started when i was 10 years old driving a Go-Kart.

2. How long have you been competing in the NASCAR Pinty's Series?

Started in 2014 when we announced Epipen as our primary sponsor and 2017 will be my first full season as a driver.

3. What made you decide to compete in the NPS?

When Epipen Canada joined our team and we started our awareness messaging across Canada it was important to be in Canadian market, and the NASCAR Pinty’s Series was the right move.

4. What makes being a part of the NPS special to you?

This year driving the Epipen, Lowe’s Car is really special, visiting so many stores and staying connected to our Canadian fans is really important. The sponsors have chosen to be involved in our race program it’s because they care about Canadians. 

5. How have your fans responded to you being a part of NASCAR in Canada?

Even when I was racing full time in other series, I was always trying to find a gig to race in Xfinity in Montreal and NASCAR Canada at GP3R. I think our Canadian race fans are really loyal and if you show that you care is the best message of appreciation towards them.

6. What or where is your favorite track on the schedule?

I really like the GP3R event and obviously the atmosphere in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec plays a big role to making that entire weekend a fun time. Downtown Toronto is special to when we race along with IndyCar and in regards of oval tracks, I think Riverside International Speedway is amazing.

7. Do you have any hobbies outside of racing?

I love renovation and construction of houses and buildings.

8. If you weren't a race car driver, what do you think you would do instead of racing for a career?

I can’t even imagine my life without being a race car driver.

9. Who has been the biggest influence in your life and/or racing career?

My family are a really big inspiration for my approach to life in general. In my career, I have so many people that have a special place in my heart that I can’t start to mention them, but they know who they are.

10. Tell me something about you that would surprise your fans?

I am more afraid to try a new restaurant then driving over 200 mph and I love pea butter on toast. I also love Bronte’s Banana pancakes made without eggs.