One of the friendships I value most in my adult life is the one I share with Gil.

Since we got to know each other really well when I first moved to America in 2000, we lived close together and our families became part of each others lives.

It was extremely interesting to me to watch his ‘life’ as a top IndyCar driver and how he handled it. From the training to the PR, he was everything a pro should be, and when it came to race weekends he had an intensity that was almost scarey. But there was another side that definitely reflects his Brazilian roots, and that is the ability to embrace the fun side of life. Every Monday after a race weekend we had huge BBQ’s and much laughter and shenanigans ensued! I believe it was that ability to offset the demands of his racing career with family and friends that contributed to his success.

 Winning the IndyCar Championship for Team Penske in 2000 and 20021, as well as the 2003 Indianapolis 500, Gil was a force to be reckoned with. His career since then has been wide ranging and always with a connection to the sport he loves.

 I have been planning to sit and talk with Gil for months so when we finally did, we had a lot to cover. He is one of the most articulate men I know (especially when you remember English is his second language) and loves nothing more than a deep, lengthy conversation over drinks that extend well into the early hours. Food is always involved and we share a love of cooking that makes us look like an old married couple in the kitchen!

Not an easy man to capture on film, so getting him to chill next to the water with his dog, seemed the best way to go!

JB