Star Mazda
Tom Gladdis of Anderson Racing: Heading for the Top in Star Mazda
By Kate Shaw
Photos courtesy Jamie Longmuir
TROIS-RIVIERES, Quebec (August 15, 2008) — Tom Gladdis of Anderson Racing may be one of the younger drivers on the grid, but you cannot guess that by his results on the track. In his second year of professional racing, he currently stands second in the Star Mazda championship (despite being barred from the race at Watkins Glen due to his age) in a close battle with four other drivers, two of them his teammates. And that is the way he likes things to be.

The track here at Trois-Rivieres is narrow, twisty, bumpy and challenging to even the most seasoned racer. Gladdis went out for the first time and finished sixth overall – not bad for the first time out! The one thing he found most challenging, he said, was the proximity of the walls. “You race very close to the walls here at Trois-Rivieres,” he pointed out, “and the sound and their nearness takes a little getting used to. But it didn’t take me long to find out that I really like this track.”

And not only the track, either. “The fans at Trois-Rivieres,” he enthused, “are the best I have seen anywhere. They are enthusiastic, they are well informed, and there are so many! Racing before a crowd like this will be great, and we plan to give them a really good show.” The proof of what he was saying was evident as he paused to autograph hero cards for several happy young fans waiting patiently and respectfully, but eagerly, nearby.

Gladdis won his first Star Mazda race at Portland International Raceway and he said, “As soon as I saw that track, I knew it was one I was going to like. We started out a little slow, but as the track rubbered in and the day got warmer, we got faster and faster. I set a best time of 1.8 minutes and I was the only one to get down that low. Of course I was very happy to win the first race, but I should have won the second race too. I was only .9 seconds behind the winner! I think that was a weekend to remember. Two poles, a first and a second – not a bad weekend at all!”

Anderson Racing is a six car team and the teammates work well together – well enough, although in a field as competitive as this one, admits Gladdis, some stress must occasionally fall. But they all share data and think of the team, the points and the championship, and issues are soon cleared up when the adrenaline simmers down.

As for his ambitions, Gladdis puts Formula One at the top as his ultimate ambition, as one would expect of any young open wheel hot shoe. Meanwhile he is ready to take on any assignment offered him, from racing in Europe next year, to perhaps a drive in Indy Lights, to a prototype drive in the American Le Mans Series. “I have been watching the sports cars,” he said, “and if I had my choice, I would really like to drive an Acura prototype. The No. 9 Tequila Patrón [Highcroft Racing] car has been really hot lately, and I love the look of the No. 26 Andretti Green Racing car too. Of course I would be happy to take a seat in any car, Audi, Porsche, Lola, Acura – but the two Acuras are hot!”

Whatever his future direction may be, we look forward to seeing Tom Gladdis racing to the top for Anderson Racing in the Star Mazda Series and wish him the best of luck this weekend and in championships to come.