Born: 11th March 1991 in Louisville, Kentucky (US)
Residence: New York (US)
Marital status: Single
Website: www.johnedwardsracing.com

Profile.

Although he is only 21 years old, John Edwards has already written motorsport history. On the 17th of January 2004, the then-12 year-old won a race at the Skip Barber Series in Daytona and so became the youngest ever winner of a single-seater race. This success not only won him publicity in the US, but also got him noticed in Europe. As a consequence, Edwards raced in Formula Renault in 2005 and 2006. His hunt for records continued – he became the youngest ever driver to be issued an FIA racing licence.

In 2007, Edwards made his way back to the USA. He gained further experience in the Atlantic Championship, securing the title in 2009. He had already won the Star Mazda Championship a year earlier. In 2010, Edwards switched to the GT class of the GRAND-AM Series, where he continued to notch up numerous race victories. He first came into contact with BMW in 2009 and 2010 when he brought home class victories for the Schubert Motorsport team in the VLN Endurance Championship on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife.

Career.

2007 - 9th place Atlantic Championship
2008 - 1st place Star Mazda Championship
2009 - 1st place Atlantic Championship
2010 - 1 win GT class GRAND-AM Series
2011 - 2 wins GS class GRAND-AM Series
2012 - 2 wins GT class GRAND-AM Series

Interview.

John, you’ve had your greatest successes as a single-seater driver. Despite this, do you already see yourself as a bona fide GT and touring car driver?

John Edwards: “Although I still like single-seater racing very much and still follow Formula One, I now see myself as a touring car driver. I only ever had one goal as I was on my way through the development classes: I wanted to earn money through racing. Sports cars offer lots of possibilities in this respect and, to be honest, the races are generally much better than those in single-seater racing. That’s what I love so much about touring car racing. You always have to be at your very best as a driver or you’ll be overtaken.”

What do you find particularly fascinating about the ALMS?

Edwards: “It’ll be my first year in the ALMS and I’m looking forward to it enormously. I’ve had more and more contact with Bobby Rahal over the past few years and we’ve spoken about the possibility of working together one day. The fact that that’s now come about with BMW Team RLL is fantastic. I’m particularly looking forward to the GT class, because you have to fight hardest for results there and the races are the most exciting.”

What do you like to do most when you’re off the track?

Edwards: “I’ve always loved going skiing. But last year I tore a cruciate ligament doing something completely harmless. It meant that I couldn’t sit in a racing car again for two months. From now on, I’m going to avoid going skiing and won’t take any more unnecessary risks.”