While Chris Travis has not been a part of the national autocross scene as long as some of the other heavy hitters he has left his mark in a big way in Pro Solo as the 2008 Street Modified National Champion. Street Modified has been kinder to big power running through the rear wheels in years past. Chris showed everyone what desire and hard work will bring even if the car you are driving is powered by wheels on the ‘wrong end’. Chris’ weapon of choice was his 1994 Honda Civic running on Hoosier tires. Chris is a member of the New York Region SCCA.
RR:Â Is this your first attendance at Nationals? 
CT: Nope.
RR:Â If not, how many times have you attended?
CT: I popped my cherry in 2003 and I have been back every year since.
RR: Is this your first National Championship?
CT: Yep, took me long enough…
RR:Â What was your favorite memory of the competition?
CT:Â Probably the first time I made a Super Challenge. I kept telling myself right before each run “new personal best, relax” and I got to the end. I also found out champagne gets sticky…. 
RR:Â What do you think was your key to success?
CT: Other people sucking more than me on that particular day.
RR:Â Who has most influenced you?
CT: I know it has been said before, but Mark Daddio is a machine. Do know anyone else that can tear a calf muscle, and then set class FTD the following day? Who do I have to sell my soul for that ability?
RR:Â Who inspires you?
CT: See my previous answer!
RR: Do you have any special pre-race routine, or any superstitions you follow?
CT: I am superstitious but, it constantly changes. If I do well and happen to not have matching socks, I will try that one out for a few events… until of course, I come up with another one.
RR: Do you have any driving aids or tools you use to help you?
CT: Driving aids? Sounds like it would hurt… I do find myself yelling at myself a lot. I see photos of me in the car, and I always have a goofy expression on my face.
RR: What do you think you do differently than your competition?
CT: I am a goofball. Seems to calm the nerves I guess.
RR: Have you attended any driving school?
CT: Yes, Evolution Schools back in 2003 and 2904. It was well worth it.
RR: Describe your driving style.
TC: Aggressive. Probably a little too much on occasion.
RR: What was your first –and favorite autocross car?
CT: First autocross car was the Honda Civic I won the Pro Solo championship in 2008. Favorite? Has to be an Ariel Atom I drove once. Awesome car, although not A Mod competitive.
RR: If you could change one Solo rule – either for your specific class or in general — what would it be?
CT: A rule against sandbagging. It would be tough to enforce though. But, after the shenanigans at the 2008 Pro Finale, I would think something is around the corner. I do my best every run, and would encourage others to do the same.
RR: Who would you like to thank for your success?
CT: First and foremost I have to thank my girlfriend, Sandra. She puts up with a lot of my crap, and she still loves me. Amazing, simply amazing. I do have to thank Mark from M&M Automotive in Rhinebeck, NY and Joe from Advanced Automotive in Carmel, NY for letting me use their shops at 5am or 10pm to do last minute tire changes or alignments. Oh, and that fruit Chris Shenefield from Redshift Motorsports. All good people.
Pictures courtesy of www.gotcone.com & Chris Travis
For copies of photos email david @ evorticity.comH
You must log in to post a comment.