Social, preventive and compulsory isolation has had a full impact in most economic sectors and motorsports has not been the exception. More than 40 thousand families are part of sports car racing and this situation affects their livelihood.
ISI Oilfield Chemicals has supported TC (Touring Car Racing) drivers Mathías Nolesi and Mauro Giallombardo for many years and this time we spoke with them to find out how the quarantine is going and what their expectations are for the coming months.
Motorsports and economy
“We are facing a unique and unusual situation with an uncertain future. We have been out of business for a long time and we do not know when the whole activity will resume, but even so we are eager to come back, ”explains Nolesi, who makes his living as a car driver and shows himself uneasily because he knows that motorsport will not start before the country’s economy is active again.
Giallombardo spends his days with his fiancée doing housework and rehabilitation. He is also in permanent and close contact with his team. “For me, the most important thing is health, I am aware of the fact that when one is not healthy, nothing else matters. I had learnt such lesson even before this pandemic started so not only do I try to take care of myself but also of everyone who is in contact with me. I know that if I look after myself, I do so for others as well”. However, he remarks that “it is necessary to run again”. Since his accident, he has gathered and led a team for what has always been his passion, his business, and his livelihood: car racing. That is why he understands the urgency of racing cars again as soon as possible.
“It is a difficult time for everyone. Today I find it harder to think about HOW more than WHEN. The pandemic has affected all areas: drivers, teams, motorists, engineers and companies. All of those are a fundamental part of this sport”.
When it comes to reinventing himself, Mauro knows that it will not be an obstacle for him to overcome such terrible moment. He defines himself as resilient and he ensures that it is the fundamental characteristic that everybody should cultivate to overcome challenges successfully. “In addition, I have no doubts that I will have the support of those who have always helped me get ahead. I mean all those people who more than sponsors are friends at this point in my life.”
The importance of keeping on being a team
In adverse times and social isolation, being in contact with the team to keep them motivated is essential, and ISI’s race car drivers are strongly aware of that. Thus, through calls or visits, they follow the news day by day and rehearse health protocols. “I travel to Chivilcoy where the car is ready and we are preparing things to have everything in place when we return. Engineers, motorists, and the whole team have the same expectations and are eager to resume activities, “says Nolesi.
“In my view a team is much more important than a race car. I will strive so that everyone can keep their work. Also, in car racing, good mechanics are scarce and mine are the best, so I will do all my best to keep the whole staff, ”says Giallombardo, who in his concept of a resilient company found a streak to continue keeping the staff by making all his high qualified team and top-notch- equipment assist amateur categories. That allows me to have the team active and to pay fixed costs.
The desire to come back remains intact from the first day
Having mixed feelings and with a lot of effort to maintain working conditions for all theirs, Nolessi and Giallombardo are eager to hear the engines roar on the track again. They have no doubts that sponsors will continue standing by them despite the economic crisis.
ISI Oilfield Chemicals goes on supporting them in this arduous stage and we express our continuous support for these race car drivers, who more than pilots are friends and part of the ISI family.
We look forward to visiting you again in the pits very soon!