V8 Supercars Fan Group News Editor ‘Rahul’ also caught back up with Dean Fiore who we interviewed earlier in 2009. We find out how we went after his debut season and the plans for 2010 - which includes switching from Holden to Ford.

RAHUL: Well 2009 has been a pretty big year for you, a pretty big learning curve. How do you think you adapted to being a full time V8 Supercar driver?

DEAN: I think I have adapted quite well because I haven’t had time to think about it. It all happened so quickly, before I knew it I was a main series V8 Supercar driver, a team owner and busier than ever! I tend to go ok at challenges as I don’t over think .

RAHUL: How would you describe your 2009 season, and was it everything you expected?

DEAN: It was definitely everything I expected. I always knew it was going to be tough, especially getting thrown straight into the main game. 2009 was a massive learning curve and realization for me that I have to work really hard if I’m going to make this work, not only as a driver but team owner as well.

RAHUL: If you had the chance to go back and do one thing differently, if so what and why?

DEAN: I don’t think I would change anything. Not everything went perfect, but that’s what challenging yourself is all about. The important thing for me is learning from the things that I think I could’ve done differently.

RAHUL: Earlier in the year Triple F Racing and yourself launched the GFC 1200. How successful was this membership club?

DEAN: At the time Triple F Racing wasn’t generating anywhere near enough revenue, so the GFC 1200 was created to kick start a bit of turnover and it did exactly that. We had a really good response from it and are likely to run something similar in 2010.

RAHUL: How can people and sponsors get on board Triple F Racing?

DEAN: We haven’t come up with an exact angle where we are going to take on this club just yet. We are thinking about having different levels, so you can actually get involved for less than $1,200. If anyone is reading and would like more info when it comes to hand the best point of contact would be my brother Todd.

RAHUL: Its pretty much out in the open you are one of the newest recruits to the blue oval. Can you tell us how this deal came together?

DEAN: It originated through conversations with Roland Dane and Paul Morris. We wanted to get into a proven car. The best way to do that both financially and to start and end the season in the same car, was to purchase the FG of Fabian Coulthard as it is a ‘current spec’ Triple Eight built car.

RAHUL: The FG you have acquired has a good history being consistently up the front and recently a podium finish at Symmons Plains. Do you think this puts pressure on you as a driver to get good results?

DEAN: Not really, it’s still only going to be my second year in the championship and my first year ‘on my own’ as a team. At the end of the day the pressure you have is only brought on by yourself.

RAHUL: What would your season objective be for 2010?

DEAN: Consistently make the top 20 cut in qualifying and regular top 10 finishes.

RAHUL: Just a little statistic, out of the whole field you have the best positions gained (Starting position to finish position). Any comments on this?

DEAN: Really!? I wasn’t aware of this. I guess that it just proves the fact that we are learning so much, not only from race meet to race meet but over the course of a weekend also.

RAHUL: We all know the level of fitness V8 Supercar drivers possess, will you be digging into the Christmas pudding, or still in training mode?

DEAN: I will be training hard, but not so much cardio, for me I have to bulk up a little so in the off season I will focus on that.

RAHUL: The key to success in the V8 Super world is fans. What has been the most funny/awkward moment with a fan?

DEAN: One girl at Phillip Island came straight up to me and said ‘I think your hot’ then didn’t really follow up with anything else. That was defiantly an awkward moment……..

RAHUL: Have you received any help from the other teams during the season?

DEAN: Obviously a heap of help from PMM, other than that Roland has helped me in the later part of the season, mainly with piecing everything together for next year.

RAHUL: Finally, what’s on your IPod?

DEAN: I rarely use it. My sister has been meaning to update it for me. I’m not really much of a ‘techo’.

RAHUL: Thanks Dean for your time and effort all the best for the 2010 season, hopefully see you on the top step of podium.

Copyright - V8SFG 2010 | Author - Justin