Interviewing Mr. Le Mans: Tom Kristensen Talks Rolex, Racing, and Monterey Car Week

To be in Monterey surrounded by the beautiful scenery and even more beautiful cars is a special treat for me. It’s yearly tradition that I look forward to with childlike wonderment. An opportunity to catch up with friends new and old.
 

So when I had the opportunity to chat with Rolex Testimonee and legendary driver Tom Kristensen, I absolutely jumped at the opportunity. What followed was an in-depth dialog about Kristensen’s colorful career and his special relationship with Rolex. I hope you enjoy!
 

Tom Kristensen (TK) : I believe, obviously, there are peak situations in life, there is peak times in your life. And in my life as a racing driver, for me, the hardest race is Le Mans and the other contests, because when you win, you get handed a Rolex Watch, so it’s something to celebrate in remembrance for that specific time. That for me is the peak situation, you are very happy, very proud and relieved from the pressure it’s a rollercoaster of emotion. Then you get this watch…

The few watches that I have won there, I cherish them all, and I can see a lot of history in them, not only the time, but the race, the situation, the human being, the team, the teammates and lots of things. But of course, that was the first contact. Rolex is the timekeeper and sponsor of 24hours Le Mans. Like the Rolex 24 Hours Of Daytona. So, it sort of came naturally, but I think you have to ask Rolex, since I have been their Ambassador since 2010. When I was still driving, which is in a way unusual and very nice. So I’m very happy for that and privilege. Also, now with the way Rolex is, it’s the heritage of the sport: Formula 1, Le Mans, Rolex 24 but also here at the Concours, or the Goodwood revival, it’s splendid.
 

AF: From F1 to Le Mans, Rolex is a brand that is synonymous with racing, can you describe the perception amongst your fellow drivers in the paddock to Rolex?

TK: I have raced 18 times at Le Mans, but I have 9 victories and Rolex was not the official timekeeper until 2006. I don’t know how many.
 

AF: Over the years, you’ve participated in a large number of endurance races, do you have a favorite?

TK: I would like to yes but not now; my heart rate is not the best and the peaks are not so high anymore. My life now is a bit more flat with a more consistent heart rate. I was talking about the peaks, but I also don’t have the lows as I’m right in the middle, steadier. But sometimes you look a bit for the few sparks. I would do something but more for fun, like historical races, like Goodwood. I still work with Audi doing hot laps, presenting or representing new cars. Sometimes I would ride a race car but not really on a race.

Zach Brown from McLaren set the tone: “Next year I would like you to drive.” All these things are always above me. But if it’s for pleasure, it is not for pain and power anymore. I am a racing driver that stopped, some don’t stop. But I stopped, I made sure everyone knew it was a difficult decision. But it also gives me the freedom to say, now I drive for pleasure. Of course, sometimes they can catch me on a car, I am still driving. You cannot take the racer out of me at all! You can maybe not renew your license or not jump in into some cars. I am very careful about what cars I jump in.
 

AF: This year, you are a judge at Pebble Beach Concours. What is your impression for this first time?

TK: I have different types of Daytona’s. But I would say the first Daytona I bought, early 2000, black dial. What I went through before I got it, and the way I got it. That one is very special to me. And the race, it was the first victory for Audi and I was right, Audi was the place to stay and keep my career apart from Bentley. Next year it would be 20 years!