Thomas Ross Merrill

Present Occupation: Professional Race Car Driver
Current Race Series: Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series
Class: GT
Team: Corsa Team PR1
Personal Website: thomasmerrillmotorsports.com

Born: 1986

Height: 5’ 10”

Weight: 150 lbs.

Residence: Salinas, CA

Major interest/hobby apart from Motorsports? Snowboarding

What, in your life is most awarding? The most rewarding part about my life is passing on my passion for motorsports to others through teaching as a driving instructor.

What gives you energy and lets you think about other things than racing? Thinking
about racing gives me all the energy that I need. Karting with friends is a great way to forget about the stresses of professional motorsport and enjoy the purity of the sport.

What do you do to unwind? Going out to the garage to work on my gokarts always puts
my mind at ease.

Why do you race? I race because I love it

What started you in Motorsports? My Mom and Dad raced early 70’s Porsches with the PCA, so I grew up at racetracks like Laguna Seca and Sears Point.

Marital status: Single

Most important people in your life and career: My Parents

Involved in Motorsports since: Conception

Hardest part of Racing: Money

Best moment in career: The next one…

General career goals: To be able to support myself and a family through a career in motorsports as a driver

Favorite music: Most any band the creates an identity for themselves through a unique and recognizable sound, ex: Zeppelin, U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Alexisonfire and my favorite band, Underoath

Favorite place to travel to: The next racetrack…

Most respected Racer: Rubens Barrichello

Favorite tracks and events: The next one… and Laguna

Advice to beginners: Find your passion and pursue it. If it’s professional driving, brace yourself…

Other Sports interests: Hockey

Occupation if you were not involved in Motorsports: Professional Hockey player, Lead guitarist in a unique band, or a full-time dreamer…

Training secret: Stays with me