ec: The ALMS schedule is a good mix of circuits. Which ones are your favorites, in order of preference?
MF: Wow, tough one. OK, here goes... Mosport, Road America, St. Petersburg, Mid Ohio, Road Atlanta, Salt Lake City. I love all the tracks, just those more than the others.
ec: How much testing time did you have in the Porsche Spyder? Race conditions are always far more difficult than a test. Do you come to the track on race day in any particular mindset? Is there a standard routine you follow? Or is it just get in, belts on and nail it?
MF: Not a huge amount, but enough that I knew which button and switch did what. I did the ALMS winter test, which lasts three days, but we had very few on-track sessions and then the test sessions in race week. Of course race day feels different, but each time I drive the car, practice or race, I prepare the same way. I do a lot of stretching and have my own mind management routine. It's more than 'jump in and nail it' for me.
ec: It's a cliche, but as you have an older brother who also races with some success, what goals would you like to achieve, on the track and off?
MF: I don't see what my brother's achievements have to do with what I want to achieve. Our careers have traveled different roads. First, I'd love to win the ALMS championship. For me, I got into sports cars to compete and win at Le Mans. It's been frustrating to only have one start at Le Mans so far in my career, but I think the financial state of the world has had a lot to do with that.
That aside, I want to go out on that podium at 4 p.m. on Sunday afternoon and look over the sea of people and lift up that legendary trophy. I've got an amazing picture in my mind when I think of that and I'll keep giving my all until I can make it a reality.
ec: Had enough of those 'Marino cleaning up with a Dyson vacuum cleaner' jokes?
MF: No chance. Everyone thinks they're the first one to come up with it. Who am I to burst their bubble?