On Friday at Infineon my first questioning of the day was with David Reutimann, driver of the No. 00 Aaron’s Dream Machine for Michael Waltrip Racing. David is dad to his 8-year-old daughter, Emilia, and since it was Father’s Day weekend I thought it only fitting I should ask him a bonus question about what he thought was the best part of being a dad. “I don’t think there’s any downside to being a father,” he said. “I think having an opportunity, especially early on when they start talking, to show them everything that’s completely new to them, like a bird, is the most rewarding thing. And I miss it, too.”
That was such an “Awww” moment. It’s always fun to hear people talk about their children and what it means to have them in their lives. So without further adieu, here are David’s answers to the ten questions. He was a great sport, and I loved his emphatic response at the end (the first!) that Heaven does indeed exist.
—
What is your favorite word? No
What is your least favorite word? Yes
What turns you on? Driving fast
What turns you off? Fast people in a slow lane. Yea, there’s another lane out there, stay in it. (laughter)
What sound or noise do you love? I love the sound of basically any race engine.
What sound or noise do you hate? That same noise when it wakes me up too early when I’m in the infield at a race track.
What is your favorite curse word? Wow, I don’t really have a favorite. I try to avoid it although they do come out. I try not use any of ‘em but I’ve used them all. Probably, “Dang” or a derivative of that.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? A crab fisherman. Just attempt it, (laughter) I don’t know that I could do it full-time.
What profession would you not like to do? An exterminator
If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? Oh, absolutely Heaven does exist. I would like to hear Him say, “Come on in.”
—
Read more of my “Inside the Actor’s Studio” questionnaire interviews in the archives and read about how it all started with Tony Stewart.
