TeamWWF Ambassador Spotlight: Jason Pribyl

What inspired you to get involved with Wings & Wheels and become an Ambassador?

TeamWWF is one of the last of its kind! A group dedicated to supporting drivers through networking and other events is hard to come by, so they had my respect from the beginning. When the opportunity to join became available, I didn’t hesitate because I knew the people involved were simply passionate about racing.

What does being a Wings & Wheels Ambassador mean to you personally?

It’s a part of who I am as a driver now. It’s nice to have a team that sticks with you, more than just a team you race with, because those change year to year. I’m with the Wings and Wheels Foundation because they are a community of drivers and racing fanatics, and I’m happy to represent them.

Tell us a bit about your background in motorsports. How did it all start for you?

It all began simply because my dad wanted to spend time with me when I was young. I loved sports, and he spent his days working on computers. We had a big thing in common: cars. So one day he put out a message in a Facebook group of a local kart track asking if anyone would be willing to let me try a kart out. Someone replied, and the rest is history.

Do you consider yourself more “wings” or more “wheels” — and why?

Wings for sure. I think it fits my driving style, which is very smooth and flow-y. I base my driving on feel, and that feeling is most similar to floating.

What’s your favorite part of Wings & Wheels events?

It has to be the Turn 2 Suite at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. I remember when I went to my first Indy 500, and I was sitting in Turn 2 in the grandstands. Going back to IMS and being in the T2 suite brings back such great memories.

How do you like to connect with guests at the event — anything special you do to make their experience memorable?

When hosting any event, guests come for one reason: me. I must take my time with each individual, because if they are taking time out of their day to meet me, they deserve that. I love sharing my stories and making an impression, and the resources that Wings and Wheels provide make the venues so much more interesting.

What’s one question you hope visitors will ask you when they stop by?

Why do you race? It’s such a simple question, but you rarely hear it. When a driver answers it, though, that’s how you can tell their heart is really in it.

How do Wings & Wheels’ mission and values line up with your own?

The passion for racing is where we align the most. It’s refreshing to see how involved and excited everyone is behind the scenes. Additionally, the care that the members take to support the drivers. Not only are the members sacrificing their time and effort, but the Drivers devote a lot of time and effort into Team WWF, and when that’s reciprocated, that is where I find a lot of satisfaction.

What do you think makes TeamWWF different from other race teams?

Driver clubs most comparable to Team WWF generally consist of one driver and one group of people interested in racing. The driver dedicates a lot of time and resources to that and is alone in the process. Team WWF has so many drivers, meaning that the network of partners is multiplied by the number of drivers. Partners can meet like-minded people and, through that, ideas and partnerships can flourish.

Have you had any mentors or role models in the automotive or racing industry, and how have they influenced your journey?

I’ve had a few, and often they change every few years because of where I am in my career. Even so, I check in with them every now and then and ask for their advice. Most recently, I spoke with Peter Dempsey to catch up and to get guidance on my career. It’s a really important step that some drivers overlook, but without someone to turn to, you’re in for a lot of mistakes.

What advice would you give to young people who are just discovering motorsports?

Like the question above, maintain relationships and latch on to the people you trust. There are many times in racing where you have questions, and knowing someone who has the answer is invaluable.

How do you see Wings & Wheels impacting the local community and future generations?

There’s no place like Indianapolis for racing. The fact that Team WWF is based there is important. I’d love to see the team get involved in communities at all age levels to foster a love of motorsports.

In what ways do you use your Ambassador role to educate or inspire visitors (especially kids and families)?

In the same way that I use my 15 years of racing experience to help others. If there is ever a young driver in need, I make sure they know that I’m there to answer questions. I also spend time coaching drivers in karting, and through that I often introduce them to my own team or invite them to races so they have a sense of what a car program looks like.

Are there any programs you support through your work with Wings & Wheels?

Not yet since I spend most of my time in Europe, but if I’m back in the US, I would love to continue what I do in Europe.

What would you like first‑time attendees to take away from their visit?

I want to leave them wanting more. Not from a lack of experience or information, but for them to get as excited and restless as I do about racing, because that’s where the passion comes from.

First car memory that comes to mind.

First thing that comes to mind is the first go-kart I got. I remember having a feeling about what was coming, but it was a surprise nonetheless. It was in the back of my dad’s red pickup truck, and I remember opening the back door to find a blue kid kart.

Dream car you haven’t experienced yet.

Mazda RX-7. I’ve driven so many different cars I can’t even count them, but I’ve never driven a rotary engine before.

Three words that describe Wings & Wheels to you.

Inspiration, Passion, Dedication

One thing on your personal “wings and wheels” bucket list.

To see the 500 from the T2 suite