24 Irrelevant Questions: Tucker Merten

When it comes to spicing up the team, why not add a bit of Cajun. Another seasoned veteran of the GRAND-AM circuit,Tucker Merten has been an instrumental crew member since joining in 2011. Living in Louisiana, Tucker is by far one of the most unique members of the team. Full of an amazing number of antecdotes, "product" ideas, and tales of gastronomy, Tucker is one of those guys who becomes your favorite part of the crew once you get to know him. Beyond being a veteran (and good) mechanic, he's also a great seamstress!.

As the team continues its pre-season preparation for next January's 51st Running of The Rolex 24 at Daytona, here's our next installment of getting to know one of our team members, if you consider this "getting to know."

1. YOU LIVE IN LOUISIANA, HAVE YOU EVER SEEN THE SHOW TREMÉ?
Yes (10 minutes worth.)

2. DO YOU THINK TREMÉ IS PROOF THAT NOT ALL HBO SHOWS ARE ACTUALLY GOOD?
Yes Tremé and Real Sports with Bryant Gumble

3. WHICH HBO SHOW IS MORE AWFUL, TREMÉ OR GIRLS?
I have never seen Girls, but its hard to believe it is worse.

4. MOST PEOPLE WOULD CONSIDER YOU A VETERAN OF THE SPORT, DO YOU CONSIDER THAT A COMPLIMENT OR PROOF OF BAD LIFE CHOICES?
A little of Both. Racing is what happens when you are young and know more about the world than yourparents, and then flunk out of college. However, I have been able to provide a debt free existence for my family.

5. HOW MANY STORIES INVOLVING YOU AND HAVING 'THE RUNS' HAVE YOU ACCRUED OVER THE YEARS?
Too Many. :(

(editor's note: Get to know Tucker, you will be regaled).

6. YOU ARE NOT SHORT ON POLITICAL IDEAS AND OPINIONS. DO YOU THINK THE FRENCH CANADIANS ON THE TEAM UNDERSTAND YOU?
Absolutely. We agree on many political Ideas. French Canadians and Cajuns are blood relatives.

7. YOUR CREW CHIEF, JOHN BEDELL, WAS DRAWN AS CHEWBACCA ON OUR ROLEX WARS POSTER. HOW MUCH DO THEY HAVE IN COMMON?
I would rather not say....

8. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF LUCASFILM BEING ACQUIRED BY DISNEY?
I think it's good for the Lucas Estate.

9. WOULD YOU RATHER TAKE YOUR SON TO DISNEY LAND OR DISNEY WORLD?
The one in Florida, they have Harry Potter World. Our team Owner is Harry's Muggle Uncle. Or at least we were lead to believe he is a muggle.

(editor's note: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is in fact at Universal Orlando, please don't sue us).

10. YOUR SON, DESPITE ONLY BEING SIX YEARS OLD, SEEMS TO HAVE MANY WORDS OF WISDOM. WHAT'S BEEN THE MOST SAGE ADVICE HE'S GIVEN YOU?
You have a penis, you are a boy.

11. THE MARKETING DEPARTMENT OF MAGNUS RACING CONSIDERS YOU THE "PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT" SPECIALIST OF THE TEAM. YOU ALWAYS HAVE NEW INVENTIONS. WHAT (appropriate) ONE WOULD BE BEST TO SHARE IN THIS COLUMN?
Either my line of unscented perfumes or my solar-powered tanning salon.

12. YOU HAVE ONE OF THE MOST UNIQUE DIETS AT MAGNUS HOSPITALITY. IF YOU CONTROLLED THE MAGNUS HOSPITALITY BUDGET, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
Burgers, Dogs, and Pizza.

13. ANDY LALLY OR JOHN POTTER, WHICH WOULD YOU LEAST LIKE TO GET IN A POLITICAL DISCUSSION WITH?
I do not mind discussing politics with either of them. We agree on many points and disagree on others. They both have principles and live them.

14. COULD A VEGAN LIKE ANDY LALLY GET ALONG IN THE RURAL PARTS OF LOUISIANA?
Sure, no problem. We have tons of vegetables.

15. HAS AN ALLIGATOR EVER BEEN IN YOUR BACKYARD?
Not to my knowledge.

16. ROAD RACING IS VERY MUCH AN INTERNATIONAL SPORT. WHAT OTHER INTERNATIONAL SPORT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE BECOME BIGGER IN THE US?
Cricket. This would help revitalize the Indian population.

17. SHOULD WE BE TERRIFIED OF LETTING YOU ASK AND ANSWER YOUR OWN 17th QUESTION?
Yes.

18. MAGNUS RACING HAD AN AMAZING 2012, WHAT IS THE LEAST IMPORTANT PART OF THE TEAM'S SUCCESS?
The TSA.

19. THE SPORTSCAR MERGER IS GOING TO BE A SOURCE OF ON-GOING DISCUSSION IN 2013. WHAT ARE YOU LEAST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THIS PROCESS?
Is there a wave-by, and is pit lane open?

20. WHAT ARE YOUR FEELINGS ON THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE?
I tried to go there on a golf scholarship. I was rejected. I'm disappointed. :(

21. WHY DOESN'T THE TEAM LET YOU INTERACT WITH SPONSORS MORE?
No clue.

22. NAME THE ABSOLUTE BEST FOOD STOP ON THE 2013 GRAND-AM CALENDAR.
Easy. Mr. Chicken. (Watkins Glen, New York)

23. MAGNUS IS KNOWN FOR THEIR COLORFUL PRANKS AND FAN INITIATIVES. WHICH IDEA OF YOURS WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO SEE IMPLEMENTED.
The " let the crew spend a day as you sweepstakes."

24. WHAT WILL YOU DO IF WE WIN THE ROLEX GT CHAMPIONSHIP?
Weep.