Carlos Tesler-Mabe

2019 HPD Honda Civic Si #08

Tell me about you .
-Physician, celebrated 30 years together with life partner Karin, 2 kids Lorenzo and Ayla. Karateka 4th dan blackbelt, avid cyclist.

How long have you been racing ?
-Motocross racing 1990-1984. Bicycle road racing 1987-1992. Automobile racing since 2000.

Why did you get into racing ?
-Having been lived in Buenos Aires, Argentina, racing has always been in my blood. It was destiny driven by raw passion.

Who in your life has had the biggest impact on your racing career ?
-My father, Gary Leadbetter ( first racing instructor ), Ross Bentley ( Speed Secrets ). Tony Morris Junior ( mentor ), Rick Chandler ( sold me first race car), Tim Rosche ( Rosche Racing ) , Ara Malkhassian ( Alara Racing ),Tim Brown ( Mentor and neighbour ), Steve Paquette ( Bullet Racing ) , Rocky Elli/Dave Dalmonte ( The BMW Store ), Karl Thomson ( Compass Racing ), Alain Lauziere/ Michel Sallenbach ( Team Octane ), Glenn Nixon ( Nixon Prosports ), Burton Reynolds/ Robert Currie JR ( 2nd Gen Racing ).

Do you have any sponsors ?
-My wife Karin and brother-in-law Horatio, Honda Racing HPD, 2nd Gen Racing, 27 WON

Favorite moment in racing ?
-A top five finish at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill,
-Podium celebrations with real champagne.
-First lap at the Nurburgring “ Green Hell”.
-Raced/driven at 40 tracks around the world.

Dream Race car ?
-Too many to list.

Mercedes or Redbull ?
-Anything Honda powered.

Something funny or interesting we should know about you?
-Afraid of heights!

Most embarrassing moment ?
-Precipitating a red flag!

Favorite quote ?
-Everything in moderation including moderation!

What car did you take driver training in ?
-2000 Acura Integra Type R

First race car ?
-1997 Acura Integra Type R

Do you have a nickname ?
-Carli

Do you name your cars ?
-Yes

What would be on the gag reel of your life.
-A scene of me running to the toilet after a triple stint in an enduro.

What’s you most useless talent?
-Able to tap a song with my jaw.

What will your gravestone read?
-“Led by example, followed the best”!