Today’s Notable Young Professional is NASCAR’s 2011 rookie of the year, and with two victories and three podiums in 2013, LP Dumoulin, 35, is favoured to clean up at the 2014 NASCAR Canada series. Coming from humble beginnings ice racing with his dad at 13, LP is now in the prime of his career…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I’m a full-time professional race car driver, a driving coach for Porsche and Ferrari, and an instructor at the Ferrari Driving Experience in Mont-Tremblant.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
My dad was a very talented mechanic so he has always been around cars and racing – he used to race cars in the 70s with a ton of passion but very little budget. My brother Jean-Francois and I grew up in the garage working with him and helping him out, so I was hooked from a young age.
I have always loved sports and played football, rugby and soccer as a kid too, but there is nothing like driving on a racetrack, which I’ve been doing since 1995. I chose a racing career because it’s a great industry, it’s difficult and competitive.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part of racing is the speed. We drive extremely fast in these cars, so I need to be on point and focus entirely on what I’m doing, but I love the speed.
The most challenging part?
Having 40 cars competing on one track, all driving at very high speeds, is a huge challenge. The competition level in my series, the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series is very high, so I need to bring my A-game every day that I show up at work.
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
I’m very disciplined at work, but being on the road a lot means I sacrifice some important personal time with my wife and family to ensure my career is successful.
One sign that my work/life balance is off is when my dreams start being consumed by nightmares that I’ve forgotten my helmet or my suit for a race!
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I’ll keep doing what I love: racing. I want to win a championship, stay in good shape and continue my career as long as I can.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
I’ve had to overcome a lot. It’s been crucial that I maintain my physical and mental ability to perform as a driver so that I can continue to secure sponsorships. Racing isn’t like other sports where all you have to do is perform; it also requires the support of sponsorships by great companies like WeatherTech Canada.
How did you overcome it?
A lot of hard work. I wake up in the morning, I go to work, and I believe in what I do. I practice, practice, practice. There is no trick or easy way to succeed, you just need to go out there, work hard, and do your best every day.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
Happiness is waking up in the morning and doing what I love.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
There are so many of them! Every win is a great moment. It reminds me why I do what I do. There are a lot of ups and downs in racing so every time I’m on a podium it’s a highlight. Last year we won twice with my WeatherTech #47 in the NASCAR Canada Series at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and it felt awesome.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Whatever you do, do it well. Learn from your mistakes and do it better next time.
Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
My two favourites are O’Centro and Le Carlito in Trois-Rivières – they are owned by friends of mine and they both serve amazing food and have great atmospheres.
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
With my friends and family, or playing sports.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
There are so many of them but I love to hang out in Florida during the winter!
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida.”
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
Another kind of sport, or I would be a sports psychologist or coach.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I support Carpe Diem Centre de ressources Alzheimer because my grandmother passed away a few years ago after suffering from the disease. My brother Jean-Francois and I have been fundraising with the organization for two years.
I also support Fondation Québécoise du Cancer. A few members in my family have passed away from cancer, and this organization helps to provide the right services to cancer patients and their families.
What to you is notable?
Notable is having perseverance, patience and never taking anything for granted.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone.
#LYNL | (Live Your Notable Life)
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