OUR APPROACH
At Champagne Racing, we believe that becoming a professional driver takes more than just speed. Drivers must also have an in-depth understanding of race car vehicle dynamics and be able to provide precise feedback.
On top of extensive on-track testing, our program helps drivers understand the mechanics behind their cars and how to communicate efficiently and effectively with engineers to be able to improve the car setup.
GONELLA RACING PARTNERSHIP
With over 35 years of experience in the field, Ernie knows racing from both the driving and engineering perspectives. He was born in Chicago, raised in Argentina, and later moved to Florida in 2002. Growing up in a racing family, he began working on his first race car at the age of 16.
As a driver in Argentina, he was the 1989 Sport Prototipo runner-up and the 1990 Sport Prototipo Champion. During the following years he had the opportunity to drive Formula Renault, Formula Super Renault, Touring cars and Turismo Carretera as a professional driver, while managing his own team. As an engineer, Ernie designed, built, and homologated Formula Renault and Sport Prototype cars in Argentina, and designed and built many TC cars.
Over the last 12 years, Ernie has worked as Head Engineer and Technical Director for Juncos Racing, winning many races and championships with the team. Drivers he has worked with include Peter Dempsey, Conor Daly, Spencer Pigot and Kyle Kaiser.
As a young race car driver and entrepreneur in Argentina, Ernie founded his own racing team, Gonella Competición in 1987. In 2019, with decades more experience under his belt, he started Gonella Racing with the same passion and vigor he has carried throughout his career.