A number of top auto executives enjoy the sport, including General Motors President Mark Reuss and Toyota President Akio Toyoda.
Farley races a 1966 Ford GT40 as well as a 1978 Lola T298.
Farley’s hobby started in 2008 after a friend sold him a 289-cubic-inch small-block Cobra with a race pedigree on the condition that he take it back to the track. After he earned his racing license, Farley began his career on the track with a competition at Road America in Wisconsin.
He vowed Tuesday to be “as safe as you can” while in the driver’s seat, noting that it helps him recharge.
“As a CEO, you have to have an outlet to come back every day and lead the organization,” Farley said. “When I’m in that car, I’m concentrating 100 percent and there’s nothing else to think about. When I’m done, it’s such a mental break in a very quick time and it just works for me.”
He also said he enjoys the camaraderie of other racers.
“When I’m at the track I’m just Jimmy Car-Car, nothing more,” he said. “It’s a great way to stay humble and connected to the product, and it’s a great way for me to relax, because I love competing.”
