Joe Norris

Hi, I'm Joe Norris. I'm 42 years old, and live in central Wisconsin, USA. I'm married, and have one child (a daughter, age 17). I was born and raised on the family owned cranberry farm, but have recently sold the farm operation in order to pursue my life long love of aviation.

I am a commercial pilot with both fixed-wing and helicopter ratings, and a licensed aircraft mechanic. I am a flight instructor in single engine airplanes and will soon be a helicopter instructor as well.

On the subject of racing: I've been a fan of racing since I was about 12 years old (late '60s). My first love was sports cars (endurance and Can-Am), and F1 soon followed. The first F1 season I followed really closely was 1969. I've followed every one since. I also have followed the Trans-Am series since it's inception, and have been a fan of Indy cars for about as long as F1. I follow NASCAR as well, but the formula and sports cars come first.

I'm no longer directly involved in any racing activities, but have some limited experience. In the late '80s and early '90s, I did some Formula Ford racing, as well as some Showroom Stock activities in Porsches. Also, I did some Porsche Club and SCCA autocrosses during the same time period. I was fairly successful in the autocrossing, and somewhat less so in the "wheel-to-wheel" racing. My best results at the race track came in the wet races, and it was not unusual to find me praying for rain on race day! <g>

Aside from racing and flying, my hobbies include motorcycles (my wife and I ride our Harleys as much as we can, and I am restoring a 1964 Harley as well), and playing guitar (in my younger days I played in several bands and I still like to do the occasional gig at family get-togethers and private parties).

So, that's me "at a glance"! I've really enjoyed being a part of this group and look forward to another great season in '98, and many more to come!

Joe Norris

"The way I see it, you can either work for a living or you can fly airplanes. Me, I'd rather fly."

-- Len Morgan