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Lifestyle // Men's

Road Testing Men’s Style With Indy Driver E.J. Viso

Credits: Photography by Greg Lotus. Styling by Kim Stanley for Neiman Marcus and Ron Laxamana for Utopia. Grooming by Emily Moses for Opus Beauty. Location: One Bal Harbour Resort & Spa.

Ernesto Jose Viso Lossada, known in racing circles as E.J. Viso, is at age 27 one of the most exciting young talents in the Izod IndyCar Series. He found his calling at age 5, racing Go Karts in his native Venezuela, and progressed in his teens through Formula 1 racing. Since 2008 he has competed in IndyCar, scoring four top-10 finishes last year. This season he’s behind the wheel of the #5 CITGO | PDVSA – KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Firestone machine, and he expects it to be his breakout year.

NMdaily conversed with E.J. in Miami, where he currently resides, and tapped top fashion photographer Greg Lotus to shoot a “road test” of Spring’s colorful men’s wear and Orefici watches at the One Bal Harbour Resort & Spa.

NMdaily: Tell us, E.J., what defines your sport? 

E.J. Viso: It is the fastest race in the world, with the fastest drivers in the world.

What makes IndyCar distinct from other racing leagues?

NASCAR has an “all-American” connection, while Formula 1 maintains the European link, but the Izod IndyCar series is a truly global sport. We have drivers from all over the world, and as the league’s only Hispanic and Latino driver, I am proud to represent that segment.

What makes this racing season feel different or special to you, compared to past seasons? 

This year is slated to be my breakout year. It all started with some Twitter fans really, with the hashtag #BreakoutYear — and my PR team got behind it. I have a revived energy, strong sponsors, support of my fans and now my Team Viso, which every day helps me be stronger, faster and better.  Managing young drivers is a new element for me in 2012, and also gives me a sense of where it all began for me as a driver. I look forward to guiding them through my experiences as we grow.

What do you wish more people understood about your sport? 

That it truly is a one-of-a-kind, phenomenal sport.  You must be not only strong physically, but emotionally and mentally as well to do what we do.

Tell us about your partnership with Orefici Watches. How did it come about? 

Umberto Cipolla, the CEO of Orefici, is a good friend of mine for some time now. We discussed the possibilities of collaborating and working together in the future, but it never came about until now. We found the right timing, and finally joined forces. Orefici has an excellent collection which I am a personal fan of, from the designs to the quality and craftsmanship. I am proud to have them as my official timepiece.

Did you always think you would have fashion sponsors? 

Fashion has always been an interest of mine, aside from racing, which may be a surprise to many, as we are usually seen in our fire suits and helmets. There is an element of racing which is undeniable. It is a “sexy,” attractive sport,  and fashion is synonymous with that message.  After all, we wear what we wear everyday to feel attractive.  It is a sensible combination and I look forward to integrating more fashion with racing. I believe it is a great platform for both to gain more exposure in some of the major markets the Izod IndyCar series races in.

How would you describe your sense of style? 

Clean lines, classy yet easy.  I am racing all hours of day, some times night, and often have to run straight from my race car to a sponsor dinner or event where I like to look good.  I like to think of my “fashion sense” as always looking groomed and well-put together.  I have never been one of those guys to wake up and throw anything on.  I think have bit of European flair in my look.

Do you have favorite designers? 

Dsquared2, Persol, Tom Ford, obviously Orefici watches. I like a broad range.

What are your main interests, outside of your sport? What do you do for recreation? 

I love any kind of water sport—jet skis, boating, etc. I have a nice connection with the sea and living in Miami, of course that’s one of the benefits.  It is away from everything, the racetrack, phones, etc. There is so much traveling we do, that I like to take the quiet time, and just be a “homebody.”  I don’t take being home for granted.

How do you stay fit? 

I hit the gym a lot. As athletes we need to maintain our physical strength. I like to run outdoors along the beach. Now with 2 of my boys living in Miami, they’ll be training with me.  Soon, I will also be on routines with Pit Fit, another partner of mine and you are sure to see some great workout routines available for download.  In addition, I maintain a healthy lifestyle in every meal. I usually wake with a power shake, and make sure I eat clean.  A dinner for me might consist of grilled chicken and a side of vegetables, with water.  I believe in being healthy, outside and in.

Do you have any good luck charms? 

I do, but if shared with you, it would no longer be my secret. =)

During the Men’s Event at Neiman Marcus, March 22-25, there is a gift with a regular-priced men’s purchase of $500 or more.