Rookie Chesson a breath of fresh air

INDIANAPOLIS – Four months ago, P.J. Chesson was stringing bait on a Miami fishing boat when he reeled in his prize catch – a full-time ride in the Indy Racing League.

Now the brash 27-year-old rookie with a body full of tattoos and a mouth that won’t stop talking is savoring every minute of his newfound fame.

The most unlikely, and certainly most ostentatious, starter in this year’s Indianapolis 500 field has embraced the fans as much as they have embraced his fun-loving personality.

“I never gave up hope, and that’s the only reason I’m here,” Chesson said. “I never knew how bad I wanted to do this until then.”

To most drivers in Indianapolis, the Borg-Warner Trophy and a bottle of milk, which go to the race winner, would be the big prizes.

Chesson has a different perspective.

Regardless of what happens Sunday, Chesson already considers this the best month of his life. He rode in an F-16 fighter jet even instructing the pilot to buzz the towers at the 2.5-mile oval. He qualified 20th for Sunday’s race and added a new tattoo on his left shoulder. And he’s gone public about his off-track romances.

In a world where many drivers worry about losing sponsors and fans for saying or doing the wrong things, Chesson’s fearless attitude is a refreshing change. He curses, brags and isn’t concerned about being politically correct.

This week alone he has volunteered information about the tattoos of his ex-girlfriends’ names, described his version of the “man checklist” and removed his shirt during Tuesday’s rookie luncheon to show off his newest tattoo – the logo for this year’s Indy 500.

He also whispered a story to IRL president Brian Barnhart before Tuesday’s lunch, to which Barnhart responded with a smile: “That’s too much information, I didn’t need to know that.”

Chesson’s boisterous personality may agitate some, but if there was one thing he learned from laboring in the blazing Florida sun, it was this: Be yourself.

“It’s not a game, it’s not a role,” Chesson said. “It’s not always received well, but I am a free spirit and I think it’s important not to hide yourself.”

The IRL desperately needs Chesson’s personality, too.

With controversial figures almost nonexistent in the series over the past decade, Chesson’s offbeat image could fill the need of making him the driver fans love – or the one fans love to hate.

“I think they need all types of personalities, and he’s obviously an interesting one,” longtime car owner and driver agent Cary Agajanian said. “I think you could term it villains or rabble rousers or guys who create controversy, and I think that’s good.”

First, though, Chesson, who drives for Hemelgarn Racing, co-owned by NBA star Carmelo Anthony, must become competitive.