Biography

One look at the Siberian White Tiger on the back of Tonis’ helmet, the expression: ”rare & aggressive animal” explains his tenacity to find his greatness in open wheel.

The distinctive artwork which graces the back of Tonis Kasemets racing helmet, clearly explains his unrelenting, tenacious Spirit to find his greatness in the record books of American Open Wheel Auto Racing.

The Siberian White Tiger not only represents a "rare and aggressive animal", but that of near extinction as well. Also known as one of the world's most enchanting of animals.

Tonis chose the long road to the USA and proved his worth in 2005 by scoring the 2nd place trophy in the Toyota Atlantic Championships (TAC). Only 17 points separated him from 1st place. Additionally, he was awarded the 2005 "Toyota Atlantic Ohlins Shock Technician of the Year" trophy for his excellence in handling of the many chores required on his entry, the #6 Flexovit Abrasives Products USA / MK Industries / TMI / Red Line Oil / Team Tonis "Yellow Magic", as he often refers to her.

Frequently engineering his own car, Tonis also manages to make several appearances for the Atlantic Series and various Charity Events, as he quickly became an absolute fan favorite. Never taking his gifts and blessings for granted, he always finds time for his fans, his duties, his family and his friends. We literally went through tens of thousands of "hero cards" in the past two seasons of his Atlantic Series pursuits.

In 2006, Tonis was offered 6 races in the Champ Car World Series and also made 2 starts in the Grand Am Series. Now that 2007 has arrived, he begins his season by literally "breaking in" a brand new IMSA Lite car of Parallax Racing; The #6 DP02 debuts at the 55th running of the "12 Hours of Sebring", in one of the many support races, March 14th through the 16th.

Hailing from Parnu, Estonia, Tonis joined wife Ilona as they migrated to America over the course of two years so that Tonis could follow his dreams. The Kasemets' recently celebrated 14 years of marriage in February of 2007. They are the proud parents of an up and coming 'speed freak' Ayrton (age 11) and daughter Adry (age 4). Son Ayrton has chosen a path as a competitive swimmer while Adry is involved with gymnastics and dance. Tonis still frequents several SCCA Club events all over the country too. Ayrton is usually nearby crewing with "Issi" (Estonian for "Daddy"). Both children are multi-lingual in several languages.

When not testing everything from vintage open wheel to new prototypes, you can usually find Tonis piloting the #59 Alfa Romeo of Flexovit Abrasives CEO Jay Iliohan; a long-time supporter and primary sponsor of Tonis' professional racing career. We'd like to thank Flexovit Abrasives Products USA for their continual backing of Kasemets' pursuits and we congratulate you for being the highest in exposure dividends during all of the Speed TV telecasts of the Atlantic races in 2005, according to Joyce Julius and Associates, Inc. Flexovit was named the "Top Team Sponsor" for air-time received, to quote: "Flourishing in the team sponsor chart's premier position was FLEXOVIT ABRASIVES", via mentions, vehicle identity, driver uniforms, verbal references and highlight footage. Well done and Bravo!

Kasemets caught the racing 'bug' at an early age, from his Cross Country Rally Driver father Toomas; via ice racing in the Baltic States and Go-Karting. Younger brother Madis is also a Championed driver, most recently competing in the Yaris Series in Europe.

Mother Juta remains in Estonia but the Kasemets Family visits on both sides of the world as often as time allows.

The 2005 Toyota Atlantic Championships (TAC) proved to be worth waiting for. Kasemets only ran a partial season of 6 events in TAC of 2004. Tonis' first front row starting position came in only the second race on the '05 schedule, in Monterrey, Mexico. Starting 2nd, he finished on the podium for the first time in TAC, taking the 2nd place trophy. Then it was all up from there.

In races three and four, at the Portland, Oregon Double Header, Tonis started 4th in race one but took command early and found the top of the podium. Race two of the double-double, he lands his first pole, sweeps the weekend and wins again by a landslide.

Next are races five and six, another double, a fan and driver favorite, the Cleveland Grand Prix. Tonis lands the pole again and finishes 2nd in race one. In race two of the weekend, it's another front row start in P2, finishing 4th. In the remaining six events of the season, Tonis starts in the front row 4 more times. He scores another pole and victory at what he considers his 'home track' - Road America, where he holds most of the course records. And once again, he dominates all of the events of the weekend. Tonis rounds out the year by finishing 2nd at the finale in Montreal.

The Podium and Kasemets are as one now. And the Media absolutely adores Tonis. He's always good for an off-the-cuff and unexpected comment. Not the average prefabricated answers... Tonis is a breath of fresh air for all who encounter his infectious, optimistic and entertaining personality.

This hasn't been the easiest climb to the top for this feisty Estonian. After completing the 1995 European Championships in Opel Lotus, he was finally able to settle in Mundelein, Illinois. A town he and his Family still call "home". During the years of 1996 and 1997, Tonis sat out of professional competition while making new friends stateside. He began racing European Karts at age 8 and for 10+ years, raced continuously. Taking this two-year break to become properly acquainted here in the US...well, he wasn't getting any younger, but he followed his always-keen instincts to "not rush into things here."

Tonis got his first "break" in 1998 by purchasing a 1988 Reynard Formula Continental. He takes command quickly by winning 8 out of 10 SCCA races. Tonis has been an SCCA Central Division member since 1997. His next shot to the top is his partnership with engineering legend Ove Olsson in a 1999 Formula Continental Carbir.

In the year 2000 Tonis purchases a DSTP/Mygel Formula Continental, and finally takes the much-coveted overall win at the Valvoline Run Off's. From Formula Continental to F2000, via a Van Diemen in 2001... as he explains, "a very good car", Tonis teams with Augie Pabst III. That combination of talent brought Kasemets 5 race wins and 4 poles.

In 2002 and 2003... Tonis climbs higher in a Formula Zetec Van Diemen, racking up more victories and even more press.

In September of 2003, Formula Car Magazine recognizes Tonis Kasemets as "One of the Top 10 Drivers in the WORLD to keep your eyes on!"

Augie Pabst III becomes Team Tonis' Crew Chief in TAC '05. And our Chief Engineer Alan O'Leary captures the TAC Engineer of the Year award as well.

What's next for Tonis Kasemets?

There's only one place the Estonian-American aspires to eventually:

The Champ Car World Series (CCWS).

This isn't a driver looking to grab a brass ring from just any Series. It's not about the money. It's the principle...about a lifelong dream that began 3 decades ago, a continent away. The hardest part is behind him. His support group is small but intensely loyal and unwavering. We stand behind one of the greatest talents who has graced us with his compassion, his discipline, his love for his family and friends... and his always-intact sense of humor!

Past Records:

2005 Archive:

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