Meet the Driver: Daniel Szwarc - BRT's Developer-Driver

Over the past two seasons, mechanical-engineer-turned-software-developer Daniel Szwarc has supported the Braci Racing Team (BRT) as both Chief Designer and #1 Mechanic. This year, Daniel joins the USTCC as BRT's second driver with a new-build Nissan 370Z to race alongside his brother, teammate, and 2024 SP Champion Martin Szwarc.

We caught up with the up-and-coming racer to find out more about his background, interests, and learn a few fun facts while he built up his new 370Z for the TC class of the USTCC East Series.

Can you tell us a bit about your racing background? What first sparked your passion for motorsports?

I'm very new to racing [compared to the current USTCC East Series field]. I'm looking to get my competition license this year in order to start racing with USTCC. I've been watching my brother, Martin (Braci Racing Team) do track days and became his Chief Engineer when he started racing with USTCC. It just looked too fun not to join in.

Tell us about your car for the season. Why did you choose it, and what are its strengths?

I am currently building up a Nissan 370Z. Honestly, I was back and forth on several makes and models before I finally fell backwards into the Z. It wasn't even on my radar as an option until I started looking at competitive [SCCA] T3 cars and noticed the 350 and 370 popping up left and right.  One of the strengths of this car, in my opinion, is that without even adding any power, it fits nicely into TC. This means I don't have to chase modifications in order to be at the right power to weight ratio, and also means that the car should be more reliable. In addition to that, it is a RWD setup which is something I've always wanted in a track car.

How do you balance the technical aspects of racing—like car setup and data analysis—with the creative, instinct-driven side of driving?

I like to think I'm a bit of both, and I'm sure it's similar for others as well. Off the track or in between sessions, I love reviewing data. Anything to make more logical sense of why I went faster when I did, what I can continue to improve on, and if I'm actually pushing the car to its limits. It really scratches the engineering half of my brain to look at numbers on a computer screen. However, when I'm on the track, I find I'm a little more instinctive. It's more about what feels right. I expect this to change drastically as I grow as a driver and competitor however.

Tell us about your Team's name and origin story. Where did it come from and what do you want fans to know about your team?

In Polish, Braci means brothers. My brother and I started the team when he decided to turn his street car into a race car for the USTCC SP series 2 years ago. However, the meaning of Braci in BRT goes beyond who we're related to. It extends to all the close friendships we've created on track. BRT would be nowhere without the help of much wiser, technical racers who have helped us develop and learn over the last few years. 

Do you have any pets, and can you tell us about them?

Yes! Appa and Lily are our two dogs. They've both been to the track and quite enjoy terrorizing other dogs in the paddocks. 

What is your favorite color and why? And does it appear on your car?

Green. It's the main color for BRT's cars! 

Follow Braci Racing Team's Instagram Page, @braciracing to keep up with the latest on Daniel and the BRT 370Z.