Meet Brian Goslee. Brian is a graduate of Central Catholic, Class of 1998. After graduating from CC he attended Purdue University to study Visual Communication Design with encouragement from his art teacher, Mrs. Reed. After years of being an avid racing fan, Brian left Purdue in May 2001 to follow his dreams and pursue a career in racing. By 2004, he had made it to the IndyCar league and began working for Chip Ganassi Racing. Brian continued to work as a mechanic in IndyCar and was part of Scott Dixon’s winning team in 2008. The decision to follow his dreams paid off. Brian is currently a Crew Chief for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, and will be in the pit for driver Sage Karam this weekend for 100th running of the Indy 500.
When Brian isn’t at the track, he spends time with his 3 children, Addison (age 6) and twins Pippa and Maximus (age 4). He also combines his passion for art and racing by creating practical metal art pieces for his business, Second Shift Art. He finds inspiration for his art from his grandmother who was an artist and Mrs. Reed who taught him to keep creating and trying new things. With guidance and encouragement from his favorite teacher, Brian has been able to turn that interest in art during high school to a passion and 2nd career today!
How did your education from the Lafayette Catholic Schools prepare you for college and your career?
I feel like the teachers genuinely cared about the students and took time for each and every one of them, whether it was from an education standpoint or something in their personal life. Seeing these values being lived out by the teachers, and also being taught Catholic religious values, has prepared me as a person when it comes to the treatment of others. The values I was taught at CC has guided me in the treatment of my mechanics and helps me to appreciate each and every one of them for their hard work - I tell them constantly how much I appreciate them. As a team, we are very close and work closely in a fast-paced, high-stress environment as we have someone life in our hands the whole time.
What did you like most about your experience at LCSS?
I liked the smaller family feeling of the school. You didn't feel like a number, you felt like a person.
We were also all pushed to follow our dreams no matter how big or out of reach they may be. I was always interested in racing and actually remember missing a day of school to attend the 1997 Indy 500 on a Tuesday (it is usually on a Sunday, but it had been rained out for 2 days straight that year). Being pushed to follow my dream is how I ended up where I am today. I am very appreciative for what I do. Every day I wake up and do not feel like I am going to work - I feel like I am going to go do something I love and have a passion for.
What is your favorite memory from your years at LCSS?
Hanging out with friends, watching CC football games while sitting on couch in the endzone, basketball caravans, and cheering on our basketball team to a State Title will always stand out.
As far as in the classroom, I loved Mrs. Reed's art classes and how she pushed me in art. Art didn't work out for me immediately, but now I have combined my passion for racing and art and own my own business, Second Shift Art, making metal art. I am thankful for her belief in me and pushing me to take risks, which has helped me in my career and personal life.
Photo by Chad Smith