Sitting in the Wayne State University Law School building waiting for class to start, I found myself staring at a blank document thinking, “What did I sign myself up for?”
Sitting in the Wayne State University Law School building waiting for class to start, I found myself staring at a blank document thinking, “What did I sign myself up for?”
Staying true to myself, volunteering for the challenge and never backing down from it, here we are.
I grew up reading this magazine; impatiently waiting each month for the latest issue to reach my mailbox only to furiously flip through the pages to view pictures of winged sprint cars. Forgive me, Dave Argabright, Pat Sullivan and others, I was more of a publication “viewer” than “reader.” Do you sense the irony?
The objective of this column is to allow readers the opportunity to hear from a different voice, with a varying perspective, as I am a driver, team owner, ambassador, mentor, law student, employee, and, now, magazine contributor.
There is no hat I do not wear. Literally and figuratively. But I take part in all the listed roles because it allows me to pursue what I love most — Racing. (Sorry, Mom and Dad).
To add, the uniqueness of this essay is to document some of the events throughout the 2023 race season as my team and I intend to compete in all the USAC Silver Crown and 500 Sprint Car Tour races — something I am so excited about.
After reluctantly stepping away from motorsports for a few years to attend to personal obligations, I have an expanded sense of gratitude and appreciation for all that goes into facilitating a competitive race team that has reinvigorated my fire to “leave it all on the track” and compete at the level of which I am capable. Maturity helps with that, too.
As you may be aware, it takes a village of people to operate a race team, in addition to an abundance of monetary support, laborious commitments and personal sacrifice. With that, I am so grateful to my crew members, family, sponsors — The Sam Bernstein Law Firm, Mobil 1 Racing, Motorsports Safety Group, “DRIVEN” by Dr. Jason Cormier, Dee Ford‘s Bar & Grill, among all my product sponsors — and alliances with 8 Track Entertainment and Women in Motorsports North America.
Regardless of being a driver, crew chief, car owner, pit crew member(s), etc., without the help and unwavering support from others within the industry, none of us could contribute to the sport we adore. “There is no I in team,” remains an accurate expression in that motorsports is a pillar of collaboration that enables the pursuit of passion, goals, euphoria and victory.
There is a lot of work going in to ensuring next season will be the epitome of success, both subjectively and objectively. Subjectively, my team is working hard, however, objectively, so are others. Sanctioning bodies and race tracks are finalizing schedules; car and engine builders are trying to meet deadlines to have their products ready to hit the track the first of the season; parts suppliers are trying to accrue and disburse components, some of which are taking longer than normal to come across these days; budgets are being finalized; the list goes on and on. In sum, the offseason takes just as much, if not more, effort than race season.
Although I often remind myself that Rome was not built in a day, bricks were laid every hour. It is the process and culminated effort of individuals that leads to the achievement of the ultimate goal of a racer — winning. Preparation and behind-the-scenes grind can make a considerable difference in on-track performance. In theory, races are won at the shop.
To note, what is “offseason” anyway? Some take part in the list of items above and participate in indoor events, races out West and in the South, or go to Australia/New Zealand territory. You can bet there is always some form of racing going on, regardless of the time of year. Throughout the winter months, I am elated to be racing a winged pavement sprint car for Mac Steele in Florida and participate in the Chili Bowl driving the No. 4 Beast for Bob and Janice East and Terry Klatt, while preparing for my 2023 season in the Midwest.
As we look ahead to the New Year and all that is to come, it is important to reflect on where we started at the beginning of the year, what progress has been made toward the “end-game,” and where the weaknesses are that need improvement.
Racing, like life, is a work in progress. One will never learn unless mistakes are made, but it is also how we handle the mistakes and move forward. I hope that next season all the pieces to the puzzle will connect and my team and I can capitalize on headway that has been made.
Here‘s to next season. Let‘s make 
it count.