Drag Racers, Why do we race ?

[X-TECH MAN]

Originally Posted by JIM MARSHALL

The only reason I continue to race is " I hate my money"!

You nailed it Jim !

[Kenny Bomar]

My dad bought a 1933 American austin bantam for 15$ when I was abt 6 yrs old it broke and he put it in our 1 car garage it sat there rotting til I was 14 he told me if I could get it running he would give it to me. That did it the next 2 yrs every spare moment and $ went to it! But at 16 when I got those license I was rolling except when it would break down. Saving my $ sacking groceries all thru high school upon graduation and entering trade school to be an electrician I bought a brand new "wish I still had it" 1966 ss396 chevelle 375 hp and a 4 spd! I was broke but happiest 17 yr old on the planet! After a couple of expensive trips to jail for racing I knew I had to Change the plan I went to Lakeland drag strip in Memphis Wow!! The cars , competition , and legal !! Got me!! Ran pure stock til I could afford a set of headers. Then ran stock, bought a new 1969 Camaro w 6 Cyl and 3 spd and put in the same combo I run now 427 425 hp ran b/sa. Ran it 2 yrs sold it to Jerry Jennings in n Carolina , he still has it I tried to buy it back. Was shopping for a car that fit closer to the top of the class and got to running w the juke joint crowd then turned Hippie for a while needless to say race car money gone! Someone told me I could have a new life w/ Jesus went to church when I was young but never heard of being Born Again thot I'd try it . Got real salvation started following Him about 1985 my oldest son said Dad lets build a race car! Built a CAmaro just like my original and started using it as a tool for Jesus I'm a Godspeed Chaplain for Memphis Int Raceway and having a blast!

[jmcarter]

Great personal story Kenny. Hopefully you've had to chance to read the book "Unbroken" (don't see the movie, read the book) about how Louie Zamperini rather unexpectantly accepted Christ after an amazing personal journey. I've always enjoyed going to the morning services at the races. It gives us all a chance to reflect on many things, including how God blesses us with the chance to share a passion with others doing something we love to do.

For me, Chaplain services at the races definitely goes on the list of why we race.

[GTX JOHN]

The RFC Chaplains are an absolute constant Blessing and Encouragement to us at both the Local and National Races out here in Div.7.

Jim Jack's sage bible based advise in particular has been a lighthouse in the sometimes fog of my walk thru this life.

Thanks to all the Chaplains.....We love each and every you!!

[Steve Polhill]

Because I hate Money and spare time

[michael mercer]

Originally Posted by Larry Hill

....'cause they don't have model airplane contests every week..

Would that be: control line, RC, free flight, rubber powered, or static display?

[D.Johns]

I just wanna go fast.....

[Larry Hill]

Control Line Rat Racing

[Curt Rees]

'cause I always wanted to be a politician and spend money foolishly......

#5458

Curt Rees

[sst1226]

At least once a year, usually in the middle of summer on a very hot day I find myself sitting inside a car with no roll-down windows, in an all black interior, in a full fire suit and I ask myself why am I doing this? For the time and money invested, I could be sitting on a boat right now out on the water somewhere with a cold drink in my hand. Why am I sitting in a trailer with no AC for sometimes hours on end and sometimes away from my family to make my next pass?

For me, I found the answer is the competition. I like to compete, period. I like the challenge of improving my car, and myself as a driver. Whether I'm foot braking or throttle stop racing, they appeal equally to me because they each present their own challenges to overcome. The speed has almost become secondary and a fringe benefit, because it seems that no matter how fast I go, I eventually become used to it. The money is nice, and can be a contributing factor to distance traveled to race or duration of a race I'll attend(1 day vs. 3 days). Trophies are nice but they don't factor into where or when I'll race.

I never understand why other racers will go out of their way to bash or look down at other racers who race in a different class or type of drag racing. Its all competition, just in a different flavor. Whether its finding more HP/maximizing your combo, finding consistencies in your program/yourself, or a little bit of all, we all compete with ourselves, and with our fellow racers to become better. From there on its a matter of preference and budget.

Winning a race, regardless of the scale is the highest of the highs and it validates the long hours spent in the garage maintaining/fixing/improving the car/tow rig, the time spent analyzing my program and sometimes the hours in between rounds. That is what keeps me coming back. In addition, losing a race that 9 other times based on my performance alone would have normally resulted in a win, but didn't because my opponent was better than me, motivates me to keep improving. That, coupled with some lucky rounds here and there. If/when I lose that motivation for competition, you'll be most likely to find me on a boat somewhere.