Passion
 

Short Blog this week to speak about something I believe is dear to many of our hearts.

The dictionary defines the word passion as, “a strong or barely controllable emotion.” Does that sound familiar when it comes to a drag racer?

I’ve shared with you before about how concerned I was when I was originally set to be drafted into the military. My concern at that time; and of course at 18-years old; was “how am I going to go drag racing?” I probably shouldn’t have thought that way, instead feeling honored to serve my country. Not to digress but, the military was quite a bit different than it is today. It was shortly after I had gone for my physical that the draft had ended. Now I could go drag racing.

But I believe that most; if not all; drag racers possess much of the same passion for the sport. What’s that sign we’d often see on the back doors of race trailers? Oh yeah. “Inside this trailer contains a disease of which there is no cure.” Truer words may never have been spoken; or in this case; written down.

We often kid each other about drag racing being a drug; one that while legal, still is a habit that’s hard to kick. There is no Drag Racers Anonymous similar to an AA or Gamblers program. Although many of us could probably fit into a Gamblers program. After all, isn’t that sort of what we’re doing when we lay down some money at the gate, accepting the odds that we’ll win? Whatever you want to call it, once drag racing gets into your blood, it’s a habit that’s hard to kick. While there are instances where alcoholism or gambling has strained relationships, I don’t believe drag racing may have done the same. Tell me if I’m wrong on that one.

I know. Many of us are aware of someone who was into the sport heavily and finally decided to hang it up. To walk away for whatever reason; money, family, etc. But does that passion really leave you? It may be the thrill of a fast pass, or the friendships made along the way. Whatever, the hook is still set. How many times have we’ve seen someone who seemingly gave up the sport, only to have them periodically show up at a race to spectate? It could be for the friendships or maybe it’s just the smell of burnt rubber and race fuel, nonetheless, it’s still in the blood.

I spoke a couple of weeks ago about the race track being my “happy place,” (https://dragracingactiononline.com/2...ace-an-update/), and to a point that’s still true for many of us. However, as we get older, our priorities may change slightly. In most cases, that doesn’t mean our love of the sport has waned, but just that we realize there may be other things in life. Through it all though, I doubt very much we totally forget about the aforementioned smell of burnt rubber and race fuel. I know I haven’t. How about you?

Re: Passion
 

I sold everything in 2017.
But i still love the sport and do attend a few races a year, mainly for
my friends that are still racing have the best bbq’s…. Just kidding.

Racing is definitely a serious drug and I’ve been following it for 55 yrs,
thanks to my older brothers bringing me when I was 12 yrs old.

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-
I quit cold turkey in 1987 after 11 years of running Modified and then Comp. Twenty some years later John Mcleod invited me to watch a MCR race down at Marion SD. Boom, back into it I went.

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It’s definitely easy to go back in, I’ve been contemplating it myself over n over.

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I am not able to race again as of yet, so atleast I get to enjoy the smell of VP 110 when I pour it into my mower and the smell of it getting burned. John Kissel

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A day has not passed since I sold my car that I don't regret doing so.

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Started racing when I was 16. Military service, college, job, and family have all interrupted or curtailed racing but it wasn’t till 2012 that I made a conscious effort to quit. Didn’t work then nor on my more recent attempts. I’ve always heard that nicotine and alcohol are the two hardest things to give up but think drag racing has to be harder. The exhilaration of victory shared with family and friends has got to be one of the highest thrills you can have. Not the only one mind you but definitely one you have to earn.

Re: Passion
 

Interesting topic John B! Similar to many here, started in late high school age, interrupted by a stint in the Coast Guard, finishing school etc. But hard at it from 1972 in stock until one morning I got up, the rig was loaded the sun was shining on the lake out back and I headed out to another national event.... but I am thinking why am I leaving home to go sit in long lines, get hassled in tech then sit waiting to be called to run one or two time trials.... Just said the heck with it, turned around and walked away cold turkey.


The amount of work one puts in to be the quickest in class (and mentally I had to be) the amount of racing to stay sharp and the body gets older and says what you are doing is no longer worth the satisfaction you get from o the work, and winning once in a while. Only lost class 4 times at a national event. Have carpal tunnel surgery on both wrist from all the wrenching to be competitive or from the teardowns for records or wins. Hernia surgery on both sides from lifting blocks, heads, transmissions and rear ends over and over! Paid my dues.

That said, I have so many good friends that still race and it is fun to follow them on NHRA live streaming.. Or D3TV and or facebook via text and phones. So that I do. Still going to work 5 days a week, because it gives me purpose in life. My mind would like to go racing again, but my body says you are crazy and the cost now; I don't know how you guys still racing do it . So while some have said it is easy to get back into; I don't think that from a cost and work stand point it is. Specially if you are older. And when we raced, had to do all one's own work with the help of friends; because that is the only way you know you are legal or what you have will pass in tech.

Occasionally go to Indy to watch my friends Stock and Super stock class runs, and hit a few other races.

I am glad to have done it and happy for all the friends I made while doing so and glad to have been able to do as well as we did, but it costs you some in relationships at home.... particularly if the rest don't have the same passion and drive you do.


Don McElroy

PS: I have great admiration for the guys and gals that started back in the late 50's when I did and are still racing. Amazing!

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I sold everything when I had my open heart surgery in 2018 - car, trailer, tow vehicle. As I recuperated, I felt the bug again and went a few times to spectate and meet with friends. In 2020, Eric Merryfield let me drive one of his cars at the Sportnats/LODRS double at Epping. That was it - hooked again! Bought a new (to me) race car (thanks, Jeff), trailer and tow vehicle. Having a ball. No regrets. Come on, Dutko - you're next!

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You never know.
Now that your in SS, your name is updated to “Big Bucks Bob”…..

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djm670 your cars performance level is the goal we have strived to attain for years. Thanks for leading the way.

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John, several years ago a bunch of D1 racers were out for dinner in the off season. Dave Ley was there and to quote him about Stock and Super Stock racers, "It's not a hobby, It's not a passion, It's a life style, they live it 24 / 7 and they embrace it, It's who they are and what they do" Seems to sum it up pretty well I think.

Mike Bassin, track announcer, Mason Dixon Dragway

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im back in SS after a 35yr. layoff...come on next summer ! i cant believe the rule changes making everything different...OHHHHH BABY !!!

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I was born addicted to drag racing and I have spent my whole life trying to get to the level, I always dreamed of as a kid reading National Dragster ,Drag Review SS&DI etc.
I probably will never quit, there is always a goal to reach.
I have been fortunate enough to reach some of my goals, but it never will end ,because once I reach my goals.... I just want to do it again.... if you win one round, one race, one divisional or world championship.... you want to make it two, then three.....never ending LOL

Re: Passion
 

You have me chuckling Larry; you have far surpassed my level of performance! I admire how quick and fast your car is today!

We all have a window in time where the passion and effort can come together and it is amazing what one can do with it with a lot of help from good friends!

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I still have pictures, somewhere, of yours and Greg’s car at Bowling Green when we first got started and our car could not get out of its own smoke.

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Another good one John. Drag racing is like addictions, IMO. (Been in/around AA for ~12yrs and just under 6 yrs sober) Once you get deep enough into drag racing you become hard pressed to explain to someone not into racing why you spend up to $30k (or more) on a class car that 'only' does 11's and it costs ~$1000 (or more) all in to go to a pts meet, where IF you win the purse is $1500, plus some contingency. If you loose 1st rd or rain hits, you may make 2 or 3 runs over 3 days after driving 8 or more hours each way too.That you spend lots of waking hours working on the car, trailer, motorhome or tow vehicle to get it all better, but then you don't want to go bracket race and practice b/c you will wear out your motor. That you don't buy a bigger house or newer daily driver so you can pour more money into your race car, trailer and motorhome. It may affect your jobs choices too, ones that fit around your racing habit.

To us in the game it is just life priorities that make sense as we love drag racing. That the track and garage with our race car is our happy place. To a bunch of disgruntled wives and ex-wives our stupid race car didn't make much sense. Tell your wife you don't want to put on new siding or a nice deck with screened in portion with outdoor kitchen because you want new trick heads and intake for your race car. Some may be cool with that logic, I would suspect a lot wouldn't. Class racing is a hard sell for a lot of bracket racers and I believe a harder sell to understand the $$ per 'fun unit' math for non racers. We in the game have the bug that most of us can't shake. I am ok with that addiction.

Hi, I'm Andy, and I am a drag racer....

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My experience -
Every time I think seriously about getting out.... I somehow end up acquiring another car.

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How many now??

i say that i getting out for the last five years, still doing it.
Bob

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Andy you have me rolling on the floor laughing! Probably not a laughing matter either!

I finally walked away because I had to win, and I no longer had the desire to do all of the work or go to as many races as required to win on a regular basis. That said, I still text and talk to the buds who are still racing at Pts meets and national events while watching the streamed events online (most of them are now). A lot cleaner, quieter and more comfortable from a desk chair or couch than being there. Sure I miss the tension, the acceleration etc.. But it is a whole lot cheaper this way! Good luck as you continue the good fight!

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Glad you got a chuckle out of it. I take racing serious but it is still supposed to be fun. My Dad has to remind me of that fact when I get pissed off that I am not clicking off .00X lights and turning on the win light every round. If it was easy than it would probably not be any fun. I totally understand how it can get to the point that it wasn't that fun for you. Thanks for the well wishes. If all goes right we will make the jump to GT/HA with our Chevelle in a few years. Fingers crossed!