Michael Beard, when you have time...........
 

Mr Beard
I know you are busy racing this weekend but when you get a chance, maybe you could shed a little light on a few thoughts.
Do you have life other than racing?
You can't be married or does she travel with you EVERY weekend?
Are you independently wealthy or have a very understanding boss?
Yes, to some small degree I am jealous of your racing schedule but I really do not think someone could remain sane drag racing their way around the country weekend after weekend. There just has to be more to life than time slip booth and a plastic out house.

Re: Michael Beard, when you have time...........
 

If you paid any attention then you'd know Mr.Beard is self employed.
www.staginglight.com
Plus he races on a tight budget......
And you'll NEVER get to race that much in Smog City.........

Re: Michael Beard, when you have time...........
 

Gee, thanks John Kelly
that was very informative.........................

Re: Michael Beard, when you have time...........
 

Drag racing is my life, yes, and that's by choice. I've worked my whole life toward doing what I love. I worked at Mickey D's as a kid, then a sign shop for the same money, before going to work for Bill Bader's IHRA, 2000-2002, as webmaster, journalist and jack of all trades. Missed racing Stock, so I left to work for Quaker City Raceway. Won the Stock World Championship in 2003, then decided that in order to race how and when I wanted, I needed to run my own business. Started a sign shop in NE Ohio, and began my solo career of being "independently poor". Met Jill while I was there, and a couple years later we moved to North Carolina. Refocused my business on strictly graphic design and printing for drag racers and dragstrips, running it out of my home. Living in NC allowed me to run 56 races a year (but still home every week... Don't think I've ever stayed out on the road from week to week). Still towing with a 4.7L Dodge Ram (14mpg this weekend!), and an open trailer that I won in a Shootout race when I was a kid. Because I play it close to the vest and have been blessed with success on the track, I make money racing. Because of what I do, racing IS the advertising for my business -- I HAVE to race. (Good excuse, right?).

I told Jill she could have a ring when I got out of debt. Ran myself in the finals of the 2008 World Footbrake Challenge $10K (Win and R/U), and proposed to her over the phone right then and there. We were married that November. She's ultimately supportive, and goes when she can, a few times a year. Even got her to race the Turismo a couple times last year!

I'm never going to be rich, but I'm happy! You have to do what you love, and love what you do.

Re: Michael Beard, when you have time...........
 

Now, that folks, is how you acheive the American Dream ! WTG Micheal !

Re: Michael Beard, when you have time...........
 

Drag racing is an addiction for which there is no cure or rehab

Oh and no retirement

It is a passion - there are few in life - for most

Your lucky if you have two

One has to be family

Re: Michael Beard, when you have time...........
 

I have two families. Drag racers ARE family, and we have a reunion every weekend!

"I like to reminisce with people I don't know. Granted, it takes longer." - Steven Wright

Re: Michael Beard, when you have time...........
 

Congrats on doing what you love!

Re: Michael Beard, when you have time...........
 

I would like to add also, you will not find a nicer guy to help racers familys when the need arises, this guy is straight up one of the nicer guys to work with when getting things done to help a fallen racer......thanks again for helping us out this year.......B Dixon stk5010

Re: Michael Beard, when you have time...........
 

Mike, good luck! Call me when you get time or get home.
Bob Lowry