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djm670 · 10-27-2021, 05:26 PM

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!

10-27-2021, 05:26 PM	#8
djm670 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Fenton, Mi. Posts: 92 Likes: 429 Liked 186 Times in 48 Posts	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!