[Ron Ortiz]

I've been partying and racing for many years. I've been close several times at national events, but have not won yet. I party hard and will suffer the consequences if necessary. I try to do it consistently. I have read books, heard advice from great racers, and witnessed many versions of how to win. I am 60 years old and feel OK. I am overweight, but I enjoy good food. I do not eat or drink anything "diet" Beer is my favorite drink. I figure that when I die it is not from some illness from how I have lead my life, but from some idiot who crashes into me on the highway.
As for the racing aspect of things, I have put pressure on myself, I have tried to be calm, I have tried to refrain from partying the week before, I have tried to be careful of what I eat before a race. The resuls are always the same........some times you win, sometimes you don't. The actual race for me is only 14 seconds, alot more time to concentrate than you fast 10 or 11 second cars. Stuff happens, you have heard of the million ways to lose a race or win a race.

Dragsinger, I am going to give you the greatest bit of advice I recieved from a very smart friend.
When you are sitting in the lanes. Look around, see the sights. Are you happy that you are there? Do you enjoy the competition? Are you having fun? If you are then take in this time and really relish in it, put a smile on your face and enjoy. When you start your engine to pull into the waterbox, smile one more time and let the fun of competition begin. Good luck to you.

Ron Ortiz
U/SA PARTY