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

[7423]

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.

[John Kelley]

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.........

[7423]

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

[Michael Beard]

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.

[Kenny Wigington]

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

[Andys dad]

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

[GarysZ24]

Originally Posted by Kenny Wigington

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

X2 For me...that's a dream I've had since I first learned about this sport...

[jbt352]

Michael did a great job when he worked at Quaker City,it was a shame he did not stay around longer. Had alot of fun racing with him.
John Borland

[TomBraksator]

And all these years I thought that Beaver Bob McCardle was your money source... It has to be nearly 25 years since I first met you at Beaver Springs...

[Gary Smith]

Let me add that Mike treats everyone like they're his best friend. One of the nicest and hilarious people I've ever met in the sport!!!