Passion

[Pistol Pete]

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.

[btrc]

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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.

[Pistol Pete]

Originally Posted by btrc

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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.

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

[John Kissel]

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

[Frank Castros]

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

[jmcarter]

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.

[djm670]

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!