Racing, Fellowship, Passion

My husband, Guy, is a Certified Public Accountant with an unusual hobby … he is also an amateur race car driver. That makes me the designated “Pit Crew Chief.” Admittedly, I wasn’t crazy about my husband getting involved in this sport at first, but there is something that gets in your blood when you arrive at the track (maybe it’s the exhaust fumes!) The cares of the world melt away as we visit with old friends and new, and sit late into the night planning out strategies for the next day’s races. Race days are busy, filled with changing tires and making car adjustments, keeping my husband on schedule when his car is called to grid, helping him get suited and buckled up, and following his progress on the track. (Honestly, I undergo my own private cardiac stress test each time he is out on the track)  Finally, after the track goes cold at the end of the day, pockets of racers gather for a tradition called “bench-racing” … sharing stories from the day over ice cold drinks and snacks: reliving every corner, every missed pass attempt, and offering advice on what gear to use or which line to take.

I am always moved when listening to these conversations, soaking in the camaraderie and the passion these ladies and gentlemen have for the sport of racing.  This is about living each day with joy, friendship and respect for others.  This is about living life with passion.  A dear friend of ours, Ron, died when he suffered a heart attack during a race a few years ago.  Ron lived his whole life with passion.  He was an active member of his church, gave selflessly back to the community, he raced passionately and mentored other drivers in the sport.  It is my prayer that we all find passions that stir our souls, so that when our time comes we, like Ron, can say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” ~ 2 Timothy 4:7