Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

A DRAG RACER

Hello All :wave:

Just a little food for thought
Why do we race?
Well lets see, its what we do!
We were born into it.
Its what our friends do.
Its an American thing to do.
Its the time we spend in the garage working on our best friend, with our friends.
Its the ride to the track, unloading the car.
Its driving 1000 HP threw the Pits.
The looks, the stars.
Its the rumble the motor makes.
It is the greeting in the staging lanes.
Its the feel of the burn out.
The chirp when the tires hook.
Slowly staging.
Going on the two step (or convertor) releasing the button at the flash, (or flooring the gas pedal)
Thrown back in the seat, Feeling the car accelerate, the shift, the speed, lifting, and slowing down.
Thinking about what you have just done.
Getting the ET slip
with the .00X smile emoticon:) know I nailed it
or .10X :eyes: on it, I didn't feel that late.
Sharing it with your friends or not :Rolling: .
The nerves before 1st rd. Heart BEATING Out of your Chest :help:
Deciding the dial in, to hold or be honest :Hum:
O No not again the track Champion 1st round :eyes:
Trust you car or change your mind :Praying:
Lift or stay on the floor :Hum:
Take the stripe or give it up :boring:
The thrill of winning :laugh:
The agony of defeat. :crying:
Buying back for one more shot :banging head:
The food we share, the offer of BEER. :Party time:
The conversation that goes deep into the night :Party time:
Then we get up and do it all over. :bowing:

Why Because I Love It :hug:

I'm sure I forgot something because I'm old and suffer from CRS disease. :car:
(can't remember ****)

So what's on your mind, why do you race? For the money of course :Rolling:

Cal
S/ST 1177
SS 177

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

I ask myself that question every time that I walk out to the garage. Comrade-re?
It sure isn't for the money or the accolades!
I sure do have a bunch of stuff with Street Rod potential! I wish that I was old enough to do a Street Rod.

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

Billy, you were old enough once to do the Street Rod thing, but you are way past that now!

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

Pretty good list; even though I've never had over 600 HP on the leash and I actually look forward to running the track champion or racers with a reputation so theres a few items that I don't subscribe to. Having a competitive nature and growing up in the muscle car era (graduated from high school in 1967 and who didn't have a circuit in their home town around diary queens or whatever where GTO's, Road Runners, SS396's crammed with the lopey cam and headers roamed?) I really can't imagine NOT either racing or trying to get ready to race again. I've put in some competitive laps on road courses (Road Atlanta, Pacific Raceway, etc) and that kind of racing offers lots of advantages (seat time being the most obvious) but nothing competes with drag racing. Ridden my motorcycles on some epic rides the last few years but always looked forward to spending more of my free time at the track....don't fully understand how racers can give it up completely unless necessitated by family, health or extreme financial stress. And for those that dismiss it there is absolutely nothing wrong with bracket racing in my book.

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

Great list and comments. Even though I don't get to race as much as I would like (God, Family, Work are priority) have made some life long friendships through the years that are priceless.


The family at track side is incredible. I am slowing down now that I am getting close to 60. As long as I can financially, physically, and am of good mental state I will have something in the garage to run and have fun with.


Been married 39 years this year and the wife has never been able to park her car in the garage.

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

Been there and done that Billy.....I still do the street rod stuff. It may not be as exciting as laying down a good number or doing giant wheel stands but it is less expensive, easier on our old bodies, and still get to meet some really good people at the shows and different events and clubs.. Its even better if a hot rod is your only transportation. The cars do not have to be Boyd Coddington type either. I have a steel bodied 1935 Chevy coupe with a ZZ4, 700R4, 9 inch rear. If your in Florida the most important thing is A/C ! I'm working on a 79 Corvette right now but have not made up my mind to make it a bracket car (Non Electronics) or just another street ride that I can also use in the NMCA muscle car class ??????? There is always something to get into with cars if you are a gear head. Just enjoy what you have and are doing. Life is short and the time flies by faster as time goes on.

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

i just LOVE to go down the track fast or slow
or around in circle
i just LOVE to race

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

I love to drive.
Period.

If I could afford to road race, I would do that.

Drag racing turned out to be the cheapest and most convenient way to have fun behind the wheel. :)


I sometimes question why I am the only one in my family that became a gearhead ....

I didn't have relatives, friends, or neighbors that drag raced.

But somehow I got the bug at age 15.

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

When I was 12, I was with my cousin when he purchased a brand, spankin' new 64 Hemi Dodge A865 aluminum nosed car and was hooked immediately.

Now, here I am, 54 short years later and still racing a Hemi 65 that I bought in 1969. It's probably kept me out of jail during my wild years, met and have known hundreds of great guys and gals. It's a milder motor, not as quick and low, low maintenence, and health problems have had an impact, but, we're still here.

Now, at 65, I'm still having fun and enjoying many of the same folks I have for years and years, and am missing the ones who can no longer be with us. Pulling a trans out isn't as much fun as it was, but going to the races, hanging with the guys, and driving the car is still as much fun as it was. Maybe looking at through rose colored glasses, but I feel sorry for the youngsters who did not live and race through the golden years.

Get to race with my sons, and will canonize my great wife of 36 years for all the crap she endured. I thank God every single day for all the blessings I've been given, and wonder what I've ever done to deserve them.

This sport has given me back much more than I had ever hoped. I cannot imagine not being involved.

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

Addiction

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

Certainly wasn't born into it. Family still couldn't care less. Always liked mechanical stuff as a kid; bicycles, minibikes, lawn mowers, anything. Went to work in a gas station at 16 and got a car. All the older guys had Camaros, Chevelles, Mustangs, Super Bees, with huge cams, 4 speeds, header mufflers, big tires, went the local strip and the hook was set.

It's a lot more complex and difficult to do well than it looks to the casual observer ("what's so hard about just going straight?") and that's what has kept me hooked.

That and the noise. And the people. Anyone I consider a real friend, I met in racing.

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

I enjoy the challenge and the competition. I don't have a top of the heap qualifying car so my benchmark is my past performance and trying to improve on that with what I have to work with. I also like the challenge of racing the best of the best. I have been lucky enough to win a few races along the way against some really tough drivers. This makes a win or round win that much sweeter. I also like getting away and camping at the track during the events. Its a nice get away form the work day struggles. we have met some good people along the way.

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

Yep!
And this, too!!!

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

All the above!

PLUS:

My Dad/Brother/Myself were always Drag Racers......
In 1970 we had three Red 70 Cudas parked in
front of house (Two 440/6 and One Hemi) AND
a 1968 Hemi Dart SS/BA parked in our little garage.

They both have been gone around 30 years.......
But I still feel them riding with me on every pass
down the track!

Hope my boys will feel that someday too about
me.

It has always been just what we do.

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

Why do I drag race?
well..

I do a couple appendectomies in the garage and everybody gets bent out of shape yelling I'm not a doctor.
I get some plutonium and start building a home reactor to power my place and all of a sudden I'm on a watch list and a potential bad guy.
I use my property to make a replica of hill 262 in Viet Nam to paint ball with bunkers/punji pits/razor wire/guard towers and all of a sudden I'm a wacko that needs to be raided.
DRAG RACING??? THAT'S NOTHING THE COPS SAY!

I think they're relieved I've taken on a more mundane hobby.......

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy watching the cops trying to get into my bunker that they chased me into as I watch them from the spider hole that's behind them. Great fun...but sometimes you have to take it down a notch and do stuff a little more safer like drag racing...or knitting...or something.

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

Ok...seriously?

Ran stock cars with all my cousins when I was 14-17 then after having a new car I worked on for 2 months destroyed the first night racing it was the last straw. Pulled the drivetrain and built a drag car and never looked back. Can't even stand to watch stock car racing now.
Always been a gearhead after seeing my cousin get an old car fixed after it quit while we were tearing around in a field, I was 9. Wanted to be able to do "that" and built many dune buggies and then other vehicles along the way.

Love the competition is the best reason, it's an addiction.

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

I think that Ron Ortiz and I should invite you to "tea".

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

....'cause they don't have model airplane contests every week.

Never lost the love of being pressed against the seat by mashing on the accelerator.

To see if I'm working in the right direction to improve my car.

Race against the great drivers.

Attain personal goals.

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

The only reason I continue to race is " I hate my money"!

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

Here's the bottom line.

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

You nailed it Jim !

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

My dad bought a 1933 American austin bantam for 15$ when I was abt 6 yrs old it broke and he put it in our 1 car garage it sat there rotting til I was 14 he told me if I could get it running he would give it to me. That did it the next 2 yrs every spare moment and $ went to it! But at 16 when I got those license I was rolling except when it would break down. Saving my $ sacking groceries all thru high school upon graduation and entering trade school to be an electrician I bought a brand new "wish I still had it" 1966 ss396 chevelle 375 hp and a 4 spd! I was broke but happiest 17 yr old on the planet! After a couple of expensive trips to jail for racing I knew I had to Change the plan I went to Lakeland drag strip in Memphis Wow!! The cars , competition , and legal !! Got me!! Ran pure stock til I could afford a set of headers. Then ran stock, bought a new 1969 Camaro w 6 Cyl and 3 spd and put in the same combo I run now 427 425 hp ran b/sa. Ran it 2 yrs sold it to Jerry Jennings in n Carolina , he still has it I tried to buy it back. Was shopping for a car that fit closer to the top of the class and got to running w the juke joint crowd then turned Hippie for a while needless to say race car money gone! Someone told me I could have a new life w/ Jesus went to church when I was young but never heard of being Born Again thot I'd try it . Got real salvation started following Him about 1985 my oldest son said Dad lets build a race car! Built a CAmaro just like my original and started using it as a tool for Jesus I'm a Godspeed Chaplain for Memphis Int Raceway and having a blast!

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

Great personal story Kenny. Hopefully you've had to chance to read the book "Unbroken" (don't see the movie, read the book) about how Louie Zamperini rather unexpectantly accepted Christ after an amazing personal journey. I've always enjoyed going to the morning services at the races. It gives us all a chance to reflect on many things, including how God blesses us with the chance to share a passion with others doing something we love to do.

For me, Chaplain services at the races definitely goes on the list of why we race.

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

The RFC Chaplains are an absolute constant Blessing and Encouragement to us at both the Local and National Races out here in Div.7.

Jim Jack's sage bible based advise in particular has been a lighthouse in the sometimes fog of my walk thru this life.

Thanks to all the Chaplains.....We love each and every you!!

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

Because I hate Money and spare time

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

Would that be: control line, RC, free flight, rubber powered, or static display?

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

I just wanna go fast.....

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

Control Line Rat Racing

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

'cause I always wanted to be a politician and spend money foolishly......

#5458

Curt Rees

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

At least once a year, usually in the middle of summer on a very hot day I find myself sitting inside a car with no roll-down windows, in an all black interior, in a full fire suit and I ask myself why am I doing this? For the time and money invested, I could be sitting on a boat right now out on the water somewhere with a cold drink in my hand. Why am I sitting in a trailer with no AC for sometimes hours on end and sometimes away from my family to make my next pass?

For me, I found the answer is the competition. I like to compete, period. I like the challenge of improving my car, and myself as a driver. Whether I'm foot braking or throttle stop racing, they appeal equally to me because they each present their own challenges to overcome. The speed has almost become secondary and a fringe benefit, because it seems that no matter how fast I go, I eventually become used to it. The money is nice, and can be a contributing factor to distance traveled to race or duration of a race I'll attend(1 day vs. 3 days). Trophies are nice but they don't factor into where or when I'll race.

I never understand why other racers will go out of their way to bash or look down at other racers who race in a different class or type of drag racing. Its all competition, just in a different flavor. Whether its finding more HP/maximizing your combo, finding consistencies in your program/yourself, or a little bit of all, we all compete with ourselves, and with our fellow racers to become better. From there on its a matter of preference and budget.

Winning a race, regardless of the scale is the highest of the highs and it validates the long hours spent in the garage maintaining/fixing/improving the car/tow rig, the time spent analyzing my program and sometimes the hours in between rounds. That is what keeps me coming back. In addition, losing a race that 9 other times based on my performance alone would have normally resulted in a win, but didn't because my opponent was better than me, motivates me to keep improving. That, coupled with some lucky rounds here and there. If/when I lose that motivation for competition, you'll be most likely to find me on a boat somewhere.

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

Very well said.

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

I agree. Very good post. And I would bet most racers do it for the same reasons. I don't know if you have ever owned a boat but they take just about as much work and dedication as a race car. For every hour you spend on the water you will work 2 hours to keep the boat, motor and trailer in good running condition. Especially if you run it in salt water.

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

I race to see how fast I can make something that I built go. Since I don't get to go often,I forget about making the finish line stuff, and don't lift.. I have my fun with my slow car. Now, concerning the "B" word, I worked for ChrisCraft, building their house boats and the boats that were in the first seasons of Miami Vice. That was cool, seeing what I worked on on t.v.I would love to know if they still exist.Racecars are alot less work unless wadded up, you can always walk if they quit running, and they usually don't sink.John Kissel K242

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

I tried the boat deal a few years ago. It was fun for about 30 minutes. Not very exciting.

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

Raced boats after I stopped drag racing in the
80s. I quit after severing my left foot and spending
a couple years in a wheelchair and then a walker.

There is a reasonable amount of danger in Drag Racing (Particular
for the Trees when I am on the line).


I found that level much higher in the Race Boats and NOT
acceptable to me (Single Parent with two young boys).

Re: Drag Racers, Why do we race ?
 

I've been doing this stuff for most of my life ! From the start in 1957, until this year, now racing my street car ! From E.T. car, to Super Stock Hemi ! Now my street car a 2011 Hemi challenger SRT392, w/auto, and street slicks ! Drive to track, at Union Grove, WI ! Have a great time as my age is getting to the point of amazement at an old Geezer ( 80 years old ) going down the track ! Having as much fun as years ago, or possibly more in my own little world !....John Lang Sheboygan, Wi !.