"RaceCraft"
March 14, 2002
Racing's a great sport, ain't it! Where else would you spend all of your cash, run up your charge cards, stay up all night working on your equipment and wear out your tow vehicle getting to the races?
You're doing all that you say? Then why do a very few truly succeed in this sport? Commitment, and the lack thereof by most racers. The drivers that have the most success have the highest level of commitment, (and talent, resources etc. etc.) The most successful people in motorsports literally live, eat and sleep racing. These are the people that show up at the racetrack prepared to do battle. They make it look easy because the hard work was done before they arrive at the track. A very high percentage of racers unload at the track and immediately begin to change gears, tires or whatever. The winning racer not only has this work done before they load for the races, but they spend an incredible amount of time cleaning and massaging the machinery and maybe more importantly studying the machine itself and their craft which is driving the race car. The art of racecraft is not easily acquired and requires a continuous learning curve. Many of our younger racers both junior and senior never sit in or touch the car themselves until they get to the racetrack. Quick reflexes and a lack of fear will only get them so far, then it comes down to the driver that has learned his craft the best.
Another missing item is loyalty. Every year I watch teams go from shop to shop and manufacturer to manufacturer looking for the magic bullet that will make them a race winner. I hate to break it to you but there is no magic bullet. There is no black magic. There is no Voodoo. The recipe for winning is hard work and commitment, nothing more, nothing less.
Well that's enough venting for one column. Racing season is eminent and if you are not ready I will guarantee you that some of your competitors are.
Team Rapid Racing is ready! Although we do not plan to run all of any series for points, we are ready to win some races. Another guarantee is that win or lose Team Rapid Racing plans to enjoy this season and remain impartial to the often partisan politics that seem to be so prevalent in the sport. We intend to run races with CES, DMSS, WKA, and SKUSA this season with a schedule of nine or ten events on the calendar. Not having raced since last October this writer is more than anxious to begin the season. I have missed the fun, the competition and most of all the great people. When at the track stop by the Rapid Racing trailer and say hello, we are there because we love the sport.
Big Denny, Rocket Dave and of course the wondrous and mysterious Gooseman (?) will be there and happy to see our many friends once again.
Meanwhile, Race hard, Race safe and God Bless America!
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