The image you see above is ME in my race car. I grew up around racing almost all of my life. My cousins got me into it and I will be forever grateful for that. I started racing Quarter Midgets when I was nine years old and then slowly grew up into Mini Sprint 600s. Not everyone knows what it is like to be a race car driver and what we all go through. Here is a list of things that every race car driver understands:
1. "Do you guys ever turn right?"
As far as bad jokes goes, this one is up there. I have heard this so many times from everyone I have told that I race Mini Sprint 600s.
2. "Racing is NOT a sport."
A sport is defined as follows: "an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment" F1 drivers sweat up to 9 lb / 4 kg of their body weight. So, if you think sitting in a race car is cozy, THINK AGAIN. We have to wear heavy flame-retardant suits and let me tell you, wearing that in a confined space while it's 80+ degrees outside, you are going to sweat... A LOT. We compete against each other to win first place and people do in fact come to watch for entertainment.
3. "Have you ever sneezed while racing?"
Why yes, I actually have sneezed while racing and it is completely awful and scary! Try keeping your eyes OPEN when you are about to sneeze! It's impossible.
4. "How do you drive on public roads?"
Driving on public roads when I have been racing for 12 years is hard, because I always want to go fast, I take my turns too fast. I cannot seem to switch off my hunger for speed. According to my boyfriend, I drive "TOO FAST!" and I am also surprised I have not gotten a speeding ticket yet!
5. "Girls do not race"
I am sorry to burst your bubble here, but girls do in fact race and we are pretty good at it too. I was out there to show girls that we can do this too! It is not just a "guy" sport. We can do things just like guys can.
When I started racing, I loved it so much. It was my life, my soul, and it is in my blood. I respect everyone else's opinions on what they have for racing, but my opinion is different, because I grew up with it. I am so thankful that I got the opportunity to do this and I would not change it any other way. I have met some incredibly great people along the way. So, I thank them for coming into my life and helping me through everything.
