Why We Race
Motorsports has been a popular form of entertainment across the United States for decades. It’s the sport that is so different from others. We want to stop and ask ourselves: “Why do we race?”
The History of Racing
Racing really caught on during the 1920s during the Prohibition Era when people were transporting moonshine around. In order to outrun the police, the solution was simple: make your car faster. They began to tune their motors, and it quickly turned into a hobby amongst themselves. Racing spread rapidly across the country and even helped contribute to the start of NASCAR.
What’s Racing Like Today?
Today, we wrench on the cars to outdrive the others. From short tracks like Hawkeye Downs to the greatest spectacle in racing, the Indy 500, competition is at the core of why racing continues to be a popular pastime around the world. This doesn’t hinder the racing community from being a tight-knit family though, which is evident when you ask drivers why they do it.
“I started going to races to watch my uncle Jim race,” says Sport Mod driver Jonny Williams. “My dad and my other uncle were a large part of his career as well. Two of my cousins race currently, so it has always been a family deal.”
Being able to experience all of the thrills and spills of racing with the ones you love most just can’t be beat. Some racers say they wouldn’t trade the world for it. Dave Meyer currently competes in the AIRS Vintage Series and has been racing for over thirty years.
“My wife was always by my side when I raced until we recently lost her to cancer,” said Meyer. “Our grandchildren now love racing, too, and they keep my competitive drive going.”
It’s not just the family you bring to the track either. Many drivers will tell you it’s also about the family you make at the track, making each Friday night like a family reunion of fun. Strapping into the car to beat and bang with other drivers is complete chaos - but many believe it’s therapeutic at the same time.
“It’s the only time in life you aren’t thinking about your job or paying the light bill,” said Hobby Stock driver Jason Sherman. “It’s a couple minutes of complete peace amidst the noise going on around you.”
Although you may find yourself fighting the same drivers in a grueling battle every week, the sport is so unique in how much the competition is willing to help.
“The biggest thing I’ve learned is to shut up and listen,” says Mike Harris, who has compete in multiple classes throughout his racing career. “Everyone is willing to offer advice and has a different opinion. It’s good knowledge to learn what works for us.”
Some racers see it simply as driving around in circle. However, those of us that know just how addictive it is to see, smell, and hear the track while being surrounded by our loved ones truly understand why we race. The hours and money spent each and every week just to do this crazy thing that we as humans made up. All of the blood, sweat, and tears that are put in for the chance to experience the checkered flag waving in front of us, knowing one of the 30,000 parts in the car could fail at any moment, leaving our car sitting on the sidelines.
So why do racecar drivers do it?
There are too many reasons to list. Each racer you meet is going to give you a different reason. From the camaraderie with friends and family at the track to the love of competition, we can’t say there’s just one answer. We dare you to find out for yourself.
See you at the track. 🏁
