It’s been close to two years since I’ve posted, and much has
happened during that time. As I move forward in new directions, I thought I
would close my blog out with one more entry.
The 2016 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season ended with a
historic moment and I’m very excited for the future of the sport. There is much
I could say about that, but instead I want to look back on my motorsports journey
and write a letter to the girl whose passion for racing led to this blog: My
five-year-old self…
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Dear five-year-old me,
You are as wild and fast as the race cars that have
exhilarated your heart and mind. You are enthralled by the symphony of engines
that roar on your television. The speed excites you. The competition intrigues
you. You’ve gravitated to it like a magnet. It’s 2004 and you are just
beginning to learn about the sport and community that will have a big impact on
your life – more than you might imagine now.
But there is one car that holds your attention. I don’t know
why, but you are just drawn to it. I think you like the colors – Or maybe it
was just meant to be. Your favorite car – some vehicle dawning blue and white,
with a number on the side and top emblazoned in yellow…
“48”
You learned of the driver – some rookie named Jimmie
Johnson. That’s your favorite driver – the one you cheer on every week.
Now, I know there is a question that you sometimes think
about – I remember it clearly. You wonder if your favorite driver will ever be
remembered. Or will he, 30 years from now, be just another number in the
history book. I’m snickering as I write this – you’ll understand one day. But
you need to understand that, regardless, this driver is going to mean a lot to
you.
You’re going to look up to him – he’s your No. 1 role model
(after your parents of course). The way he conducts himself on the track – his
cool-headed attitude while under intense pressure – it’s something that you
will admire for years, perhaps all your life. In fact, the characteristics he
displays are traits you will write about for a speech class in 8th
grade: determination and humility.
Through all the battles on track that you will observe, that
guy behind the No. 48 is going to stand out, not only to you, but to everyone.
The team will set a high standard for their competition, and even when it seems
like it’s over – they strike back, because they never give up. Their unwavering
mental focus amidst great uncertainty is a quality you will try your best to
mimic. It’s something you’ll remember on a few of your worst days. “Jimmie wouldn’t let this bother him”, you’ll
say, “So why should I let it bother me?”
And through it all your driver is going to be successful…. Very
successful. But it won’t go to his head. No, he will still have a classy,
humble, grateful persona. Last Friday, as he gave an acceptance speech for his
seventh NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship (yes, he really won seven), that humility
could be seen.
“I might have won as many championship as Richard Petty and
Dale Earnhardt,” he said, “But I will never be “the King” or “the Intimidator” –
I’m just a guy from California who always wanted to race.”
His love of racing stemmed your love of racing. Over the
years, you will open your eyes to the entire world of motorsports. It’s going
to take you on a great journey. You will have great opportunities, meet amazing
people, and learn so much from them. You are going to grow immensely,
professionally and personally, through these experiences. And after a while, you’ll
realize the journey is coming to an end and you are being led to another path.
Nevertheless, you will cherish the memories and remember the skills learned as
your next journey awaits.
Just know, the passion for racing still remains – and I
think it always will.
But all of this starts right now, in 2004, where you are –
supporting your favorite driver as his remarkable career is just beginning. You
are going to have many great memories watching this sport, and even a few that
will take your breath away. You will laugh, cry, and smile – sometimes all in
one race. Haha. But you’re going to enjoy every minute of it. The future of
racing will be different than what you might expect, but it is most certainly
bright.
And as to your question: Will your favorite driver ever be
remembered?
Honey, trust me, you needn’t worry about it. He’s doing just
fine.
