DRAG RACING WISDOM

* Win humbly, lose gracefully, compete honestly.

* Remember those who helped you on the way up because they are the ones most likely to be there for you on the way down.

* We can’t all be champions; some of us were put here for other reasons. Think about it.

* Treasure each win as if it were your last ... you never know when it might be.

* Trophies are made from bronze and wood; you’re flesh and blood. It’s much better to lose
one of the former than any of the latter.

* Call home every night from the races and thank your family for their support and patience.

* Consistency might not win every race, but in the long haul, it’s the way to go.

* Treat every fan as you would the CEO of a major sponsor ... he or she may well be.

* The Track Manger still doesn’t get enough credit for what he did for all of us. Remember that if you ever see him.

* Pretty doesn’t equal fast, but win or lose it sure makes you look like a better racer.

* The throttle pedal works both ways; don’t be afraid to lift.

* Don’t look down your nose at anyone’s car. You might end up looking down your nose at
their taillights.

* Luck is where preparation meets opportunity--and your opponent misjudges the finish line.

* Take only as much stripe as you need.

* Few ideas are wrong in their conception; it takes a dyno or a racetrack to prove otherwise. Experiment. Innovate. Invent. Think outside the box.

* Any ink is good ink as long as they spell your name right; however, no rumor is worth
ruining someone’s career.

* Your crew is your family; remember that they want to win as badly as you do. Their fate is in your hands and yours in theirs.

* Respect the sport and the good name that its pioneers worked so hard to forge. You are part of something that has taken more than 50 years to build; it’s a project that will never be finished.

* The track officials aren’t out to ‘get’ you.

* Track food isn’t always bad.

* The other lane isn’t always better.

* Love thy pit neighbor; loan your tools and help if needed.

* Protect your ears; you’ll need them to hear your grandchildren laugh at your memories of
internal combustion power.

* You’re probably not the next John Force... but it never hurts to believe you are.

* Treat every loss as a learning opportunity. Figure out what you could have done better, what you never should have done and what you’ll do the next time.

* Share what you’ve learned with your friends; teach what you have learned to your opponents.

* Fans love drivers who prove human; they grow weary of super humans.

* Today’s racers are more educated than those of yesterday but don’t go around thinking that they are smarter.

* Don’t give yourself a nickname. It worked for “the Mongoose” and “the Ace” but precious
few others.

* The better you take care of your safety equipment... the better it will take care of you.

* Drivers sometimes get too much credit--and too much blame. Drag racing is a team sport.
 
* Shut off before you run out of room.

*****  I wish I could take credit for this enlightening piece. Originally published in the 7/02/04 issue of the National Dragster and written by Phil Burgess. Stolen and changed  by OUTLAW

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