May 9, 2007 A DAY AT THE TRACK
Thanks to some great friends [code name ~ Stewart] I had the pleasure of an unbelieveable day at the Indianapolis 500. Treated to an endless buffet of Jugs chicken, fried rolls with apple butter, potato salad, cole slaw, and an open bar who could ask for more . . .
Well, the reality is that asking was not even necessary on top of the great goodies we were partying in Suite #4 just to the right of the start finish line, and even better . . . we were given Pit/Garage passes! That's right . . . both FOOD and PHOTO OPPS! What a day! I thought you might enjoy the view from the driver's seat . . .
I would not count myself as a regular at the track, but I must admit that I have had the opportunity to explore the landmark more times then most. But this time I had my new 300mm lens and a Pit Pass . . . not my typical combination. After years of panning to stop the high speed Indy cars dead in their tracks, this was a new opportunity to look into the eyes of the driver.
This is the real race, not just the speed, not just the placement in line with the pole, but the concentration, and the determination in each driver's soul.
One minor error could be the difference between winning and dying. Speeds surrounding 200 mph not only sound fast [and let me say . . . you really can HEAR speeds around 200 mph] but the turns seem to come much faster then the straight away as each turn of the tire brings the driver closer to the finish line.
If this sounds like a prospective on life . . . I must admit . . . it made me think about a few things. The straight aways in our life help get us up to speed just in time for the next curve that life throws at us. The fastest car does not always finish the race, and the best assembled machine sometimes still has a bug or two to work out at the last minute. It is the focus in our life that brings us the things we want and need. It is the internal vision that is the spark to turn dreams into reality. But we must all begin with dreams, with vision, with the desire to attain our personal goals. For without it . . . we are left in the dark.
BE CAREFUL OUT THERE . . . Proceed with Caution
