I can’t believe we are near the end of another racing season. Not only the end of a racing season, but the end of another year. Wow, where does the time go? I still remember my first trip down the dragstrip like it was yesterday.
[Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in DI #191, the 30 Under 30 Issue, in November / December of 2024.]
We have been blessed to rack up more race wins this year and gain new racing friendships. Our racing community remains tight and that’s a reason why we love it so much. Community, not race wins, is why we continue to come back. Although we would like to win every race, we always walk away with more great memories that are priceless.
This year, hurricanes had a devastating impact on us here in Florida and an even more devastating effect for areas of the Carolinas. With so much destruction and lives lost, it has given me time to reflect on where I place my priorities. October 9th was the day another hurricane was set to hit our area. I couldn’t believe that only two weeks after a major hurricane, there was another one bearing down on us. The media hyped it up as they usually do, predicting the worst. There was a time when they were telling us to write our name and Social Security numbers on our arms for identification. This was like we were entering war or something.
Some people evacuated while others like me stood our ground and prayed for the best. The fear that was locked into people was insane. Gas station lines and people yelling at each other, grocery stores running out of food and water, and plywood flying off the shelves in record fashion. Many were fearful of losing everything, but not so fearful of losing their lives.
This is where it hit me. We are so busy trying to protect our stuff that we forget what’s really important. Now I’m not saying we shouldn’t prepare for a storm, but when it becomes an obsession and fear has got you totally consumed, it’s time for a change. I went around to countless people encouraging them and trying to ease their worry, as this would not be my first hurricane. I used past experiences to help others prepare but not to worry.
Worry is nothing more than a waste of time, and in the Bible, it’s a sin. Remember this: “Concern leads to action, but worry leads to immobilization.” The fact remains that we all have stuff we worry about, but when you really come down to it, the stuff means nothing. You are what is important.
I knew guys trying to protect their race cars while neglecting their family. What it comes down to is what’s the most important thing to you. This should never be about the stuff, but about the people in your lives. Trust me, I have struggled with this, but I’ve made changes to prepare by insuring my stuff and protecting my family while leaving the stuff behind.
We have had very little damage here compared to the losses in North Carolina caused by Hurricane Helene. Sometimes you think you have it bad, but I can tell you someone has got it worse. Take a moment after reading this and decide what you value most in your life and if need be, make some changes. As always, the choice is yours to make!
This story was originally published on December 27, 2024. 
