Daytona in Pics, A racers story

[chaplain220]

So here's a roadracers story in pictures taken this past weekend at Daytona.  Though it is a story of our local team, it could just as well be any of us.  I think the names are less important than the feelings that I hope the pics will inspire in you, as they did in me when they were taken. 


The Arrival.  If you have never experienced the Daytona Speedway as a racer, it is both intimidating and inspiring to emerge from the tunnel into the world epicenter of speed.




Our story is a story of family. More bond than that of blood relatives, is the bond of life experience. We become brothers and sisters as we stand by each others side during life's trials. Here is a bond that will never be broken, that of father and daughter sharing life at the track.




We are a go for launch! This pic reminded me of the original mercury 7, gemini and apollo astronauts, as our crew chief placed the helmet upon one of our racers. The intense weather, biting cold and uncertainty of what was to happen, made this one of my favorites.




Lotta love. This picture speaks for itself, we may lack fathers, struggle with relationships, and experience days where we wish we didn't have to get out of bed, but with a racing family like this, you realize it's gonna be okay.




The hustle. A man is down and the only way to finish our mission is to somehow make things work. We can't call anyone else or get someone to do it for us, if we dont work together, and haven't prepared, we fail.  The bike is rushed from the crash truck drop off back to hot pit for repair.  Helping our young team is AHRMA champ Arthur Kowitz in the green Kawi jacket.




The clock is ticking. Every second counts as we rebuild our machine. It's amazing to think of our capacity to operate under stress and difficult circumstance, of course as a chaplain, I would say we are equipped to face life's trials because God gave us this ability.




Not perfect. Ever looked in the mirror and thought yourself ugly or not up to the standards of our culture? This broken, battered and ugly bike, not only survived the horrible weather conditions and demands of speed, but finished its race. It's not how we look, but what's in our heart.




And finally, my favorite pic. The Warrior. If a prayer for nice weather was granted, we would have finished well and clapped. But asking God for us to succeed is something quite different.  Uncertain and angry, our racer takes a lonely walk from the crash truck back to hotpit in the pouring rain.  It's the trials and adversity in life that define us, and create a character that not only learns compassion, but endurance. And this rider, team, and band of warriors, endured.



An intense weekend that I will remember forever.

[Noidly1]

Excellent story Chap... 
It is fitting, as it fits all of us that do race and how we, the racers, approach life in general.



Now, where's the pics of chicks?

[2old2fat2slow]

Great post Art! Glad youse guys had a good time and all came home to celebrate your experience!

[dylanfan53]

Chap,
Considering what you went through a couple months ago it's great to see you out there and I'm sure your buds were pysched to have you there too.  Thanks for the posts.