There’s no human endeavor quite like motor racing. When you pair a human with a machine and provide the space for those humans/machines to compete against each other, you create a play, a narrative, a story. The cast of characters are made up of motivated drivers, crafty mechanics, exuberant fans, grueling tracks and of course, cars. And the natural elements play a role too in the form of spotty rain showers turning a track into an ice rink or a slimy mud bog. The animation above, highlights the mercurial nature of weather and track. That’s my son’s Subaru Impreza at Lone Star Rallycross. He lets me drive it at the track on race days while he drives a Mazda Miata. On this occasion, he upgraded the tires and wheels, and what a difference that made in the performance. I fixed the number forty-four on the doors with painter’s tape and entered the car into the stock four-wheel drive class. It rained heavily in the morning. The track turned into porridge. And the first run of cars plowed to a stop in the mud. We waited for them to be towed off track. And we took an hour break while track dried out. The rest of the day was a blast.

It is not always possible to be the best, but it is always possible to improve your own performance.

Jackie Stewart

I chose number 44 out of respect for one of my all-time favorite drivers, Lewis Hamilton. Perhaps, thinking of his greatest performances would inspire me to perform my best. I’m sure there have been many drivers in the past sporting the 44. But, I was thinking of him when I taped the numbers on the doors. I did well that day and placed 3rd in the stock four-wheel drive category. That’s my best finish at Lone Star Rallycross.

I look forward to racing again and maybe writing more about the experience. I realize this post is fairly stream of consciousness, but it’s my way of talking about one of my favorite sports. I have plenty of pictures to show and lots of video. So, stay tuned.