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All American Need for Speed

Posted by John Green at 11:25:31 PM

First and foremost, thank you to everyone that surprised me with a cake at the C.A.R.B. meeting on January 12.  I never suspected that surprise and just wanted to say thanks because someone had to plan and get the cake.  Thank goodness the candles were not on it!

My, how times have changed since 1958.  In 1958 the word remote meant a secluded spot off the beaten path.  Now, don't get in the way of a man's remote.  Back then, a cable was what held up a bridge, now it is what you watch on your television. Back then, a video game was trying to make out the fuzzy images on snowy black and white tv screen while adjusting the "rabbit ears".  Today, we are all trying to find a WII.  Back then, a cell phone was what you used to make your one phone call from jail, now we all have one in our pocket.  Back then, a calculator was the accountant who did your taxes, today it comes on your computer.  Back then, an airbag was some guy that talked too much (Traylor?), today it is part of your car.  Back then, digital computing was counting on your fingers, today everything is digital.  Back then, high speed access was the on-ramp to the freeway today you better have high speed access to get on this website.  Finally, back then, surfing was what you did on a board in the ocean, today the question is did you surf to this website.

All that leads me to why auto racing is America's sport.  Auto racing is larger than the national football league, larger than steroid baseball, larger than basketball (college or professional).  I know there will be people argue that the NFL draws more fans, I say hogwash.

In 1958 families were lucky to have one car in the family, did not matter how large the family was either. Today in America we have a fascination with cars.  Most families own a car per driver in the household, add the racers and their cars and tow vehicles and trailers and we have an even higher count.  Since the caveman put the first wheel on the first wagon we have had a need for speed. 

Take the fast food industry.  First we had restaraunts that served hamburgers.  Wow we did not have to eat mom's home cooking we got to go to McDonalds.  Then we found a way to go in and take them home in a white bag to keep them warm.  Still not fast enough, so the drive through window was opened.  Drive up, place your order, pay through the window and take your food.  Still not fast enough, so speakers and transmitters were added so you could place your order, get to the window, have it ready, pay, put in your car and away you go.  But wait that was still not fast enough they added a second window, pay at the first window, get your food at the second window and then get the _____ out of the way. Pity the poor fool that has to wait for his order.

What's that got to do with racing?  Well, a drive through requires a car.  A car is what we race, almost everyone races.  Oh, and most of us cheat - yep we just down right cheat.  That sign that says Speed Limit 70, most drivers must see another sign that says minimum right before the word speed.  Unfortunately, most policeman just don't see it, ask Steve Rios at Lakeside this year if he see the word minimum before the word speed? 

Anway, America loves to go fast, America loves to speed,faster is better.  So in the full scheme of things there are more drivers in auto racing than players in any other sport.  Don't believe me, set the cruise control on the speed limit the next time you are on I-435.  Bet you finish last!

 

 

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