The Thrill of Victory

Winning: it’s why we do what we do. It’s why we spend hours in the gym, hours in the shop, and go to pit stop practice in 100-degree heat. And there is nothing like a hard fought race victory. Knowing you busted your ass and got it done when it mattered to help your team win. Even better then any win though, is the first win.

It hasn’t been that long ago that I got my first win as a crew member. I’d been a changer for a while but just hadn’t yet been apart of that one race where everything comes together perfectly.

The whole race we had a top five car, but I felt like it just wasn’t good enough to win. Its funny though how things can change very quickly in racing. As a team, our work on pit road had been on point all night long. When it mattered, we were able to get our driver several positions on pit road, which vaulted us towards the front.

After a couple of crazy incidents took out some of the contenders, we were able to get by the leader on a late restart. Hearing our spotter say, “you’re clear by three, and pulling away” was unbelievable. When our car came out of four and crossed the line our team went nuts. I’d wanted for so long to take that leap off the pit wall and tonight was our night. I was so excited I still had my gloves and kneepads on when I was in victory lane.

I think what made the experience that much better too, was walking through the pits after the race and having guys from other teams congratulate you. And then to come to the shop on Monday and have people at your own organization tell you “good job the other night” or “congratulations on the win.” What a great feeling.

The downside to winning though is that once you’ve been apart of a victory, it just makes you hungrier for the next one.

Subscribe to the Insiders

Related Posts: