It's a big ordeal at Laguna Seca raceway with classic cars, lots of races, cocktail parties, fancy dinners, VIP status, mingling with "big names" (will I even recognize the "big names" of this world? who knows).... Yup, pretty much all things that are never on my typical agenda. I love it! Just hope I can find a gym or a pool for some workouts :)When I was a kid, my grandpa's fame intimidated me. But that changed to admiration and respect as I grew up and learned about his career and image as a sports icon. Choosing to be a racecar driver back in the '40s-'50s wasn't an easy nor lucrative career path, and he definitely struggled early on. But he never gave up, and his dreams and passion led to immense success. He made it. Big time. And decades later, he's still going strong. I can only hope to have the same amount of success by following my passion. But so far I'm only in the "struggling" phase :)
To put his fame in perspective, back in the day ('60s-'70s) when auto racing was a bigger deal than it seems to be today this was a popular bumper sticker:
Ha! Even better... He's won countless races all over the world and built winning race cars for years, but the one thing my gpa did that I LOVE to brag about is this: He was the first one ever to spray a bottle of champagne over a crowd after winning a race. Racing & alcohol... I definitely know I'm in the right family. Work hard / play hard :) 
Don't believe me... Click here.So, yea. That's the plan for the rest of my week/weekend. A different change of pace from my usual endurance-sport-focused adventures, but I guess auto racing is an endurance sport in a way, just with a motor! I mean, some of those races go on and on and on, crazy. (By the way, my family thinks I'm slightly crazy for my non-motorized triathlon pursuits.)
I'll come back with good stories/photos!
Your grandpa being Dan Gurney is super cool!
ReplyDeleteI grew up in Carmel and have gone back to go to the Historics several times. Even for someone who isn't into cars, it's a lot of fun (I love vintage racing, but my wife isn't into that stuff but she has a good time). Too bad you probably won't have time to ride. There's some spectacular riding around there.
ReplyDeleteOOOOOOOO, I loves me some horsepower. Your weekend sounds like it'll be tons of fun
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking about super charging my old jeep.
But it seems more practical to upgrade my old 1949 kitchen. Oh the choices I have to make.
The historic races are fantastic. Head up to the cork screw at Laguna Seca to watch the races. Not only is it a good work out getting up the hill, it is a fantastic spot to catch the action.
ReplyDeleteIf you have the opportunity, don't pass up the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It is truly a special event.
Awesome. Hope you get to copy that celebratory spray some day in triathlon :-)
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