Change & Adversity
Oh the drama of racing! Especially the stuff that happens before the race season even begins! Radio station wars can be brutal. A local classic rock station was informed less than a week before opening night that the up-and-coming driver in the NASCAR Late Model division that they had supported for the past several years would be parting ways with them. It was a bit of a blow, given the station had continued to support that driver last season, when his work schedule prevented him from running more than a handful of events. It was an even bigger blow to learn that he was leaving to carry the banner for a rival radio group. Competition infiltrates every aspect, apparently.
Fortunately for that classic rock station, they were able to secure a former multi-year track champion and national title holder to partner with for the 2014 season. I guess they can “settle” for that instead.
While it seems that all parties have landed on their feet and will be just fine, it gives a few twinges to the heart when you realize that it’s all-too-possible for racing on the local level to have the same lack of loyalty that the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series exhibits.
I know my husband was devastated when Matt Kenseth switched teams, not so much because his t-shirts emblazoned with DeWalt were now collector items and obsolete, but because my husband is a Ford man. His favorite driver now pilots a Toyota. It took him three full months to kick the sadness from that turn of events. He was just recently able to finally say “Toyota” without the disdain in his voice. We all eventually have to learn how to deal with change.
God bless Dale Earnhardt, Jr. for making change easier for some of his fans, back when he made the move to Hendrick Motorsports and his number became 88. That change was nearly seamless for all of those who had tattooed a number 8 on their bodies. They simply added another 8 to their flesh. I’ve long wondered how much money that modification generated for the tattoo industry.
The funny thing about change is that many times, it comes full circle. A few years ago, race car set ups from decades ago experienced resurgence. Big bar – soft spring, anybody? And people who were unfamiliar with the history of that setup were amazed at the “new” innovation and how effective it could be. What was old—often becomes new again—so save your current set-up notes; your grandchildren might need them some day.
There’s a book called, “Switch,” written by brothers Chip and Dan Heath about how to go about making difficult changes. There are a few nuggets of noteworthiness inside of it; particularly the realization that our minds are ruled by two different systems: rational and emotional. Once you understand those two systems, and how they work together, it becomes easier to affect change.
Take weight loss. For many of us trying to shed extra pounds, our rational selves know we need to quit eating burgers and fries, but our emotional selves just can’t stop it. Those salty fries are like a big ol’ hug from mom! I haven’t finished the book yet, so don’t look for me to have that burger and fries deal conquered before the race season begins. The scent of hamburgers on an open flame, wafting through the air is like crack to us chubby types at race tracks.
There are some changes that take time to implement, particularly due the behavior associated with it. Under this banner, I would file the smack-talk that some in the racing community direct at their local track; armchair quarterbacking how the joint is run and decisions made. If the grass looks greener on the other side, chances are that there’s more manure being spread over there. There is no perfect situation, just like there is no perfect job. There will always be some aspect that is not exactly how you would want it.
Our emotional minds want to lash out and bad-mouth track management for the “wrong” we perceive, but the fact of the matter is that we are clueless as to the full scope of factors that need come into play in order to successfully operate a race track. We tend to view things through our own little portal and neglect to see the big picture. It’s so easy to point out what is wrong, but how about coming up with viable solutions?
The rational mind is able to consider all angles. Ideas and suggestions are great, but if you don’t have a practical plan that can effectively implement those changes, you’re pretty much just blowing smoke. If you actually do have a practical plan, keep in mind presentation is the key to winning people over to your way of thinking.
Shouting at the top of your lungs, with spittle flying into the face of the other person is not effective. It’s also disgusting. People who can remain calm, cool and collected tend to actually have a greater chance of affecting change. Side note: This is also solid advice for dealing with other drivers after an on-track incident.
Change and adversity are inevitable; whether it’s in racing, work or life. How we respond to it is what defines us. In the wise words of Bambi’s little friend, Thumper, I recommend that if you can’t say something nice—say nothing. I’m paraphrasing, as Thumper had horrible grammar, but I don’t want to criticize that little fur-ball. I’m trying to heed my own advice. Change is hard.
