The Heart of a Racer
He came to win a trophy but won another man’s heart
As I travel south on a sunny Friday afternoon, my radar detector protecting me against speed limit nazis, I’m trying to contain my excitement about the weekend ahead. A business associate has invited me to watch a GT3 Cup Challenge race from his company’s luxury suite at Laguna Seca Raceway near Monterey. It’ll be the first time in two decades that I’ve seen a motorsport race in person.
When I arrive in Monterey, I take the exit for Cannery Row. After checking-in at my hotel and unpacking, I go downstairs and enjoy a Maker’s Mark Whiskey Sour beside the fire pit on the hotel’s patio. It’s a beautiful early fall evening on the California coast and the golden sunset on Monterey Bay is spectacular.
The following afternoon at Laguna Seca, I have a clear view of the front straightaway and the Start/Finish line from my spot in the suite. Other key places on the track, such as the infamous Corkscrew, are visible via an array of large video monitors on one of the walls.
It’s been a highly competitive race. The drivers, especially the newer ones, are aggressive and they’re making the veteran drivers work hard for their pay. With just two laps to go, the white flag comes out and the battle for First Place that’s been raging all afternoon is about to be…
