D . I . COLUMNIST The Real Deal with Tommy D ' Aprile
The stage was set , the anticipation was great , and I was ready for my return to race with best in Pro Modified . It was late December when I received a call asking if I would be interested in driving in the upcoming U . S . Street Nationals at Bradenton Motorsports Park .
As many of you know , I had walked away from the Pro Modified division quite some time ago and was enjoying racing close to home with my family . My first thought was that I did not want to get myself into racing a full season traveling across the country again . The long weeks and weekends of following a race circuit take a toll on family and work , and I for one did not want to re-enter that lifestyle .
After some thought and discussion with my family , I agreed to jump back into the seat . In the weeks leading up to the race , I started to get excited about my return . I was racing with my old team and championship car , belonging to Al Billes , from a couple of years back . We also had a couple of new team members from Eric Latino ’ s racing operation that were an absolute blessing as well .
We decided to test the week of the race , and as I prepared to get strapped into the car , all I could think about was if I could still do this at the level I needed to . The car started and all I can tell you is I was in the zone right away . We made absolutely fantastic runs , my lights were great , and we qualified well , even going a couple rounds on race day .
To say the race was a success was an understatement . I felt great and the car and team were on point . What a great weekend of racing . Although the race was fantastic , I have to tell you the people that made it great were even better . Seeing old friends and the encouragement that came from my wife and family meant the world to me .
Years ago , I was all about winning and wasn ’ t happy unless we did win . At this race , I was reminded of the true blessing of family and friends that I have . No matter what happened on the racetrack , I had already won !
I tell you this story to remind each and every one of you the victory you possess before even firing up the race cars . We have so much to be thankful for , and the racing should be an extension of our thankfulness . When we let the outcome of the race decide our attitude , we lose . What I mean here is that if you choose to enjoy this sport and the people around you no matter what the race outcome is , you win !
I am by no means saying I don ’ t race to win and that I am happy to lose . I am saying that enough is enough of a race car stealing my joy . Will I race in Pro Modified again ? That I cannot answer at this time , but I can tell you that if I do , I will have already won before I even get into the race car . You are all winners and blessed to do what you do . Now start acting the part . As always , the choice is yours to make ! DI
Email Tommy at tommyd @ dragillustrated . com
March / April 2024
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