We have been blessed to rack up more race wins this year and gain new racing friendships . Our racing community remains tight and that ’ s a reason why we love it so much . Community , not race wins , is why we continue to come back . Although we would like to win every race , we always walk away with more great memories that are priceless .

This year , hurricanes had a devastating impact on us here in Florida and an even more devastating effect for areas of the Carolinas . With so much destruction and lives lost , it has given me time to reflect on where I place my priorities . October 9th was the day another hurricane was set to hit our area . I couldn ’ t believe that only two weeks after a major hurricane , there was another one bearing down on us . The media hyped it up as they usually do , predicting the worst . There was a time when they were telling us to write our name and Social Security numbers on our arms for identification . This was like we were entering war or something .

Some people evacuated while others like me stood our ground and prayed for the best . The fear that was locked into people was insane . Gas station lines and people yelling at each other , grocery stores running out of food and water , and plywood flying off the shelves in record fashion . Many were fearful of losing everything , but not so fearful of losing their lives .

This is where it hit me . We are so busy trying to protect our stuff that we forget what ’ s really important . Now I ’ m not saying we shouldn ’ t prepare for a storm , but when it becomes an obsession and fear has got you totally consumed , it ’ s time for a change . I went around to countless people encouraging them and trying to ease their worry , as this would not be my first hurricane . I used past experiences to help others prepare but not to worry .

Worry is nothing more than a waste of time , and in the Bible , it ’ s a sin . Remember this : “ Concern leads to action , but worry leads to immobilization .” The fact remains that we all have stuff we worry about , but when you really come down to it , the stuff means nothing . You are what is important .

I knew guys trying to protect their race cars while neglecting their family . What it comes down to is what ’ s the most important thing to you . This should never be about the stuff , but about the people in your lives . Trust me , I have struggled with this , but I ’ ve made changes to prepare by insuring my stuff and protecting my family while leaving the stuff behind .

We have had very little damage here compared to the losses in North Carolina caused by Hurricane Helene . Sometimes you think you have it bad , but I can tell you someone has got it worse . Take a moment after reading this and decide what you value most in your life and if need be , make some changes . As always , the choice is yours to make ! DI

Email Tommy at tommyd @ dragillustrated . com

November / December 2024

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