Fueling Dreams

This post is a slight deviation from my latest journeys of America’s highways & byways, but it’s still about a journey in another sense. From February to now, Pam and I have been on a tour of the east coast visiting and competing at NHRA drag strips. No, Pam isn’t clocking her own quarter-mile times, but her pilot has been. 

You might have found this blog through several channels. So if it’s not through a personal connection to me, it could be news to you that one of my longest worn hats is that of “racecar driver”. It’s astonishing even to me that at 28, I can say I have “more than 20 years of experience” doing anything other than eating, breathing, or getting dressed. But I can. And it just so happens to be driving fast cars in a straight line.

Over that time, I’ve had the privilege and honor of racing some truly unique rides for a few different owners. I am so humbled by the gift of those experiences. My newest adventure levels all of that experience up in a big way. In a unique opportunity, I’ve partnered with Marina and Scott Anderson of the Anderson Family A/Fuel Dragster team to the crew & learn (through 2021) then license & compete (in 2022) an A/Fuel Dragster. 

“Kel, not familiar, what does that mean?”

Well, in one respect, it means I’ll quite literally be racing in a class double the speed of what I do on a current, regular basis. It’s also significant because breaking the ceiling into this class has always felt like a dream so far out of reach. 

Why? To put it bluntly, speed is expensive. Serious horsepower costs serious dinero. Our family has opted to stick to index classes in the sportsman ranks in exchange for racing at more events, less maintenance, and a long-running familiarity with the way the classes work. Family tradition. Too, contrary to how some people think about our sport, not everyone wants to “move up” to a faster class. Of course many do dream of breaking 300 mph. Others though are living their best life sub 125 mph. The variety and diversity of options is a beautiful thing about this sport. It’s an addiction-fueled investment at any level, but there's some flexibility in your choice of poison.

Anyways, through the deal, the Andersons have made something seemingly unattainable to someone like me within reach. I’ll add that Marina and I have a fair amount in common which sweetens this experience a lot. We met at the Performance Racing Industry Show in Indy a few years back. She’s a 28-year-old total badass, who built, tunes, and drives this car. Seriously embrace HOW COOL THAT IS for a second... I’m sure someday my obsession over those facts will cool down and I won’t talk the ears off of anyone who's willing to listen about how much it means to be given this chance, but that day isn’t looking like any time soon. Sorry, y’all. Grateful, trusting the process, and excited. 

So in pursuit of dreams, last weekend I took Pam for a little ride to the Midwest for our first outing with the new team. Our weekend was captured in a video reel by the “Race Your Ride” YouTube channel, check it out.

I’ve got other stuff to say about what Pam, Kevin, and I have been up to since my last post, but this seemed relevant to share. Please accept the news as a partial explanation for my extended absence. 

Until next time, always in motion.

-Kelly

Special thanks to my parents for their unwavering support, to all my friends/family/coworkers for reaching out with your kind messages, and the Andersons for, well, you know. 😆

This entry is dedicated to Laurie Mackenzie, who follows along with my posts despite not having social media or knowing me personally, and has been a lifelong dedicated supporter and enabler of her family’s dreams and passions. I have no doubt the ripple effect your selflessness has had on the lives of so many, including mine. Thanks for being here.