2020 Pit Stop

Today, I should be in South Bend for the start of the 2020 One Lap of America. Due to COVID-19, let’s just say we took a pit stop this year as we wait for the green flag in 2021.

If you know me well, you probably know how much I love auto racing. For me, there is something undeniably special about being at a racetrack as the sun rises and another day begins.

Yesterday, marked 16 years since I began my journey with One Lap of America. With the exception of 2014 when my dad died, I have traveled to South Bend, Indiana for the beginning of this week-long, cross-country trek since 2004.

In 2004 and 2005, I was a participant in the event with my racing pal, John Cascella. We never finished high in the ranking, probably because I drove half of the events. John is the better driver of the two of us. I, on the other hand, am the planner and crew chief. But regardless of our finishing place, we sure did have fun.

Following that second year, I emailed Brock Yates, Jr, the organizer of One Lap of America. It read something like, “you don’t know me but I have enjoyed your event the past two years and I wanted to let you know if you ever need any additional crew, to please reach out.”

A few moments after I had hit “send,” my phone rang. It was Brock. He simply asked what my plans were the first week of May 2006.

Of course, I quickly adjusted my schedule and ran it by Linda. I was going on One Lap of America again.

It has been fourteen years since that initial email exchange with Brock. And over the course of that time, I have co-driven with Brock each year, and have visited some of the best racetracks in the USA. I didn’t know Brock then. And he didn’t know me either. But when you spend seven consecutive days with someone for thirteen years, strangers become friends.

Now, I always look forward to the call from Brock in February. He never fails to ask me the same question. What are you doing the first week of May?

We have driven BMW’s, SUV’s, a Honda Fit, a KIA Stinger, and two minivans. And of the 50,000+ miles we’ve clocked, we’ve only had two tickets and three flats, one which was a slow leak that required air every 70 miles or so. I won’t mention names, we did have a co-driver with us for a few years, who got a ticket and hit a deer.

Each year, One Lap of America has a field of over 80 teams. The teams are made up of returning veterans and rookie teams. All of them excited to take on the adventure. All with high hopes of winning the event or at the very least their class.

Some teams have fast cars, while others compete with mid-pack cars, trying to improve each day, all soaking in the experience. The top cars are finely tuned race cars disguised as daily drivers. Really what brings us together is our shared love of cars, racetracks, camaraderie and, of course, One Lap of America.

There is something unique about the racing community, a quality I saw even back in the karting days when Henry was young. Drivers have an innate desire to help one another get on the track. If someone needs a part or a repair, people are always there to lend a hand.

Brock has assembled a great group of people who serve as the crew for the week-long event to insure a successful event. The One Lap of America crew is a tight-knit group of friends. You know those people you can go months, maybe 12, without seeing or talking to, but you still pick up right where you left off, as if it was only yesterday? That’s what this crew is like, many who have been working One Lap of America much longer than me.

With a pretty demanding schedule of daily events from 8am-4pm or later, followed by another 400-700 miles in the car each day, a few hours of sleep, and maybe a shower in-between, One Lap of America is truly the ultimate test of people and cars. If you can make it to Tuesday without killing your co-driver, you might just remain friends for life. If you can keep your car running and avoid contact with stationary objects, you may just finish.

From Saturday to Saturday, we cover approximately 3,500-4,000 miles. Sometimes more, depending on how far a team is from the starting line in South Bend, Indiana.

Most of the time, we don’t eat very well but we do get to see our country through a unique perspective: Brock’s perspective. You will see the beauty of our country not seen from an interstate if you follow his route book.

Today, I think back to that initial email and how glad I am Brock chose to invite me along. With each year that passes, I always think, maybe I should stay home this year. But if Brock keeps calling, I will keep going. Brock, I hope you keep calling. Anyway, Linda says it does me good to get away and do something I love.

I have long held to the thought that everyone needs a hobby or some sort of experience to keep life balanced. One Lap of America just happens to be mine. I encourage each of you to find something you love to do and do it because it makes life just a little richer. You can learn more about One Lap of America at www.onelapofamerica.com.