Happy Father’s Day: Dad and NASCAR

There’s no better way to spend a Sunday than by watching a NASCAR race. That’s my opinion, and you know darn well I’m sticking to it. But would my passion for this sport be different if it weren’t for my dad?

When I was seven years old, my dad couldn’t find anyone to go to the Brickyard 400 with him. So who better to go with than his NASCAR fanatic son? And from there, the NASCAR fan you read about today was truly cemented in history.

This is a photo of me (taken by my dad) from 2003 on the track at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

I eat it, sleep it and breathe it. NASCAR is the best sport on the planet, and I defend my view point to anyone who disagrees. I do it because my dad has loved it with me.

My dad, me and my brother surrounded by a famous NASCAR father-son pair, Richard and Kyle Petty (2005)

I’ve learned more from him in the two-hour drives to and from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway than I have in one year in a classroom. Everything from his job to mine, and the way the world works to the history of our family—nothing is off-limits, and everything is enlightening.

This year though, Father’s Day is different. For the first time in my life we are celebrating without my grandpa. But it’s still a day to remember his impact in my life.

If it weren’t for my dad, I know I wouldn’t be doing the things I’m doing today. The best advice he’s ever given me is that in everything I do, I represent myself and him. I have a reputation to uphold. People see me as his kid, and that means I better not screw anything up.

I think I’m doing OK.

So on Father’s Day I sit back and watch NASCAR, with my dad, because I wouldn’t have it any other way. I know I’m lucky enough to still have him around when some of my friends either have already lost their fathers or barely knew their dads when they were growing up.

Time to tell your dad you love him, and if you want to share something with him, there’s always a NASCAR race on.