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Like most things in life, attending the actual event is always better that watching it on TV or reading about. Take golf for example, to those who have never been out to swing a “weedwacker,” it appears to be an activity rather than a sport. When flipping through channels on the TV on a weekend, it’s a great watch to get one in the mood for a nap! I would have to say that Tennis and Horse Racing also fall into this category. The part about Horse Racing is the three hours of TV coverage for a race that only lasts a few minutes. So, for the avid armchair jockey, that’s a good long nap and waking up just in time to watch the race.  I have heard the same general comments made about NASCAR and autosport racing in general. Comments like: “Another left turn” or “race car drivers aren’t athletes” or “it’s like watching paint dry”….SERIOUSLY???

So, if you read my “About Me” page, you realize that I have a passion for racing…all kinds…especially those that include engines…two wheels or four, asphalt or dirt, local or national or even international like Formula 1. So when the armchair race car drivers want to take a shot at one of the most popular sports in this great land…I feel a need to educate them! Bottom line is that you have to get off the couch and get out of the house!!! It’s what your wife,  girlfriend and everyone else has been telling you…get out and experience life. It doesn’t matter if it’s golf, tennis, horse racing or skateboarding…don’t knock it till you try it or at least give it a chance. As a former avid golfer, I have spent plenty of afternoons on the course waiting for newbies to try and hit the ball, find their ball, and replace all the divots they take out of the course. It doesn’t bother me because they are out trying something new…if they don’t like it, no worries…at least they have tried it and for some they found a new hobby. The local parks of full of tennis courts and that is very inexpensive to try. Horse racing looks like a great event to attend…look at the Kentucky Derby and all those big hats the ladies wear. I think it would be cool to just to take it all in…that is definitely an elite group of affluent spectators.

Statistics show that over 2/3 of the U.S. population considers themselves stock car racing fans. Racing fans are also one of the most loyal fan groups of all sports in that over 95% of them will support the sponsors on their favorite driver’s car. That’s huge…especially in this economy. It’s the heart of summer and the 4th of July is just a weekend away…why not head out to your local track and take the family, significant other, the guys, the girls or all your peeps and check out what this sport is really about. Most tracks will have awesome fireworks displays, both on and off the track! To hometown drivers and teams, this is their hobby and also their passion. It’s what they do in their free time…all year long. Much like the two golf buddies, one bought his clubs from a pawn shop and the other has custom made clubs. Racing is no different, some teams have nothing but the best and others have what they can afford. The key is that both teams make the most of what they have and the do it because they have fun!

So this weekend, why not skip mowing the lawn and washing the car and get out and find your passion…or at least go experience the energy of what everyone else is passionate about…its time to Get Off the Couch!!

See you at the races…~Rico Childers

Memorial Day Weekend is the official kick-off of summer! In the western culture, black felt cowboy hats are exchanged for straw cowboy hats. In the business culture, long sleeve shirts and ties are exchanged for short sleeve golf and polo shirts. In the racing culture, the action heats up, as summer is in full swing and it’s time to get the race car dialed in and hit  championship stride. This is the time when teams head to the track, every weekend and the competition gets fierce. This is the meat of the season and a few points here and there, can win a championship or lose a championship.

Over the past month, many teams have been working on getting their race cars ready for the long stretch of summer. Adjusting to new rules and tire changes, drivers adjusting to new tracks and teams building chemistry and forming a family-style bond. All the hard work over the off-season will pay-off…for some…for others their lack of focus and time management will catch-up with them as they will find themselves behind the 8-ball, still searching to get the car dialed-in and get comfortable with what the car will do when they hang it out on the final turn of the last lap heading to the checkered flag.

Memorial Day weekend also marks the end of school for most youngsters and serves as a tribute to our men and women who fight for our freedom, so we can enjoy summer and head to the race track every weekend. Take time out of your weekend to say “Thank You” to a Vet or member of our military, post something on your Facebook page and let them know you appreciate what they do, so you can do what you do!! By the way, if you don’t have plans for the weekend, head to your local short track like Colorado National Speedway or Big Country Speedway. Bring the family…especially the little ones…they will love it and all for a great price…it’s family entertainment…the way it is supposed to be!!

See you at the races…~Rico

Mother’s Day Weekend has always had a special place in my heart. I remember that was the day that my Mom would just shine. It was a time for a “special thanks” to the most compassionate, inspiring and motivating person that I have ever known in my life. The one that was always there for me and regardless of good or bad, she always would say “everything happens for a reason.” Remembering those words and all the images of such a spectacular lady, still inspire me today. Although I no longer have the privilege of spending time with her in person, I am blessed to be able to spend every minute with her in Spirit.

Yesterday, my race team, Rico Childers MotorSports, held a special Mother’s Day car show with our corporate sponsor, Fantastic Sams, as part of our marketing program.  All six drivers and teams brought out their new race cars for all the fans to see, get pictures and autographs. It was a time when the kids and Mom were able to sit in their favorite race car and strap in with the 5-point harness. The expression on their faces was just priceless. Although they didn’t get to fire them up and take them for a spin, one could see that they were visualizing the experience as they peered out the front windshield, grasping the steering wheel.

It was a special day for everyone and it’s just what we do. Making a positive difference in the lives we touch, paying it forward and sharing our racing family’s blessings with all of our fans. Hope your day was as sensational as ours!

See you at the races…~Rico