Life Lessons From Racing A Corvette
I recently did something crazy.
I raced a Corvette C8 on a real racetrack.
It was loud.
It was fast.
It was scary.
It was full of PURPOSE.
As I prepared for the big day, I was filled with excitement! My wife? Not so much. (We recently watched Ford v Ferrari. Let's just say the ending made her a little nervous. IYKYK 😉)
On the way to the track, I drove my Toyota Camry with a little extra pep. I sped up on the interstate, clutched the wheel a bit tighter, and mentally prepared for the real deal.
I had no idea what I was in for.
I arrived at the track a little early to scope things out. As I waited for our start time, I noticed the people all around me. There were eighteen-year-olds with wide eyes, dads looking like kids again, and even men in their 70s, finally checking this event off their bucket list. Everyone was there for one reason: to experience the thrill of driving a dream.
Racing one of these supercars was an unforgettable experience. Rain lightly fell from the dark sky as we revved up our engines. Each pristine Corvette was lined up in tight formation. Racers all nervously ready to let loose on the twists and turns of the quiet track.
Finally, we were off!
I started with a bit of caution. I had no idea how powerful this machine actually was. We navigated the windy turns and sped up on the straightaways. Faster and faster, we went as I finally felt the satisfaction of driving a racecar! It was a spectacular day filled with memories I will never forget.
When it was finally all over and I was back behind the wheel of my humble Camry, something hit me.
I realized there are four types of drivers in life:
Each one of these drivers has a dream, they have a unique purpose for life and work, and they have to do something about it.
The Four Drivers in Life:
Driver #1 – The Safe Driver
They test the limits, but play it safe. They check their mirrors often, accelerate gently, and brake early.
Driver #2 – The Balanced Risk-Taker
They push the car to the edge, drive fast, but stay within the boundaries. They're confident, focused, and ready to hit the gas when the time is right.
Driver #3 – The Wild Child
They go "FULL SEND!" They have little regard for what the other drivers are doing. They drive as fast as possible, take every corner recklessly, and push past the limits. They'll inevitably crash, but it’s worth it to them. Did I mention they are "wild?!"
Driver #4 – The Observer
They make plans, show up, and get ready to race. But when it's time to drive, they don't get in the car. There are excuses and ideas of future glory, but not today.
All four drivers have a dream they’re excited to pursue and drive.
Only one driver has a fatal error.
The Observer never gets in the car. They are so close to their dream, but they let fear win. They never start.
It's ok to be cautious.
It's ok to test the limits.
It's ok to crash and have to start again.
But it's not ok to just watch from the sidelines.
You don't need to fly around the track. You don't need to break records. Shoot, you can be the slowest driver out there. Just get in the car.
Don't walk around the car and say, "Maybe one day."
Don't make excuses that life is too busy.
You've only got one life to live.
You only have one opportunity to fulfill the unique purpose that God has for your life.
So, GET IN THE CAR and take it for a spin!
Here's the deal: You have a dream. A purpose. A God-given calling.
You can't fulfill it unless you take action.
Get in the car. Start the race.
Even if you're idling at 5 mph, you're still moving forward. And soon you'll pick up speed.
Driving that Corvette was unforgettable.
Not just because it was fast…
But because it reminded me that you only get one life, and you can spend it on the sidelines, or you can spend it behind the wheel. Your dreams will never be a reality if you don't get in the car and start it up.
It doesn’t matter what kind of driver you are. JUST DRIVE.
Do you know what your unique purpose is for life and work?
Are you ready to get in and take it for a spin?
You've only got one shot at this lifetime.
Don't waste it watching from the stands.
Get in and let's go.