Jack’s Winning Words 5/28/21

“If everything seems under control, you’re not driving fast enough.” (Mario Andretti)  Mario showed an interest in racing at age 2, using a pot lid for a steering wheel.  As a grown-up he raced real cars, winning both Formula One and Indy 500 championships (at over 200 mph).  I read that the first Indy 500 was won at a speed of 74.6 mph.  I could have competed in that one.  Unlike Mario, I like to have things under control.  However, Mario’s got a point….sometimes complacency sets in, and we need to push the accelerator of life a little harder to live life to its fullest. ;-)  Jack

FROM HONEST JOHN:  In debate, when we were crushing someone, we would get worried and work even harder....never know what is around the corner! ===JACK:  In life, it's that way, too.  We never know what's around the corner.  Have you had some surprises that have changed the direction of your life?

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  this is a long story but when i was in high school in Livonia,  a neighbor of ours who was a ranking Ford employee invited me a Memorial Day  Indy 500 Race.   he was an engineer and he had a lot to do with the Ford Lotus that was racing that year.   the night before the race we were actually down in the Pits with all the cars and most of the drivers who were making last minute adjustments.   you could cut the tension with a knife.  i think A J Foyt won that year and Parnelli Jones was in the lead until he ran out of gas on the last two laps.  it was a very memorable weekend for me.  have a good weekend, Jack.  and remember to remember the fallen.===JACK:  I, too, had a one-time experience at the Indy 500.  Jim Nabors sang, "Back Home Again In Indiana."  That, with the release of thousands of balloons, was a thrill in and of itself.   David and I had pit passes from the Roger Penske Team.  The race was kind of boring, because the cars would zip by us and be gone as they circled the track.  Zip, and they were gone again.  The many campers parked outside of the track put on a show of their own.  Beer, beer...and more beer...and catcalls to the ladies passing by.  We did enjoy the experience.

FROM GUSTIE:  We went to some racing place West of Detroit where Clem even had tickets for the pit.  Mario was very young and he was racing.  I think Carol was 3 so that was a very long time ago.===JACK:  That was probably the Michighan International Speedway.  I once rode with a driver on that track.  We went over 100 mph, and that was mighty fast.  Race car drivers go over 220 mph.  Not for me!  

FROM BB IN CHGO:  Great quote.  Is control really something we value so highly?===JACK:  One of the problems that goes along with the aging process is the gradual giving up of being in control.

FROM JU IN NC:  I have encouraging news.  As I become older, I find I am getting stronger.  I used to need two hands to carry $90. Of groceries.  Now I need only one.  Happy Memorial Day===JACK:  Lots of things are different from the "good old days."  Growing up on the ranch would have been easier (but not as much fun) with inventions that we have today.  Running water and electricity are just two examples.