Monthly Archives: November 2008

For my final BLOG, in this “Basics of Racing” series, I thought I’d simply share a couple of quotes, from two men who have influenced my life. Two men who were passionate about life and about being fast. And, I’ve included a YouTube movie clip for each. My two heroes come from two very different backgrounds. And from two different points in time. But they both do a pretty good job articulating my personal views on life, business, and racing. The first man is Eric Liddell. My Great Grandfather, Karl Vingren, a missionary from Sweden, worked with him in China. Most of the world got to know him in the movie “Chariots of Fire”. Known as “The Flying Scotsman”, because of his incredible speed, he made his name as a runner and Scottish Rugby Union star. He went on to win the gold medal, for England, in the Men’s 400 Meter at the 1924 Olympic games in Paris. But his heart and his long-term goals belonged to God. Immediately after the Olympics he went on to realize his true calling of being a Christian Missionary. He served in China for 20 years and died there, in 1945, at the age of 43, from a combination of malnutrition and a brain tumor. On life, spirituality, and running the race, he said: “It’s hard. Requires concentration of will. Energy of soul… I have no formula for winning the race. Everyone runs in their own way… So, where does the power come from to see the race to its end? From within.” See video below.

Eric Liddell (“Chariots of Fire”) Watch the segment from 00:37 to 2:28

My other hero is Steve McQueen. In his day he was one of Hollywood’s top actors with many brilliantly played rolls in movies like “The Thomas Crown Affair”, “The great Escape”, and “Papillion”.  He was also a world-class, and very competitive, racecar driver. His movie “Lemans”, which he wrote, directed, and produced, is probably the best racing movie ever made. On life, business, and driving fast, he said: “When I believe in something, I fight like hell for it”… “A lot of people go through life doing things badly. Racing is important to men who do it well… Racing is life. Anything before, or after, is just waiting.” See video below.

Steve McQueen (“Lemans”) Watch the segment from 00:49 to 2:12

I’ve enjoyed writing this series on the fundamentals of racecar driving. I’ve enjoyed sharing my experience with you. And I’ve enjoyed using racing as a metaphor for branding online businesses. In closing I would just say to you… Go get ‘em. Run your business, and your life, with skill and passion. And, absolutely, have fun. In racing we say “Drive it like you stole it!”.

Cheers.

I’m Larry. On the weekends I’m either driving a race car or teaching someone else how. During the week I’m the Creative Director at Ninthlink. Flag us down. Let us help you find your your correct position in the market place. And get you on a winning track with your online business. Call to action: Let’s get you moving. Email me at: larry@ninthlink.com.

Are You Passionate About Life?

WARNING: Don’t Use This to go Get Groceries. But, it’s Standard on the Track.

I’m very thankful, and so is my family, that I participate in a sport that, while it is inherently very dangerous, places a ton of emphasis on safety. In this sport “Go Fast” is trumped only by the safety of the drivers, crews, and spectators. There ate 2 aspects to “driver prep and safety”. First: A driver must be physically, mentally, and experientially prepared. We will not cover this aspect here, but suffice it to say that it is profoundly important. Secondly: A driver must be prepared with the latest in safety technology. Please refer to the chart above. A helmet (A) is probably the single most important piece of safety gear in the arsenal. Helmets are high-tech, highly researched and developed, and can easily cost in the $800. to $2,000. range. The Hans Device (B) is relatively new to auto sports and is required by most sanctioning bodies. It protects the driver’s head and neck in the event of a rapid deceleration (crash). A proper, fire-resistant driving suit (C) protects the driver in case of an on-board fire. Gloves (D) and shoes (E) provide grip and additional fire protection. Drivers also wear fire-resistant underwear, including a balaclava (F), a long-sleeved shirt (G), and pants (H). Some additional items include things like Cool Shirts (I) and cold air blowers (J) to keep the driver cooled down. Last year, at Willow Springs Raceway, I saw track temperatures at around 120 degrees and in-car temperatures as high as 130 degrees. A quick release device (K) allows for the quick removal of the steering wheel. Communication between the driver (L) and his crew (M) is critical to safety, as track conditions, or accidents, can be communicated in real time. In-car camera systems (N) can provide great post-race debriefing material. It can also supply great, recorded information about any incidents on the track. Finally, gear bags (O) are a good way to keep everything together and in good, clean working condition. Next time – My final BLOG in this 10 part series – Basics 10: “Racing is Life”.

It’s important that your online business is fast, nimble, aggressive, well prepared, competitive, and constantly winning. But, safety trumps all of that. How do you win and be safe at the same time? Just like in racing it’s a matter of being physically, mentally, and experientially prepared, and… Having the right “equipment”. Ninthlink can design, build, and supply the exact type of equipment you need.

I’m Larry. On the weekends I’m either driving a race car or teaching someone else how. During the week I’m the Creative Director at Ninthlink. Flag us down. Let us help you find your your correct position in the market place. And get you on a winning track with your online business. Call to action: Let’s get you moving. Email me at: larry@ninthlink.com.

Are You Safe?

Do not attempt. Professional branders on a closed course.