So all in all it has been a tough year for us . Stella (the Pro Mod Cadillac) in the beginning of the year was a complete Italian biotch. We brought on new brain trust and so it seems Stella is in love with Quain Stott. She reacts well to everything he does. But then we have a problem with another short Italian. No not me,that would be Dina Parise I am referring to. A bad car can make a good driver seem bad. But then when you take that scenario and swap it, that same driver may become very hesitant. I can tell you the road trips home were not so much fun at times. It’s hard to be looking in from the outside. As a driver I am more critical. So, my mouth opens before my brain tells it not to ( most of the time). Quain is helping me with that. He has put these keywords in place… “When you smell trouble, Lift Andrew.” Let’s just say, I’m still learning that one.
So here we sit.31 points ahead in the IHRA Crower Pro Mod Series. You can taste it and feel it. All you want is that championship. I know Bill Lutz is bringing his A++++ game. He has been fast for sure, but let’s just say this ; we are all in. We don’t quit, or give up the fight. We will give it everything we have and then some. We owe this championship to a lot of people that have stuck with us through the years.
This is more then a championship for me it is very personal. When your told you can’t do things or you won’t amount to much it makes you want it more. This is not only a big accomplishment for our team it is personal as well. I work hard at the shop on my own but we work together as a family. Win or lose we have still made it. As a family.
Life is funny, some people are blessed to have best friends from childhood. Others have few close friends. I have come to realize lately that people will throw you under the bus regardless of friendship, just to benefit themselves. I didn’t grow up that way. I grew up to give respect and to have loyalty. I will continue to give it if it is reciprocated.
There are those who feel as if their larger bank account allows them to treat others with disrespect. Frankly, that really pisses me off. This is why Dina does not allow me out without my leash. LOL! Think about it this way; No matter how much money you have you can’t take it with you. Take your bank accounts away and what do you have? Stop and smell the roses and really think about it. My father spent his life thinking he was going to ‘take it with him’, then BAM a stroke and gone.So, enjoy your time. Say excuse me, thank you hold a door, say good morning (rather than a crabby grunt). Never see anyone as beneath you. Help those that want to be helped. My wife always quotes Ralph Kramden “Be kind to people on the way up because you will meet the same people on the way down”. So true.
Well, it’s back to the grind for this little man. I’m off the leash and it’s time to get going. Wish us luck. Thank you to everyone that has helped us and supported us all these years. Hey, maybe I can get back to driving next year. A championship would help the cause!
See you at the Finals!
Andrew ~ Bam Bam ~ Parise
Photos Courtesy : Raceworks.com