It’s been a rough 24 hours.  I’ve read hundreds of tweets, blog entries, AP stories and I still can’t grasp everything that happened.  When it comes down to it, we lost a giant yesterday with the passing of Dan Wheldon.  He’s always been one of my favorite people in any garage.  My favorite moment of 2011 isn’t ‘Dega or Kansas, it’s Dan Wheldon winning Indianapolis this past May.  No one was more deserving and I rooted for him more than anyone else in the IndyCar circuit.

I got some rude complaints that I shouldn’t say a word about yesterday because I’m just a piece of “cardboard” and this wasn’t anytime for me to say anything — well guess what, there’s an actual human behind “mini_chad” and this human has feelings just like the rest of you.  If you don’t like it, don’t follow me.  It’s that simple.

Racing (all types) has always been my #1 love in sports and it will always be #1.  The drivers risk so much for our enjoyment and ask for very little in return.  All I’m trying to say is we have to remember.  We have to remember how much the drivers put on the line for us.  We have to remember how we felt yesterday with the passing of Dan Wheldon, and in 2001 with the passing of Dale, Sr.  (Not to mention the countless others that didn’t make the headlines with their passing.)  We have to remember that this is a sport.  We have to remember that there are real risks.  We have to remember that this is real life.  We also have to remember to keep things in perspective and enjoy each moment that God has allowed us to have.

Today there is a test at Charlotte Motor Speedway.  As much as we don’t always like it, or get it, life goes on….especially in the world of racing.  So, this weekend, when you are cheering for your favorite driver at Talladega…..just remember.

Sincerely,
Mini Chad (Cardboard with human feelings)