Racing Heroes Essay, Research Paper

Car racing has gone through many changes since its start in 1947. Race cars were not equipped with safety features such as roolbars, cages and safety belts. When accidents occurred drivers were seriouly injured or died. Through the years, steps have been taken to prevent major injuries. Race cars are now equipped with safety features as well as drivers now wear suits that are made from flame retartant material, along with helmonts and saftey belts. They have also modified the race tracks to help make the sport safe. Through triumph and tragedy they have built the racing sport into the nationwide event it is today, with safety feature improvements for the cars and drivers; the people in the racing industry are heroes to me because of their courage.

I like hearing stories about Lee Petty’s racing times, he is a favorite of mine. He is one of many who have made racing what it is today. Lee passed his knowledge of racing to his Richard and together they have built Petty’s Enterprises. Petty Enterprises builds and races only the fastest cars. Tey also have a driving school, where people are taught the technique, procedures and methods of driving a race car. The Petty’s Enterprise is pass down through the family, keeping the going from one genration to the next. Richard’s son Kyle and granson Adam are also professional race car drivers. The Petty family experienced a terrible tragedy when Adam lost his life racing. Instead of closing the door on racing, Richard and Kyle investigated Adam’s crash and applied necessary changes to make racing safer.There are no guarantees our heroes will not get hurt racing, no matter what pecautions are taken. Just a few months ago we lost “The Intimidator”, Dale Earnhardt. He was one of NASCAR’s best racers, winning 110 Winston Cup and Daytona races combined. He was known for taking racing to its limits. Like the Pettys, Dale passed his racing knowledge to Kelly and Dale Jr. Dale’s sons will continue to keep the Earnhardt Industry and legend alive.

How proud the racing legends must feel, knowing they are responsible for thr recognition racing has today. They have influenced many different varieties of vehicles racing in the competitive sport. They have made major gains toward car and safety. All the heroes in the industry work hard to see that racing will continue for many years. As I watch oue own car going aroun the track, I think that maybe somedsy oue race team will become a legend. When oue car receives the checkered flag, I know that our hard work has paid off. Going home filled with excitement of winning, I wonder if the heroes of racing felt the same.