Why do we do it?

From the outside looking in people seem to think we live this perfect life traveling the country chasing Land Speed records on our bikes. While it is the life I choose, most people have no idea what it is really like, what it really takes. Determination, passion, commitment are only words to some. To a Land Speed racer it is what it takes to be successful.
Land Speed racers are a totally different breed. I grew up on the seat of a motorcycle and was jumping cars and racing one from 12 years old. I've done a little of everything. MX, Cross Country, Hare Scrambles, Flat Track, Drag Racing, Roadracing and now Land Speed. I must say I thought the Land Speed runs were going to be easy. Did I learn quickly that anyone can get on a bike and blast down the track. Very few can do it and walk away a record setter.
A Land Speed racer spends large amounts of money, knowing he will never see a monetary return from that investment. I work as many hours and as many jobs as it takes to keep a race team funded. You spend many hours a year on the road traveling to events, taking equipment to builders, and finding places to practice and test. You don't do it for fame as Land Speed is relatively obscure to those outside of the community. There is no TV coverage, no radio coverage, only internet coverage of certain events. There is no prize money, no way to recover the 10's of thousands of dollars you have tied up in it. If you are lucky you get some magazine coverage and are able to find a small sponsor or two to just keep you afloat. Your vacations are trips to the race track. You never get enough sleep and you are always tired. If you are successful, you set a Speed Record and find a way into a 200 mph club. You come home with a certificate and a hat.
Why do we do it? Why do we push ourselves to the brink of financial and physical ruin? What is it that keeps us coming back every season with bigger dreams? Those 3 words from earlier, determination, passion and commitment. A successful Land Speed racer lives for a record pass attempt. You plan and work for the opportunity. Everything else is on hold as you focus on that one moment in time where you either get it done or you go back to square 1. You push yourself and equipment to the edge, then step over it, in hopes that you can step back before it is too late. Every run is treated as your last. It just could be, financially, a life changing accident or worse. You are driven though. The satisfaction of setting that record, being one of the fastest people out there. The thrill of getting into a 200mph or better club. It is impossible to put into words that feeling. I know the feeling of being the fastest person in the World on our class motorcycle. 3 World records and many National records later the drive is the same. There is an intense desire, a need to go faster. There is an unknown out there. The quest is to figure out how to go faster, to touch the God of Speed, if only for a moment.
Is it worth all you give? The answer is without a doubt. Life is for living and this pursuit of speed is a way of life. We do more with less and always find a way to reach our goals. Join us at TLN Motorsports for the 2012 Land Speed racing season. We don't plan on disappointing anyone.

http://www.tlnmotorsports.com