At McCarran Airport in Las Vegas, I picked up the latest issue of Fortune magazine for some reading on the four-hour flight back to Michigan. The magazine caught my attention because the cover story was about what it takes to be great. I’m constantly surrounded by these types of people and want to be great at what I do, so I eagerly read the magazine from cover to cover. I strongly recommend getting the issue and reading the article starting on page 88. The story was interesting because it cited research which confirmed people who are good at what they do. The really great achievers became great because of hard work, not because of an inborn talent. It cited Tiger Woods as an example. He is young and successful, but he started at golf at a very young age, three years old in fact. And he’s dedicated his life to the game of golf. He has even changed his golf swing twice in order to become better at his trade. They also cited Warren Buffet, the world’s premier investor, as an example. He is famed for his discipline and hours of studying financial targets.

I don’t need to look in a magazine to see that hard work can lead to greatness. We spent some time with our team owners, Ken, Judy and Kenny Black, last weekend since Las Vegas is where they live. They are prime examples of what I am talking about. Ken started out as a carpenter. He and Judy worked really hard together to build a multi-million dollar business. That business has then allowed them, along with their son, Kenny, to build a great race team. Their Pro Stock team just secured their fourth world championship works relentlessly. The day after Jason Line won the championship, he was back at the shop working on the dyno trying to find more horsepower.



Just that morning, I went to the SEMA Show with my Dad and Grandpa. We went to the NHRA breakfast where the Force family was the guest speakers. John Force talked about how he struggled and came from poverty to become great. Now he is on the verge of winning his 14th world championship. He is an awesome driver. He has his own reality TV show. He is definitely a fan favorite. I often ask fans who come by our pits for an autograph what is their favorite race car. Nine times of 10 the fans say John Force. He is an absolute great in drag racing. He didn’t just become that one day. He worked really hard at it. From what I have seen, that team does more testing than any other team I have seen.

Then look at what Connie Kalitta has done. I believe he has at least 17 747s. He has built a first-class business and a first-class race team. The thing I’ve noticed about Connie is that if he wants to do something or accomplish something he just does it. He doesn’t hear the word no; he doesn’t think about not succeeding.

I’m really not trying to sound like a “suck up” here, as John Force would say. I don’t really have to. My driving job is secure for next year. I’m just kind of rambling about what’s on my mind instead of rambling about where I have eaten over the last couple of days and with whom. That Fortune magazine article just sort stuck with me and gave me some inspiration which everyone needs once in awhile.

The great ones are the ones who overcome life’s hurdles and keep working to become the best. Warren Buffet and Tiger Woods were not wired at birth to be great at their trade. For me it just reinforces what my dad, mom and Grandpa have been telling me since before I was even old enough to understand. “You can make yourself into any number of things, and you can even make yourself great.” The article goes on to say that unfortunately a lot of people hit life’s inevitable bumps in the road; they conclude they just aren’t gifted and give up.

My crew chief, Jim Oberhofer, told me from the beginning and he often tells me when I’m discouraged that Rome wasn’t built in a day. I want to be the best at my trade which is driving a Top Fuel dragster. I had pretty high expectations for this year and, yes, I have had some very frustrating days this year. I’m definitely not the best at it. However, I will be the best because I will continue to work at it until I become the best.

I hope you will read the magazine if you need some inspiration. It worked for me. Now I’m off to the shop to get some good use out of Doug’s practice Tree today. I’m really looking forward to our last race of the year, the Finals in Pomona, Calif.