Leadership at the Race Track

I haven’t missed posting a blog since I took my vacation earlier this year. Last weekend was an exception as I spent time on a father-son outing at Eldora Speedway near New Weston, Ohio. This world famous 1/2-mile dirt track is a piece of Americana filled with racing history and now owned by NASCAR superstar Tony Stewart. The weather was unusually warm and dry contributing to exciting albeit very dusty racing conditions.

My son and I were guests of the RW Racing team and that is the subject of my musings this week. As defending champions for the USAC Silver Crown feature race in 2006 the RW team brought two great cars, two outstanding drivers, and a veteran pit crew to the event. Watching the team prepare for Saturday’s hot laps, qualifying runs, and feature event was a study in leadership on so many levels.

Steve Weirich, the car owner and my client, exuded a quiet confidence in the pit area. The crew and drivers all seemed to know exactly what to do as the two cars entered in the Silver Crown class were prepared for their respective qualifying laps. The hauler and pit area was clean and neat, complete with canopies to protect the cars and the crew from the afternoon sun.

As the day wore on, it was obvious that the team had two fast cars as they posted the best qualifying time for one car and fourth best for the other. Excitement was building for the feature event. By now you might be thinking that leadership is easy under these kinds of circumstances. Knowing your cars will start in first and fourth position seems like an advantage and perhaps a time to relax. Yet as the day wore on other teams began to face problems during their heats and qualifying laps. I watched in amazement as a car that crashed during one of those heats was put back together with parts and expertise provided by the RW team. That’s right, they helped their competition get back into the race.

As the feature race time drew closer the team changed into their racing gear and prepared to do battle on the track. Spotters took their positions on top of the hauler while the crew made last minute adjustments to the cars and the drivers strapped into their seats for the wild ride ahead. When the green flag finally dropped, near midnight, the two RW entries dashed to the front and fifty laps later finished first and third respectively. What an amazing feat against a tough field of competitors!

Steve and his team proved that leadership on a racetrack, as in life, requires excellent preparation, a willingness to help others, and a commitment to excellence. They learned from their previous year’s success, they invested in good equipment and talented drivers, while supporting each other during the final dash to the finish. Congratulations RW Racing and all the leaders who make up your fine team!