Shifting Gears: My Ode to Racing
Dear Racing,
As I sit and reflect on the incredible journey we’ve had together, it’s hard not to get swept up in the emotions that come flooding back. From the earliest days, where the only thing bigger than my dreams were the cars I played with, to the countless hours spent in the garage, inhaling the intoxicating scent of race gas and rubber, you’ve been my constant companion, my first love, my everything.
I remember those days at Colorado National Speedway as if it were yesterday, the roar of the engines echoing in my young ears, the thrill of speed and competition setting my soul on fire. It was there, in that bustling arena, that my heart found its calling. The go-kart gifted to me at the tender age of five was more than a toy; it was a promise, a piece of destiny on four small wheels. Each turn of the wheel, even as it dragged my helmet with it, was a stroke of my future being written.
The races, the championships, the sheer exhilaration of victory—they were not just moments but milestones on a path that seemed destined by the stars. Even the falls, like the tumble with the quarter midget, were part of the journey, teaching me that even when flipped upside down, my spirit wouldn’t allow me to give up, to stop chasing the ever-faster lap.
My journey through go-karts and beyond, chasing the elusive dream of becoming a NASCAR driver, was fueled by an undying passion for the sport and the people within it. It was an honor to progress through the ranks, to feel the rush of competing on tracks that were once just a distant dream. Racing, you gave me a community, a sense of belonging, and friendships that will last a lifetime.
The pursuit of my engineering degree was a testament to my dedication to you, my dream. It was a tool to keep me close to you, to understand you better, and to contribute to the sport that gave my life direction. My career in NASCAR, a privilege that I’ve never taken for granted, was a culmination of every childhood dream and every adult aspiration.
As a Race Engineer, the highs of the wins were incredible, but the lows… they taught me resilience. It’s true, I’ve felt like an imposter at times, but perhaps that’s what pushed me to work harder, to learn more, and to never take a single moment for granted. I’ve lived for the late nights, the strategy, the teamwork, and the sheer joy of competition.
But life, as it often does, brings new beginnings and new dreams. The arrival of my son, Nolan, shifted my focus. My dream expanded from the racetracks to the home tracks, from the adrenaline of competition to the warmth of family time missed. And as I watched my wife’s happiness blossom back home in Colorado, I knew it was time for a new chapter.
So, here I am, ready to pour all the lessons you’ve taught me—tenacity, hard work, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence—into Mountainside Mobile Detailing. I’m ready to channel the competitive spirit into building a business that reflects the best of what we’ve been through together.
Racing, you will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you for the memories, the friendships, the life lessons, and the thrills. Thank you for being my first love. As I embrace this new adventure, I carry with me the essence of what we’ve shared. Here’s to the future, to new victories, and to the next generation that dreams as wildly as I did.
With eternal gratitude and love,
Nick Burton
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