After spending most of my life in Florida, my family relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, a few years ago. Charlotte is a beautiful city that we love to call our new home, and for the first time in my life, I've been enjoying something novel: the seasons.
Summers here are nearly as hot as Florida's but without the oppressive humidity (most of the time). Fall offers a vibrant palette of colors, cool breezes, and earlier sunsets that feel like a reward after summer's intensity. Winters are manageable—cold mornings and cool days without too many overcast, dreary stretches. And spring brings warmer days and the vibrant renewal of life outdoors.
One thing I've noticed since moving to Charlotte is how much more I enjoy being outdoors. Everywhere I look, there's beauty to appreciate; it's part of what drew us here in the first place. What I didn't expect, though, was how much the rhythm of my life would shift with the seasons. It's taken me three years to realize just how much I enjoy these natural transitions. Now, I find myself embracing the seasonal changes—both in life and in racing.
How does this relate to an auto-racing blog?
After an action-packed six-month racing season with Gridlife Touring Cup, I'm ready for an off-season consisting of sim racing, minor car tinkering, and focusing on other areas of my life.
For years, my track time revolved around NASA's regional schedules. With an average of 10 events a year, track weekends are spaced just 4-6 weeks apart. There is no clear off-season—there are events in early December and again in early January. The longest break we'd get was July through August.
The relentless pace was exciting, but it often led to burnout. There was always something that needed fixing, upgrading, or maintaining. And with no actual downtime, a few weeks away from the car felt like returning to a scramble to prepare for the next event.
What I didn't realize then but have come to appreciate now is the importance of stepping back. Without time to reflect on the season—what went well, what didn't, and what I hope to achieve next—it's easy to lose sight of why I love this sport. Racing is more than just chasing lap times; it's about growth, challenge, and achievement. But to stay engaged, moderation and balance are key.
Taking a break from this pursuit can be refreshing, motivating, and a chance to refocus.
As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, it's clear the off-season is looming. I've set a few goals for the '24-'25 off-season:
- Lose 15lbs and increase my fitness and endurance
- Sharpen my engine tuning skills
- Read 10 books
- Reach 5,000 iRating on iRacing
What are your off-season goals? Let's help each other stay on track and make this time count.
