Before you can race, you have to strap in. For most racers, this is a ritual they don't even think about, but it's probably the most important thing a driver does at the track. The safety restraints and protective gear are the final defense systems against the many dangers a driver may face-asphalt, walls, other cars, and fire.
Circle Track wondered what goes through the mind of a driver moments before he starts his engine. To find out, we turned to Todd Bodine to get his thoughts as he prepared to take his #66 Phillips 66 NASCAR Busch Grand National car out for a time trial...
I know it sounds sort of strange, but when I walk to the pit lane to go out for qualifying, I am not really thinking much about the lap. What I mean is I try to stay loose, so I am joking and laughing with the guys.
As my turn gets close, I put on a flack jacket. After I broke my ribs in an accident, I started wearing it. I borrowed it from my brother Geoff, and now I wear it all the time, because it adds extra rib protection. I am the only one I know who uses this. The one I wear is a quarter-back jacket, but new ones are being developed for race drivers. It helps me stay comfortable.
I usually climb into the car when there are four cars ahead of me. First thing I do is get buckled up. When I am securely fastened, the steering wheel is put in place, and then I put in my radio earplugs.
After I strap on my helmet, we check the radio. I also check out all the systems and make sure the gas pedal is free and isn't sticking.
Up to this point, everything I am doing is a habit or a rhythm. It's something that is second nature, and I don't really have to think about it. These steps are locked in my head.
Finally, the window net is locked in place, and I begin to think about the lap I am going to make. I begin to visualize. Everyone has heard that athletes visualize their performance before actually doing it. The same is true for drivers. I close my eyes and paint a mental picture of what I am about to do, beginning with the exit off the pit lane onto the track and ending with the checkered flag flying. I see the entire thing in my mind.
When it's my turn, I fire up and start rolling. I concentrate on making the lap from corner to corner. When the green flag is out, I think about where I need to be, and I put the car there.Todd Bodine