Semi-regular ramblings formerly known as Blog by Arni
So I have a new look for my blog and my homepage. What do you think?
On another front. In record fashion, we have hired a new copy editor/page designer. It's only been about 10 days since Chris left the paper, so I feel really fortunate that they turned the screws and got someone in so quick. Life could have really sucked if we had to work short-handed for long.
Not much else is happening in my life. Wish I had more to give, but I just don't. Maybe next time.
There are days when I can't wait to get a job in racing. I have those days quite often and I sometimes sit and think about how great it will be to finally live my dream.
Tony Renna was a lot like me in that way.
Then there are the days I don't want to have anything with the sport. The days I wish I could just stay in bed and forget about everything that makes me want to chase cars.
Wednesday was one of those days.
At age 26, Tony Renna had his entire future in front of him. He had waited his turn to get into big time auto racing and his time had finally come. After two years as Kelley Racing's test driver and spotter, he had his big break. The likeable young driver was hired by Chip Ganassi to drive full time in the IndyCar Series.
Wednesday was Tony's first day on the job with Target Chip Ganassi Racing. He was four laps into a Firestone tire test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway when something went terribly wrong. His car spun out of control, got airborne and crashed. Tony was fatally injured.
Suddenly a well-spoken 26 years old -- a few weeks away from his wedding day and his 27th birthday -- was gone. The promise of the IRL's next star was suddenly broken. The patience of young man who had waited so long for his chance at the big time, snuffed out in less than 30 minutes.
I spent most of the day thinking of Tony Renna's father. The pride he showed in his son when he made his IRL debut in Nashville last summer. I tried to come up with words to express my feelings. I found them on a video gaming board today.
"Sometimes racing just sucks."
Greetings blog readers. I'm writing this from a small village in North California called San Francisco. You may have heard of it. But this is the first West Coast blog entry. I'm not as big the world traveler as some folks.
I came here five days ago to celebrate the wedding of my cousin, Amanda. She married a great guy named Chris, and it was a beautiful ceremony in Golden Gate Park. Want to see some photos? Click here.
It's been a quick five days. I can't believe it's time to go home already. I've been among the Redwoods, missed an earthquake that took place during the wedding ceremony, and most importanly met a lot of great new people. Chris' family was tremendously nice and her friends from Texas and other places were even better. I understand why Amanda has so many great friends that care about her.
But fun time is over. It's time to head back to Carolina and the real world.
P.S. Congrats to Stacy and Geoffrey Chandler and Josh and Michelle Laycock on their weddings as well.
I stumbled on a cool little hike. I was thinking about gathering nine or so buddies and trying it out. Here's the route Anyone want to come?
