Racer - Winter 2013

“Losing is always a real possibility. But
when you lose, you learn, you file it and
move on. You are never beaten”
TWO- Time CART indy CAR
ChAmpiOn
2003 indiAnApOlis 500

WinneR he guy that wins is the champion, right? Right.

But...the word is as much an adjective as it is a noun. So, coming at it from that angle, apart from beating everyone in competition, what is a champion? What defines a champion? What are champions made of? How are they different?

I’m sure many books and articles have
been written and documentaries made
about this very subject. I can’t claim to be
a scholar of such materials but, as a young
sportsman (and now that I think of it, as an
old one, too), I made a point of always
studying great champions, doing my best
to understand and dissect the make up of
a champion and, hopefully, learn some
making the most of what they have.

Physically, they are as honed as they can be. But, perhaps more importantly, it comes down to hours and months and years of mindful practice. Same in every sport I’m afraid... Notice the word “mindful” carefully placed prior to practice. Clearly, it’s another of my “zenny” references, but this time it really means something!

Mindful in the sense of awareness, not just doing it, but being very conscious and analytical as you do it. You follow me?

• On the matter of “determination”

It’s a common reference when one talks about champions but, quite frankly, I refuse to believe you can get a competitive edge simply by being determined. Lots of people are determined, to a very high level in fact.

Sure, it’s a vital ingredient in a champion’s makeup, but it’s one that can easily be matched, so let’s refine it and call it intelligent

determination, or strategic determination, or something like that anyway...

From what I’ve observed, champions are very cunning and strategic in the way they manifest their determination. It rarely shows as bravado or brainless aggression, but instead is a steely inner strength allied with a deep understanding of what’s needed for maximum performance.

• On the matter of “attitude”

Let’s call it mindset. And it’s possibly the

Simultaneously believing he was the best and the worst served Juan Manuel Fangio well. In a Formula 1 World Championship career that encompassed just eight seasons (1950-’ 51 and

1953-’ 58) and

52 starts, the Argentine legend earned five titles and

24 grands prix wins.

T

lessons that might be applicable to me;

make me a better driver, a better person.

Obviously, not much of it sunk in!

Nevertheless, here are a few things I found to be significant and important...

• On the matter of “natural talent”

As I understand it, genetics aren’t something we can re-engineer just yet.

I’ve no idea what science will come up with in the future, but what I do know is that it’s no use worrying about how much natural talent you have. In fact, some argue that no such thing actually exists.