The smell of gasoline and burned rubber pervade the air as the restless crowd hold their breath with anticipation. The stands at the zMAX Dragway in Charlotte, North Carolina, are sold out and filled with 27,000 NHRA Drag racing fans, binoculars in hand and ear plugs wedged tightly in their skulls, waiting for to see the tree light up green.
Jack Gaydosh is also waiting, eyes fixed on the tree behind the lens of his helmet. He and his team have been preparing all weekend for this moment. The moment where he races down the four-wide strip in his Pypes Pro Stock car.
He inhales, places his foot on the gas, feels the G force push back against him inside his car and races down the strip.
Baltimore native Jack Gaydosh, 49, and his volunteer race team travel to compete in the NHRA Drag Racing Mellow Yellow series around the country. They compete in about ten to twelve races a year.
Gaydosh found his passion for racing when he was sixteen-years-old and since has been competing in races.
“I love racing more than anything else I’ve ever done. This is the most fun that I’ve ever had and enjoyment that I’ve ever had,” Gaydosh said.
Like many others, drag racing is a team sport. Gaydosh’s team is all volunteers who not only dedicate their time for free, but also pay their way when traveling to races.
“It takes a lot of time and a lot of dedication from a great group of guys that I have with me. That’s the only way that we can do this,” Gaydosh said.
According to Gaydosh working as a member of the team takes a lot of time, sometimes up to 30 hours a week just as preparation.
“You have to be prepared even before you roll out of the pits,” he added.
Brad Wallace, 70, who owns The Wallace Engine Company, in Essex, Maryland, is one of Gadson’s volunteer members.
“My position on the team is to maintain the engine in between rounds, and if it’s asked offer an opinion. I’m considered the senior team member based on age not experience,” Wallace said.
Wallace, who has been a longtime friend and crew member to Gaydosh and his team, says the best thing about racing is the people.
“The best thing about racing with Jacks team is the comradery with the friends. We enjoy being able to share the friendship that has to do based on motorsports,” Wallace said.
For Gaydosh, nothing compares to racing.
As he rolls back into his pit area, the team, dirt and grease permanently wedge under their figure nails, prepare for the next round that day. Ready to adjust the valves, change a tire, or improve the engine, they work together so that Gaydosh has the best chance of winning in the next race.
“We may not be the fastest team but we are the team that has the most fun,” Gaydosh said.
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