Joey Saldana
It’s always an interesting feeling when another racing season comes to a close. Driving Mopar®-powered Sprint Cars with the World of Outlaws keeps you pretty busy, because the schedule is so hectic. I think the most races I’ve ever done in a year was 108. Now, in 2008 we had a lot of rain; I think we lost something like 15 races, so our total was definitely down. Still, I’m guessing it was between 90 and 100. So after the final race, the first thing that goes through my mind—and I’m sure it’s the same for my wife, Shannon—is relief. You know, just relief that it’s over. But, honestly, for me that feeling lasts only about a week, and then I’m ready to go again. I’m just not used to staying in one place for too long.
I mean, during the season a long stretch at home is four days. If I’m here in Indiana from Monday to Thursday, that’s a pretty good stint. Usually we’re gone a week or two at a time, just going from race to race. Sometimes I travel with the guys on our Team Mopar Kasey Kahne Racing team, staying in motels. But once my son, Reece, gets out of school for the summer, I’m lucky to have a car owner like Kasey, who provides me with a motorhome so I can travel with my family during those months.
Either way, we’re always moving, so it’s tough to suddenly adjust to sitting around, doing nothing. Shannon comes up with things for me to do at home, but I’m sure I don’t get to most of them. We built a new house three years ago, and she takes care of that side of our lives. Between the house and looking after Reece, she does a great job, and I’m very, very fortunate there.
I do try to give my family the extra time that I can’t give them during the season. Reece is five-years-old, so it’s fun to take him to school, or help Shannon get him in and out of the tub, and just do the everyday “dad” things. I try to get him re-acclimated to the idea that he has a father, not just someone he talks to on the telephone.
My “off-season” doesn’t last very long. Most years, I’ll do some racing over the winter in Australia or New Zealand. This year I’ll be gone from Dec. 10 until Jan. 4. It’s a fun trip, but there’s more to it than that. See, I’m the kind of driver who feels like he needs to be behind the wheel to get better and better. No matter how long you’ve been racing, you’re always learning new things.
I’ve missed pretty much all of my son’s Christmases to go overseas and race. That’s definitely a sacrifice, but it’s one I feel like I have to make if it helps me be at 110 percent when our season starts here at home. Christmas is an important time for a child, and I’m sure I’ll regret missing those times with Reece and his mom as I grow older. But those extra races are making me a better driver, and that’s my job. Even in the off-season!