After Labor Day, it’s only natural for a young man’s mind to turn to SuperOregon, but to ensure we don’t get too far ahead of ourselves, Texas Motor Speedway and PBR’s Ariat Texas Rattlers have partnered to show us, no matter our background or profession, we all share things in common.
Modern philosopher Toby Keith posits, “Gimme Eight More Seconds.” NASCAR driver William Byron took his eight seconds this week in Fort Worth.
It’s possible Byron himself didn’t hitch his wagon to this particular hurricane. Even in the NASCAR playoffs, I believe that would lead to a penalty. That’s one of the Rattlers leading an exhibition.
But Byron did stop at Cowtown Coliseum to see the Rattlers get ready for their next bout in Oklahoma City this weekend.
We learned about ourselves in the process. Byron asked Rattler Daniel Keeping if he gets a rush of adrenaline before an event.
They fit Byron with chaps, gloves and a vest. Keeping explains the vest doesn’t just look cool. In case he gets bucked and the bull kicks him right in his chest, the leather provides some protection from the hoof.
PBR Founder and Texas Rattlers Coach Cody Lambert explains, “A lot of things can happen, and they happen in a hurry.”
The more we all got to talking, the more Byron and Keeping saw similarities in their professions. Keeping explained to Byron the need to stay focused in the moment. In this moment, you’d want to focus on the giant bull trying to knock you off its back rather than looking out at the crowd.
Byron said he gets locked in when he’s driving. He and Keeping shared that same goal, and they talked about how they shut out distractions.
“So what you’re saying is you’re focused more on the bull that’s trying to kick you right in your chest more than trying to frame an awesome picture of Pendleton Whisky and Texas united together?!”
But Keeping talked about the Pendleton Round-Up, too, saying even a momentary lapse in concentration at an event as big as that could derail your entire year.
Keeping mentions homework, bull riding, auto racing and skydiving. To me, one of those items would bring less of an adrenaline rush, but he points out a lesson for all of us: You’re capable of anything but only if you stop comparing yourself to everyone else and focus on the work you need to put into your passion.
No matter what your passion is, Keeping sends a positive message: You either win or you learn.
I’d like to invite Toby Keith to write a song about that.
