lenac03

But I’d like to think that the fact that I finally started working on it counts.

The other night I met him. And I tried to tell him how I felt…and yet he kept telling me “thank you.” What an amazing person.

This is from a letter I wrote him a while ago, explaining why this is so important to me:

I just wanted to tell you thank you from the bottom of my heart for making a difference in the world, and for making a difference in my life. Thank you for carrying on Adam’s legacy.

You have been such a constant source of inspiration to me over the past several years. Adam was MY first driver, I started watching him race in early 1999, when I was just 13. I had been raised a Nascar fan, my daddy’s always been a Bill Elliott fan, so I guess you could say that I was raised watching him. But Adam was going to be the driver I got to follow up.

I know it wasn’t ever ¬my¬ tragedy, but when we lost Adam, I feel like a part of me, too, was taken away. I know the sadness I’ve felt will never compare to what you must feel, though. I guess when we invite you racers into our homes and lives every weekend, it’s hard not to get attached.

Mr. Petty, you are an amazing person, with an amazing heart, and an amazing man of God. I only hope that someday, I can give back to society a fraction of what you have. By bringing to life Adam’s dream, you have made a difference in countless lives. I’m sure you hear it often, but I felt like it was important to tell you that you’ve made a difference in mine, too. I have so much to learn, so many great role models, both inside and outside of the racing community, but you are truly in a class of your own.

I hope that someday I am fortunate enough to meet you, so I can thank you in person.

Well, I found out that his Charity Ride is making an overnight stop in Boulder, CO on July 25th. This is my chance.