Page 14 - Priorities #60 2014-November/December

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SMB: How did you first get
into racing?
CB: I lived several years of
my life on a ranch in Santa
Cruz, California. We had a
tractor for property mainte-
nance. At the age of four, my
dad would give me the keys
to the tractor and tell me to
bring it up to the house. I was
too short to reach the pedals while sitting, so I had to stand up and drive it. My passion for driving definitely came from those mornings.
SMB: How do you think your passion and talent for this sport has helped you in other areas of your life?
CB: Racing has taught me many valuable life les- sons. The most beneficial has been self-discipline. In order to continue racing, and keep my Mom and Dad sponsor, I have to maintain my grades. Travel- ing twice a month and missing many school days makes this challenging. In order to accomplish this, self-discipline is crucial. This skill has helped me with studying, healthy eating, and much more. I now find it easier to push myself out of my comfort zone, which helps in and out of the car.
SMB: How has the Priory helped you pursue your many talents and passions?
CB: I cannot speak highly enough of the Woodside Priory School. They have willingly helped me pur- sue my passion. Not many schools let a student miss classes to compete in what some see as an ex- tracurricular activity or a hobby. For example, Octo- ber and November are my busiest racing months. I missed a total of 12 school days within two months. I have never received as many “good luck” wishes in my entire life! The entire faculty was behind me and it gave me a new found confidence and I al- ways have the support of my teachers.
SMB: Who are some of the most influential people in your life and why?
CB: My parents are some of the most influential people in my life. Our family has been through some tough times, including divorce, yet my par- ents made a vow to keep my sister and I happy. My entire
family has sacrificed a lot to see me pursue my dream and I cannot thank them enough for that. In addition, my Driver Development Coach Brian Keck, has been integral to the growth of my skills as a driver.
SMB: What Benedictine value do you most identify with and why?
CB: I identify with Community. My racing would not be possible if it weren’t for the supportive Pri- ory community. They have sacrificed their time to see me do well and I have the upmost respect for that. So thank you Woodside Priory!
SMB: What’s on the horizon for you? What do you plan on doing in your racing and academic career?
CB: My plan is to run the Mazda Road to Indy. This is a four step ladder that leads to Indy Car, a profes- sional formula car circuit. In 2015 I will be testing and racing a formula 1000 car. I recently attended a seminar run by Brian Herta, an Indy Car team owner. In this seminar, he stressed the importance of academics. This really motivated me to stay in school. I plan on attending a junior college for sev- eral years while a pursue my racing dream. This will allow me to take classes in the off-season and chase my dream.
SMB: What do you love most about racing?
CB: I love that racing challenges me in every aspect. It is physically exhausting, mentally draining, and a lot of fuel burning fun. I love being challenged be- cause it makes me get out of my comfort zone and closer to my dream.