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Heather Pupecki

Defining My Journey

What you already know about me is that I am a multi career woman who became a race car driver in 2023.


Well, what you don't know is the journey behind my start. The first thing I am asked is: "What made you want to get into this?" At first, my simple answer was that I started doing fun race track events, like driving a Lamborghini on a race track, and that sparked my interest.


A lot of people would look at me puzzled. As if they were saying 'That's it? That's your answer?' They were expecting me to have a more heartfelt, passionate response. I quickly realized that I hadn't really defined my passion for racing. You see, I didn't have an interest in racing when I was younger like most drivers, I only developed an interest in my late 20s. Starting a new career in your late 20s with no connections or knowledge of how to be successful in that career was a challenge already. I was so wrapped up in trying to figure out my next step and how to become a race car driver that I didn't stop to think about my passion for it.


On a more personal level, I faced a lot of doubt in my life. Every job opportunity, every class I took, every new skill I learned, I was faced with people who would tear me down. They would tell me I didn't belong, I wasn't smart enough or good enough in their eyes, and they would try to make fun of me for learning something new.


It seemed that some people (but not all) were trying to take away from my passions. So, when I was expected to give a passionate answer, I didn't want to. I didn't want to give anyone else a chance to try to take that away from me. Once I realized that though, I knew I needed to make a change in myself. I needed to build my self confidence and know that I was smart enough, good enough, I did belong, and more importantly, I do have a passion for this and deserve to be here.


"My passion for racing draws from the empowerment I feel when I am in the car."

A few months ago, my sponsor asked me how I prepare for a race. I thought he meant my training, but what he actually meant was how do I prepare mentally. Do I meditate? What do I do? I mentally prepare when I am waiting in pregrid. During this time, there are no distractions, it is just me in the car ready to go. It is almost like quiet time for me, even though you hear the engine running. But I love this alone time in the car, it is my chance to build up my powerful mindset.


Defining my passion has made me stronger. I am more determined than ever to keep going. I know who I am and how powerful my mindset is. More importantly, I know my passion.


Thanks for reading!





Note from the author:


I am very happy to share these journal entries with you. I have seen other race car drivers share their vulnerable moments which made me feel better knowing I wasn't alone. So, I am hoping that by sharing these journal entries, I can help others.

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