How Fast Does that Go?

As I made my way down the wide shiny fluorescent lit hallways of my (now) former high school, the left rear tire of my power wheelchair was gradually flattening. I have cerebral palsy and use a wheelchair. Following a quick stop at the school support program for students with disabilities to get assistance for my potentially dangerous problem, I am directed to the auto shop class.

I entered the auto shop worried that the tire beneath me would become immobile. After receiving permission to briefly disrupt class, I was given the chance to choose who would inflate and repair my now punctured and lopsided tire. When selecting who among the students, would place me back on four working wheels for at least the remainder of the day, there was only one person I trusted.

On that particular day I remember needing an operable chair for some hugely important thing happening later that day, that escapes my memory. A lot can escape the memory when you lead the life I have lead. While praying lopsided me wouldn't become on-the-garage floor me, I chose my friend to help me as he had a number of times before then.

Brandon Wakeling had been a friend for three years at that point. Many an encounter ended with me laughing at my vehicle obsessed friend for the often asked question besides "Can I borrow your notes?" was "Hey...how fast can your wheelchair go?"

Some things never change.........

Fast forward 14 years....

Brandon Wakeling is now crew chief for the John Powers drag racing team. The team's main venue is Milan Dragway located in Milan, Michigan. The following interview took place in early March 2009, I'd like to thank Brandon for taking time out of a very busy schedule to meet with me and answer the following. Thank you Brandon.

J.B.- What do you like most about drag racing?

B.W.- "I enjoy the camaraderie of racing, I've met and gotten to know people from around the country and the world. The adrenaline rush is awesome and I like good healthy competition"

J.B.-.How did you get to be a crew chief?

B.W.- "I started racing 5 years ago. John [Powers] liked my work."

J.B.- What are some things every crew member should know?

B.W.- "Trust and listen to the crew chief, communicate, understand plans, and your role in the progress of the team. Also, understand the reasons for what you do. If you don't the consequences could be deadly for the driver"

J.B.- What should every crew chief know?

B.W."Trust your crew and the driver and know the car, communicate."

J.B.- How fast does the race car go? Hey, I couldn't help but ask...

B.W.- [Laughs} "About 220 miles per hour at the fastest."

As you can probably tell, a passion for cars and concern for the people around him has lead Brandon Wakeling to a very important role. One that besides being fun is tremendously serious. He does such an excellent job, in fact, that he won the Milan Dragway 2008 Crew Chief of the Year Award. I'm not surprised.