500 Sprint Car Tour Roundtable: Volume 2 - Significant Others
In 2023 we are going to release a bi-monthly roundtable for our readers. These roundtable discussions will allow readers to get a glimpse behind the scenes of the 500 Sprint Car Tour. Follow along as we talk to drivers, owners, crew chiefs, and family members about life in the fast lane.
Today’s Question: What is the hardest part about watching your significant other compete in a race car? Also, what is the most rewarding part?
Jordan Swanson (Jack Kessler photo)
Jordan Swanson - Wife of Kody Swanson: “Safety as my obvious answer first; it’s no surprise that racing is a dangerous sport. Beyond that, I would have to say the hardest part is the unknown. Every race plays out so differently, and you can never fully prepare for or predict what might unfold. Mechanical failure? Wrong place, wrong time? Is he holding back, or is something wrong? Racing within inches at high speeds. Nothing is ever certain until the checkered flag flies.
Also, what is the most rewarding part?
Seeing the pure joy and excitement when all of the research, long hours, sleepless nights and hard work pay off. I can see such a weight lifted when he pulls the car into victory lane. Celebrating not only the victories with teams, family and friends, but developing those relationships as well is truly rewarding.”
Bobby and Kristy Santos
Kristy Santos - Wife of Bobby Santos III: “For me, the hardest part of watching Bobby race is the time right before the race starts when we are preparing to get him out on the track and also the first couple laps of the race can be very stressful. I find that I am most anxious at that time, but as he settles into the race I am usually able to calm down, unless he is involved in an intense battle on the track. Honestly, all of it can be hard for me at times. I do a lot of praying throughout the races.
The most rewarding part is watching all of his hard work pay off. There is nothing better than getting a front seat to all of his accomplishments. Going through all the ups and downs, knowing how hard he works and how much he loves the sport is very rewarding. It is also very special that our kids are there and that we do all of it, whether we win or lose, together as a family.”
Jeff and Linda Bloom
Linda Bloom - Wife of Jeff Bloom: “The cars are at such high speeds at most places where we compete, and I am always concerned that there could be a part failure, causing an accident. I basically lived a nightmare on Aug. 25, 2012 when Jeff had a part failure at Berlin Raceway, oil went onto the header and right rear tire, and he went backwards into the turn 3 wall at about 160 miles per hour. The car actually burst into flames while going down the backstretch, and when he hit the wall the whole car was engulfed in flames. Jeff was unconscious, and it took 2 other drivers around 5 minutes to get him out of the car and away from the flames. I will forever be indebted to competitors Jason Blonde and Aaron Pierce for saving his life.
For me, the most rewarding part, of course, is winning a race. Jeff has done 99% of the work on his cars for years, and currently, he and I are the whole team at regular weekly racing events. In 2021, Jeff won a preliminary night feature at the Indianapolis Speedrome, and with that win, he has won feature events in 7 decades! I am proud of all of his accomplishments, especially since he has done so much on his own. We are the perfect example of an independent team. We are so very appreciative of the help that we have had through the years from family, friends and sponsors, no matter the size.”