ANOTHER YEAR, SAME QUESTIONS FOR DOUG KALITTA

by Bobby Bennett    Fri, 2021-03-12 15:13

 

 

Some of Doug Kalitta's favorite times are getting out at the annual pre-season test events and knocking off the rust. They are also the time he hears the same old questions over and over.

"Is this going to be your year?"

Kalitta understands no one is trying to insult him. He knows they just want to see him win. It goes with the territory of being a contender multiple times and coming up short in the end.

For Kalitta, it's motivation.

" It's not going to be the end of the world if I don't win one, but it's still on the to-do list to get the championship," Kalitta explained. "I've got a lot of great supporters out here and it's something we're hoping to make happen here. So, a little criticism probably doesn't hurt."

As Kalitta sees it, it's not criticism per se.

"It's people bringing it up just to motivate you even more," Kalitta said.

And as always, Kalitta approaches the "criticism" even-keeled and determined. It's as Kalitta has complete control of his emotions in public, and he does.

"It comes from being out here for a number of years. I just love driving this thing. These cars get quicker and quicker each year and the competition is what it's all about. I'm just trying to beat these guys. As far as getting real nervous, you try not to. Obviously, different moments, the big rounds, there's probably a little more on the line. But, it's a great car to drive, a lot of fun."

Last season, Kalitta didn't get to drive his car as much as the pandemic ground the NHRA tour for a lengthy pause and inevitably a shortened schedule. Extreme situations demand extreme measures, and for Kalitta Motorsports, there was adjusting to do. "It was just really hard on obviously everybody," Kalitta said. "Our team, we kept the guys busy working, getting the cars ready, and then we put them to work in the airline stuff. But, it was a lot of time off from racing. I have to admit, business-wise, it slowed down initially and then really picked up, and it's been pretty busy with people.

"A lot of the airlines not moving the cargo that they typically move in the bellies of the planes domestically and internationally has really opened up a lot of additional cargo to be moved. So, business-wise it's not been so bad. Fortunately, everybody's health has been good in my family. Knock on wood. So, I guess we're all getting through it."

Kalitta reveled in the fact he gained more time with his family; a special treat not usually afforded him in a typical race season.

"Work-wise, it was just as busy as always," Kalitta said. "But, having the few weekends off, only having 11 races in last year, we spent a little more time just hanging out on the weekends. So, it was a change for sure. It was definitely interesting. I've got a couple of young kids, and my daughter's 17. And my son's 20. So, they're still wanting to hang with me and do stuff. So, it was good to have a little extra time with the family."

When Kalitta returns to the NHRA tour on Friday in Gainesville, he will be surrounded by a gaggle of fans and teammates who indeed would love to see him seal the deal.

"I've got a lot of great support out here. I've won a fair share of them, and it's cool. I appreciate all the support, obviously. And I hope I don't let them down. We're trying again this year to have a great effort. Again, Connie's given me a great opportunity, and Rob and Troy and all my guys that work on this thing. Yeah. We'll just keep our heads down and get after it again and see if we can make it happen this year.

 

 

 
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