Mike Castellana, who has one ADRL win to his credit in 2010, is 107 points out the eighth and final position for the ADRL’s championship-determining Speedtech Battle for the Belts competition. While some racers might feel a sense of urgency about making up the deficit, Castellana doesn’t.

Running for the championship isn’t his most pressing need. Having fun is.

“I just want to have fun while I can come out here and race,” Castellana said. “I just want to enjoy the weekend.”

This weekend’s ADRL Dragstock VII at Rockingham Dragway marks the first time in three races Castellana has driven his Pro Nitrous entry.

Following the ADRL Independence Drags in Topeka, Kan., Castellana was diagnosed with colon cancer. According to Castellana, the doctors were able to remove the cancerous portion of the colon but not before the cancer had spread into his lymph nodes.

Mike Castellana, who has one ADRL win to his credit in 2010, is 107 points out the eighth and final position for the ADRL’s championship-determining Speedtech Battle for the Belts competition. While some racers might feel a sense of urgency about making up the deficit, Castellana doesn’t.

Running for the championship isn’t his most pressing need. Having fun is.

“I just want to have fun while I can come out here and race,” Castellana said. “I just want to enjoy the weekend.”

This weekend’s ADRL Dragstock VII at Rockingham Dragway marks the first time in three races Castellana has driven his Pro Nitrous entry.

Following the ADRL Independence Drags in Topeka, Kan., Castellana was diagnosed with colon cancer. According to Castellana, the doctors were able to remove the cancerous portion of the colon but not before the cancer had spread into his lymph nodes.

“I start chemo in a few weeks and the doctor says I should feel fine,” Castellana explained. “The doctor said I should feel fine to do my normal thing and if I do, I am going to.”

Castellana’s first round of chemo begins the week leading into the ADRL Ohio Drags, Oct. 24 – 25 in Norwalk, Ohio.

“If I feel good, I will be there,” Castellana said.

Castellana admits he draws a great deal of strength from the hope his participation in drag racing will help others facing a similar situation.

“The main thing I am focusing on is to keep moving forward and not let this get me down,” Castellana explained. “You can’t let this get to your head or it will make you feel sick or depressed. It’s important that I get out here and do what I have always wanted to do.”

Castellana admits he feels great despite the prognosis. One of the reasons, Castellana confirmed, was the fact he has always maintained a strong workout regimen.

“The doctor said the physical conditioning leading into the surgery was good for my recovery,” said Castellana. “They want me to keep it up. It’s important that I continue to exercise and keep doing my thing. They say it is good therapy.”

Castellana admits he’s positive because he has a lot to be positive for.

“I have no other choice but to be positive,” Castellana explained. “I have four young kids at home and a wife. I have to be positive for them. You have to keep going and not let it bog you down.”

And for Castellana, he’s all too willing to fight the negative with positive energy.

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