This is the Statt Mann Baby!!  Time to Scatt a little bit.

I’m always impressed with drivers who drive as a passion and artistry and aren’t committed to the intoxicating toxicity of autographs, promotion and publicity.  

I’m learning that sports car driver Patrick Long, the world’s only Porsche factory driver from America, is developing such a passion; just like his heroes Gurney, Donohue, Foyt, Mario and Parnelli.

We exchanged some text messages Saturday night after I learned he raced super late models at Toyota Speedway in Irwindale last weekend.

He told me he’d “been hitting some stockers in my off weekends.”  He said there’s “no need to worry, I’m not leaving Porsche or sports cars for anything.  Just having a blast trading paint.  Next stop is Baja 1000 hopefully!”

More proof drivers drive and let celebrity take care of itself.

Long said his next sports car race is probably June 6th at the Glen.

The best thing I can say about Patrick is that he’s grown into a righteous man.  We met when he was just beyond teenage and he still finds time for me.  That’s more than I can say for some family.

Righteousness needs to be a prerequisite for adulthood, certainly for a world class driver who can win at Le Mans, Daytona, Irwindale and on the dirt in Eldora.

Peace.