In the world of motorsport, where skill and strategy are paramount, racers often hold on to unique rituals and superstitions to help them feel more prepared and in control. Whether for good luck or as a means of calming nerves, these traditions add a touch of mystique to the already exhilarating race day experience. Here are some quirky and meaningful rituals that racers, including myself, have adopted before a big race:
1. Morning Prayers and Lucky Charms: Many racers, like myself, begin their race day with morning prayers. At our home altars, we light Chinese joss sticks and offer prayers for safety on the track. Carrying lucky charms, such as amulets or talismans, is also a common practice to invoke good fortune.
2. Car Blessings: Some racers believe that blessing their cars can bring luck and protection. This can involve washing the car with flowers, a symbolic gesture that is thought to cleanse and purify the vehicle.
3. Honoring the Deceased: To pay respects to the spirits of the track and seek their favor, it’s not uncommon to burn hell money at the corners of race tracks. The belief is that the spirits may provide protection and good luck.
4. Rain Stopping Rituals: Racers who don’t want rain to spoil their races might resort to creative measures. One of these rituals involves hanging dry chilies on strings or sticks. It’s believed that this act can help stop the rain from falling on the track.
5. Umbrella Models: In some teams, it’s considered bad luck for umbrella models to sit on the cars before a race. This superstition is rooted in the idea that it could bring misfortune to the team’s performance.
6. Wearing Specific Attire: Many racers have a particular piece of clothing or attire they believe brings them luck. Whether it’s a specific racing suit, gloves, or helmet, these items often carry sentimental value.
7. Visualization and Mental Preparation: While not exactly a superstition, many racers incorporate visualization and mental preparation into their routines. They might sit quietly, close their eyes, and mentally run through the race before getting behind the wheel. This helps in focusing their minds and staying in the zone.
8. Team Huddles: Some teams engage in pre-race huddles to boost team spirit and morale. These rituals can involve motivational speeches and the sharing of personal goals for the race day.
9. Lucky Numbers and Colors: Numerology and color symbolism play a significant role in some racers’ pre-race rituals. They may choose specific numbers or colors associated with good luck to incorporate into their racing experience.
10. Bananas Are Off Limits While some might consider bananas a convenient and healthy snack, many motorsport teams firmly avoid them. The superstition stems from the belief that the word for “banana” in Chinese sounds similar to a phrase that implies bad luck or an unlucky outcome. To prevent any negative connotations from creeping into the race day, racers and their teams steer clear of this seemingly innocuous fruit. It’s a fascinating example of how superstitions can have a surprisingly significant impact on the rituals and traditions of motorsport.
While these rituals may seem quirky to some, they serve as a source of comfort and confidence for many racers. The adrenaline rush and high-stakes nature of motorsport can create a desire for extra reassurance. Whether you’re seeking divine protection, trying to keep the rain at bay, or just aiming for that extra edge, race day rituals are a fascinating blend of tradition and superstition in the thrilling world of motorsport.