Daydreams sure get the mind racing

I think I would've made an excellent race car driver.

When I was little, my dad took me to a race in Watkins Glen, N.Y., which isn’t too far from where I grew up. My little brother, Sean, and I were allowed to pick a car, and my dad placed a small bet for each of us so we’d have someone to root for.

I vividly remember the bustle of the place and holding onto my bet stub as if it would magically turn to gold. After getting a few bags of cotton candy — pink for me, blue for my brother — we made our way into the stands and found our seats.

The place certainly was loud. Sean held his hands to his ears to muffle all of the engines revving in succession. I tried not to do the same as I watched the preparations and shouted an uninterrupted string of questions to my father.

By the time the checkered flag waived, I was sitting on the edge of my seat. Around and around they went, wooshing past us one by one. Knowing I’d get to keep any money my car choice produced, I was standing on my feet and cheering in no time.

Years later, I don’t remember which number car I picked, or even what color it was, but I do know that I walked out with about 20 bucks — much better than gold at the time.

It also instilled in me a deep interest in driving. I almost couldn’t wait to see what it felt like to get behind the wheel and experience that kind of exhilaration myself.

Judging by the number of speeding tickets I racked up in my teen years, this probably would come as no surprise to my mother. Driving turned out to be every bit of fun as I’d imagined it would be.

My first car was a Geo Metro, otherwise known as a roller skate with doors. My friends used to joke that it didn’t need gas, I just had to wind it up in the back and give it a little shove. It didn’t help that it had smaller tires than most riding mowers, either.

But I loved that car. When I got in and turned the key, I could go anywhere — and sing as loud as I wanted in the process.

Maybe it’s because I grew up in a populated area, but driving in heavy traffic never bothered me. Despite my tiny car, I felt comfortable making my way around much larger vehicles, taking in my surroundings and planning my next move.

Even now, I prefer to drive when given the option not to. There’s something wonderful about the hum of wheels on pavement and watching the scenery fly by. And even though I’ve slowed down now that I’m older — and hopefully wiser — I constantly resist the urge to see how far I can make my speedometer spin.

Just once I’d like to go to Germany, rent a luxury sports car, hop on the autobahn and push the pedal to the metal.

Then I snap back to reality and my family-accommodating mini-SUV that easily holds two adults, a car seat, a dog and even a few bags of mulch if need be. Besides, there’s something wonderful about being a writer.

Words can take me anywhere I want to go, too.