RPW Column: Auto Racing Has & Continues To Give Me More Than I Ever Thought Possible

Column By: CHAD PIERCE / RPW – EAGLE BRIDGE, NY – For anyone reading this, I present a challenge to you.

If you know someone who says racing is just cars going round in circles, print out a copy this article and give it to them. Let my story show them just what this sport really means because there’s more to it than just that.

I started racing Dirt Modifieds back in 2003. I had never raced anything in my life prior to the start of that season.

As the year went along I thought that I was pretty good. However, looking back, that was certainly not the case.

My father, Hall of Famer Edmund “Peanut” Pierce, was a big Olsen Eagle fan…probably because of Brett Hearn. With that, it was only natural that I would start my career with a Teo chassis. I ran a car built by Brett’s brother, Bobby Hearn, for five seasons.

As the years moved along, I got to meet and become friends with lots of great people. One person that comes to mind is former Lebanon Valley Speedway Sportsman Champion Frank Harper. Harper was someone I looked up to early in my career. He was a proven winner and always had nice equipment. He just seemed to be someone I could ask any question and get an honest answer.

I remember picking his brain about racing and he kept telling me something time and time again. Until I get a PMC Chassis, he couldn’t really help me.

I’ll be honest. Other than making the decision itself, it is sometimes very hard to change chassis manufacturers. There’s a lot of moving parts that need to be changed. However, in 2008, I was able to do it. I ordered a PMC.

On August 28, 2010, it appeared as if Frank Harper’s advice had paid off. I was able to get my first career win. After that, I was consistently winning either one or two races a year.

In 2012 I was fortunate enough to win my first career track championship at the Valley in the Sportsman division. I really believe the switch to PMC chassis is what made my career.

Let’s face it. Om actuality, I was a far cry from Brett Hearn or Andy Bachetti. However, Pete Chuckta at PMC made feel like I was one of them.

I can remember racing on a Thursday night at Mr. DIRT Track USA and got in a wreck. My team’s plan was to camp at the track for the weekend since we were racing again that Saturday.

The damage to our car was extensive enough that I needed to be at a garage. Pete stopped over after the races and said for us to bring it to his shop the following day. We could work on it there.

Who does that? Pete and the team at PMC does.

We used his facility and were back racing that Saturday evening. I think I wrecked that night also. Those are the breaks, I guess.

I will forever remember how Pete would call me on Monday’s after a win on a Saturday night…just to congratulate me. He probably doesn’t realize how much that meant. However, for me, it was a sign of accomplishment. It meant that I did it.

Of course, he would always have a smart remark and say, “well Grocer, you did good.” He called me Grocer because he would tell me it looks like I am out there grocery shopping when I am racing. I honestly never could tell if he was picking on me or if it was a compliant. Either way, I was good with it and was just glad he was calling.

Then came a very tough decision I felt like I had to make. I decided to retire from racing, actually during the middle of the 2018 season. It was, by far, one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make, but it was time. As any former racer will tell you. Drivers not in the seat miss the thrill…the comradery…and the people. It’s an addiction.

I have been fortunate that I can now continue to race through my sons, Jaden and Carter. Getting to see them enjoy the sport truly fills my heart and brings my mind back to when I was their age. My time behind the wheel has run it’s course.

As much as I miss driving, I will never do it again without my crew chief. My crew chief was my dad, and I lost him to cancer last year. To be honest, it’s not just that I wouldn’t do it without him. I don’t think I could.

The sport of auto racing is magical. I’ve experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows. I’ve watched my family have success from the grandstands and the driver’s seat. I will forever be proud that I gave my father his last Modified win.

Memories last forever. Now, you see? There’s a lot more to this sport than just cars going round in circles…don’t ya think?