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GEORGE MARNELL CHATS WITH DWIGHT If success has a face, it would have to resemble the distinguished features of George Marnell. Talking to George leaves little doubt that you are in the company of a man who has applied his talents to the business world and the racing world. George is a prominent masonry contractor from Las Vegas, and George is also a competitive NHRA Pro Stock car driver. When I mentioned to George that I sensed he has earned his way through life, he said with the same calm, confident, and gentle demeanor that he answered the rest of my questions. "Nobody ever gave me anything." Have a seat beside a man who commands respect just by being the polite and dignified person that he is. Listen in as he answers my questions as straight as a record ET run.
DOB: 9-3-1950 Birth Town: Riverside, CA Home Town: Las Vegas, NV (since 1953) Do you have a nickname? "No." Who would you most like to like? "I don't spend a lot of time thinking about it. I want to be myself. I don't feel I want to emulate anyone." What are (or have been) your scariest moments? "When I put my car on it's lid in Houston doing 187 mph…upside down and on fire. The problem was that I wasn't really that scared. I was thinking about how I was going to find another car to race." Do you work out? "Yeah. I have a personal trainer three times a week. I've been taking boxing lessons for about a year. It all helps to stay in shape, increase stamina and build muscle." Do you have a special diet? "I try to stay away from fatty foods." What mental routine prepares you for each run? "It's automatic. Basically I get in the car early, and mentally go through process of the pass. Let the clutch out, line lock at the same time. As you do it moves. Often it gets to be second nature doing the same routine. I do exactly the same thing every pass."
Do you have time for a hobby? "I have two off-shore boats a thirty eight foot Hustler with two 1000 hp Pontiac engines, and a thirty six foot Skater with two Merc Cruisers, 900 SC. I also have two Harleys. Gary said, "You've got some toys, George." George smiled. What do you do to unwind? "I like to go to the Big Lake, and relax. Cruise around, soak up the sunshine." What personal quality (one trait) would you want to be admired for the most? "I consider myself a fair guy. Go through life and fair to people. That's a good trait. Being fair to someone is what I'd like to be noted for." What's most important? "Thrill and Fun." Are you happy? "Absolutely." What could make you happier? "Winning more often." If you could change one thing about drag racing, what would it be? "Have the NHRA listen to the racers a little bit more." When driving a car, do you always wear a seatbelt? 1. Yes. 2. No. 3. Sometimes "Yes." What does your fastest speed feel like? "An adrenaline rush. I'm calm. First round I get pumped up. In high gear it's adrenaline and that's why I do it. The car is always trying to get away from you at all times. If you can control the car, it's an accomplishment" Where do you find the most peace in your life? "At home with the family. I have four grandchildren. That's the most important thing in my life. Material things aren't significant compared to those kids." Do you have a full-time occupation besides racing? "I'm in the masonry construction business." You're a skilled racer…What factor separates you from the fast traffic on public highways? "I'm a better driver than most people." What kind of vehicle do you drive on the street? "I have other vehicles, but I drive my GMC extended cab four wheel drive pickup every day." Can you describe your best run? "When we made our first six second pass in Gainesville two years ago." How did you get started in drag racing? "I started with sand drag Jeep in 1990. Then I bought a 1987 FireBird and started going to local bracket races, but I couldn't go slow enough. I couldn't grasp that going slower is better. I went to Roy Hill's drag racing school and in 1992, I bought a pro stock car from Grumpy and decided to go Pro Stock car." What do you worry about the most? "I worry about the kids more than anything else." In a few words, how would you sum up…yourself? "I'm a fully accomplished person. I've had an excellent life. Every single day I get more out of life than most. I do what I love to do and I don't regret any of it."
Additional Comments? "Life's short. If you have a goal or dream go for it. Do everything to get there before life passes you by. You have to do what you want to do. Live it. Enjoy it. Don't be left behind. Follow your dreams." I had to mention to George..."Hard to say it better than that." I could heap fine adjectives on George Marnell, and not feel that I exaggerated. This point in the interview I must choose a single word to describe this brave racer. It's a difficult choice because George is successful in many ways. It's tough to find one word worthy, but I found one that seems to stand as tall as this good man. That one word fits the top echelon of other sports too. George Marnell is a… SLUGGER |
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