Formula Father's Day: Making Lifelong Memories

Many people tell me I have the best job in the world, and they’re right.

But it’s not my role as Managing Editor of AutoGuide. Don’t get me wrong, this job is fantastic, and I love every minute of it. No, the job I’m actually referring to is that of being a father. Cheesy; yes. But entirely true.

Before joining the league of dads, one of the most important pieces of advice I was given during my impending fatherhood was to encourage and flourish the interests of my future son-to-be. Over the years I think my wife and I have done a good job with this. There was his geography phase, a few rounds of outer space infatuation, and his current baseball obsession.

But one thing he has never been into is cars or automotive racing like his old man. That’s fine. To each their own and we all know kids usually don’t share the same interests that their parents do. But I’ve always wanted to at least expose him to one of my main passions; motorsports. I wanted to show him why I liked it. If it didn’t resonate with him, no big deal.

Early this year he got a taste of it. Nissan Canada had graciously hosted my son and I to watch a round of the Nissan Sentra Cup at Canadian Motorsports Park. For those unfamiliar with the series, the Nissan Sentra Cup is a low-budget, fantastic racing series that is more attainable than nearly any manufacturer-backed racing program in North America.

Despite it being a cold, rainy day, we had a good time. He enthusiastically kept track of the various competitor’s lap times and enjoyed watching the action. We planned to do it again sometime. Little did I know that opportunity would arrive soon and on the grandest stage of them all.

Part of the Nissan Sentra Cup schedule includes two races on the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal during the Formula One Canadian Grand Prix weekend. As an official support series for the big race, the Sentra Cup would run on Saturday and Sunday.

The races also just happen to take place over Father’s Day weekend. Nissan Canada once again graciously extended an invitation for my son and I to attend. Formula 1, my son, and a mini road trip? I couldn’t think of a better Father’s Day weekend.

Despite miserable weather conditions on Saturday that included wind, rain, and well-below seasonal temperatures, spirits were still high, and the Formula 1 qualifying was thoroughly enjoyed by both of us. Sunday’s weather couldn’t have been anymore beautiful. It was a picturesque Father’s Day that began with a thoroughly entertaining Sentra Cup Series race.

The Formula One race might not have been the most action packed, but the last half was full of intrigue and kept us both engaged. My son began actively cheering on Lewis Hamilton as he secured his second podium of the year. Make no mistake about the celebrity power of Lewis Hamilton when a six-year-old who barely knows Formula One claims he’s his favorite driver.

My son loved the crowd’s energy, enthusiasm, and noise at the race. He likened it to that of a sold-out Roger’s Center during the Toronto Blue Jays home opener. From a kid whose life is baseball and the Blue Jays, that’s high praise.

More than just the race, he loved the entire weekend; what kid doesn’t love mini vacations? The train ride to Montreal, the hotel, the excessive amount of video game time, the non-stop restaurant meals – it’s all part of the experience.

Although he may not be the latest lifelong fan of Formula One, he did get to experience first-hand the spectacle that makes it the most popular racing series in the world. He got a glimpse into why I love cars and racing so much.

But achieving this was always secondary. This weekend was really about getting to spend quality time together and showing him new life experiences, expanding his horizons and making lifelong memories. As we were going to sleep on Sunday night, he said to me “Daddy, this was so much fun. I can’t wait to do one of these adventures with you again.” And I can’t wait either. It’s these moments that makes being a dad the best job in the world.