Checkered Wings – A Poem by Michelle Lippold

I landed at the track that day and tucked away my checkered wings,

So much going on around me, I was looking for just one thing.

My son had grown into a man, and I felt such a sense of pride.

I settled into his racecar, the past came rushing back to me,

It felt so damn good to be there, I was taking in all I could.

As I watched him driving his car, I loved every single minute,

Relaxing I could hear his voice, it sounded so much like my own

Time went by too fast in a blur; I never wanted it to end,

I turned to see him look at me, holding back the tears in his eyes.

“Dad, I should have won today, I’m sorry that I let you down.”

Shocked, unaware he could see me, I said, “Son you did your best.”

But he looked unsure and beaten, and that broke my heart to see.

“I wasn’t the best Dad my son, you know racing was my life,

I hope that now you understand all the things that I had to do.

I wasn’t with you kids enough and now I can’t take that back,

But even when you can’t see me, I am always there for you all.”

I heard Davey, Neil and Alan calling me, ‘Son I have to go,

I really hate leaving so soon but it’s time for me to go back.

It seems I have some butts to kick, at the highest, baddest track.’”

Are you a die-hard NASCAR fan? Follow every lap, every pit stop, every storyline? We're looking for fellow enthusiasts to share insights, race recaps, hot takes, or behind-the-scenes knowledge with our readers. Click Here to apply!

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SpeedwayMedia.com

Michelle Lippold
Michelle Lippold
I've grown up watching racing of some sort from midgets to Stock Cars since I was a child. I run the FB page Everything NASCAR but really want to explore my love of writing and racing together. I love both things so I decided to try combining them.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest articles

Rajah Caruth Set for a 10-Race Slate for Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport in...

Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport announced today that Rajah Caruth will return to the organization for a 10-race schedule during the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season, driving the No. 32 Chevrolet.

50 Laps Added to 2026 NASCAR Cup Race at NWS

North Wilkesboro Speedway officials announced Thursday that 50 additional laps have been added to what is now the Window World 450 NASCAR Cup Series points race on July 19, 2026.

Greenlight International Announces Distribution Figures for HSR Classic Daytona 24 Hour Presented by Mission...

HSR Classic Daytona 24 Hour Live Stream Amassed over 100,000 Viewers Online and More than 29,000 minutes watched on the RACER Fast Channel

Good Ranchers Named Title Sponsor of NTT INDYCAR SERIES Race at Phoenix Raceway

Good Ranchers, an American meat company, INDYCAR and Phoenix Raceway announced a new title partnership for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ race scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2026.

Best New Zealand Online Casinos