BTG: Schweigert Thankful For Opportunities

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Even before his trip overseas this winter, American Drag Racing League (ADRL) Pro Extreme Motorcycle rider Terry Schweigert was thankful for the opportunities drag racing has given to him.Those feelings came became even more prevalent after Schweigert, a third-generation dairy farmer, was invited to race in the 2010-2011 Arabian Drag Racing League in Qatar for the first time.While Schweigert was still pinching himself up until the day he left, the realization of his considerable gifts were them at their apex during a brief two-day vacation during the winter.In between the January and February racing sessions at Qatar Racing Club (QRC), Schweigert and ADRL employee David Koch (pictured) decided to visit Egypt.Traveling to the land of the pyramids had always been on Schweigert’s bucket list, but he certainly wasn’t ready for what the landscape presented.“Out of any place in the world I could see, that was it. But while I was over there, it was really disturbing to see what was going on with all the poverty,” Schweigert said. “It was unbelievable to see what was going in.“It really moved me a lot and made me think about what’s really important.”Of course, it also made Schweigert thankful for what he has and the unforgettable experiences racing has allowed and created.Amazingly enough, Schweigert and Koch left Egypt just two days later before the revolts and rioting that have wrecked the country started.But even before that, Schweigert and Koch were shocked at what they saw.Garbage littered the streets and the canals, and dead animals were scattered throughout the banks of the canals.While Schweigert said the pyramids were “unbelievable,” the rest of the trip was filled with feelings he never would have imagined.“When I went there, I couldn’t wait to get back,” Schweigert said. “Every animal I saw, they were hurting. It was just unbelievable and I felt so sorry for those people.“It was disturbing to see how rough those people have it. Truthfully, it was one of the worst cities in the world.” It also conjured up several other feelings from Schweigert.“I’m just so grateful for everything. To make the money and the way they took care of us, it was just amazing. It was a drag racer’s dream come true,” Schweigert said of his trip to Qatar.“I can’t thank KH Al-Thani enough. It was just an unbelievable experience to be treated so well. I’m so grateful and thankful for what we have. It made me realize how fortunate I have it, just to drag race motorcycles and have such a wonderful life.”Schweigert’s giving attitude and friendly personality has always made him a favorite with riders and fans alike, but his riding ability over the past 12 months is worthy of its own mention.He was the No. 1 qualifier at an ADRL race in 2010, finishing second in the points standings.That momentum carried over to Qatar, where Schweigert won his first ADRL race in the season-opener at QRC.He finished with the points championship in the winter league - which netted him a considerable sum - leaving him more than content with his decision to race all winter.“I definitely feel like I’m a sharper driver right now,” Schweigert said. “I’m a lot more relaxed and calm, and I also feel like I have a lot more confidence.”The experience in Qatar was beneficial in body and mind, leaving Schweigert both thankful and anxious for the 2011 ADRL season.It starts in less than three weeks with ADRL CarSafe Dragpalooza VII presented by LenMar Motorsports, which takes place March 25-26 at Royal Purple Raceway in Baytown, Texas.Schweigert has returned home to Canada, but he’s already re-charged his batteries, in part because of everything he experienced while racing overseas.It has all left him with a better peace of mind, meaning fans could be seeing the most impressive Schweigert yet in 2011.“I can’t get enough racing,” Schweigert said. “I’m refreshed and ready to go, and I’m really looking forward to starting this season.”

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