Krista Voda: Fatherhood gives David Starr a whole new perspective
HT Motorsports driver David Starr competes in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. // Jim Fluharty, NASCAR Scene
COMMENTARY
David Starr is known, in racing circles and beyond, as the driver with the big smile. On March 12, 2009, that smile grew even bigger. That was the day his son was born.
“You always hear how cool it is to be a parent, but until you experience it, you really don’t know what other parents mean when they say that,” Starr said. “Now I do. It has exceeded all of my expectations.”
Now, five months into this new job, Starr feels like he’s definitely settled into a groove. And the same could be said for his other job – finding the right groove on the race track.
Starr, who drives the No. 24 Zachry Toyota for HT Motorsports, has been a solid fixture in the top 10 in points this season, and has spent the summer months teetering back and forth into the top five.
One thing that parenthood has taught Starr, a self-confessed neat freak, is to let go of some control and order.
“I never knew there were so many baby and toddler toys out there and they’re all at my house!” he exclaimed.
Once he picks up the toys, David is quick to relieve his wife, Kim, by picking up where she left off in taking care of David Jr. So what’s Big David’s favorite way to spend time with little David? Oddly enough, and despite the fact he can’t swallow whole food, let alone speak in full sentences, it’s chatting.
“We talk all of the time,” Starr said. “I say stuff, then he makes noises and lets me know what he’s thinking. Oh man, we have the best conversations.”
Who knew the world’s questions could be answered by a five-month old? But, for David, they have. Everything seems more clear. Life has an entirely fresh and improved perspective. David jokes that having a kid hasn’t slowed him down – it’s only sped him up!
“Something else you hear people say is that kids have a way of slowing you down,” Starr explained. “But it’s the weirdest thing. When my son was born, my desire to win grew even stronger. I want to win even worse now than I did before.”
Winning is something Starr has done four times in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series but despite his hunger, there has been a drought. His last win was more than three years ago. This season, he’s finished third twice, most recently at Memphis. Memphis is similar in size to Iowa Speedway, where David will race this weekend – meaning
that his next win, and his first as a father, could be right around the corner.
Can you imagine the conversation David and his son would have then? Or how big Dad’s smile would be?!
Krista Voda hosts the popular SPEED prerace show NCWTS Setup, leading into each NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. Voda is also a regular host on The SPEED Report and serves as a pit reporter for NASCAR on FOX coverage of the Sprint Cup Series.
