Revving Up for a New Challenge: Steve Austin's Thrilling Transition to Off-Road Racing
In a captivating interview with Too Much Access, the legendary Steve Austin revealed his newfound passion for a thrilling new pursuit – off-road racing. The former professional wrestler, known for his iconic "Stone Cold" persona, has found a new adrenaline-fueled outlet in the world of high-speed, side-by-side racing.Unlocking a New Gear: Steve Austin's Unexpected Foray into Off-Road Racing
Discovering a Newfound Passion
Steve Austin's journey into the world of off-road racing began just a year and a half ago, and it's a journey that has captured his heart and soul. "I found racing side-by-side, and I've been doing it for about a year and a half, and I've absolutely fallen in love with it," he revealed. The thrill of pushing the limits of both machine and driver has ignited a new fire within the former wrestling superstar.
Austin's transition into off-road racing has been a transformative experience, one that has challenged him in ways he never imagined. "It's just so different from anything I've ever done because I've been driving recreationally, but when you start racing and pushing the machine to its limits and pushing yourself to your limits, which you don't know that you have yet because you've never driven at 100%, it takes a while to learn how to do that," he explained.
Embracing the Steep Learning Curve
Like any new endeavor, off-road racing has presented its fair share of challenges for Austin. Drawing a parallel to his early days in professional wrestling, he acknowledged, "So I equate it with when I first started wrestling, I sucked, and when I first started driving these things, I won't say I sucked, but I had a lot to learn."
However, Austin has embraced the steep learning curve, recognizing that mastering the art of off-road racing requires a patient and methodical approach. "The biggest mistake you make in pro wrestling is trying to do everything too fast. In racing, they'll tell you, and it didn't make sense to me until I ran a few races, in order to drive fast, you must first learn to drive slow, and I couldn't believe it took me this long to find the sport that I found," he said.
Defying Age Expectations
At the age of 58, Steve Austin has proven that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing new passions. In fact, he was named the "rookie of the year" in the Valley Off Road Racing Association (VORRA) federation, a remarkable achievement for someone of his age.
"At 58 last year, I was the rookie of the year in the federation, so I was the rookie of the year when I started my wrestling career in 1990. So I think I was the oldest fucking rookie to ever win that award," Austin proudly stated. His ability to adapt and excel in a new sport, even at an age when many would consider retirement, is a testament to his unwavering determination and competitive spirit.
Facing Off Against the Next Generation
One of the unique aspects of off-road racing that has captivated Austin is the diverse range of competitors he faces on the track. "I'm competing against…there's people my age, but there's also people that are half my age. One of my arch rivals last year was a 14-year-old girl. She can drive her ass off," he revealed.
The opportunity to compete against younger, highly skilled drivers has only fueled Austin's competitive drive. "So when you're born out there and you get that DNA in you, them kids are fast. It's fun, it's competitive, it gives me something to do," he said, embracing the challenge of going head-to-head with the next generation of off-road racing talent.
A Newfound Thrill and Sense of Purpose
For Steve Austin, the transition to off-road racing has been more than just a new hobby – it's a rediscovery of his passion for competition and the thrill of pushing himself to the limit. "It's just so different from anything I've ever done because I've been driving recreationally, but when you start racing and pushing the machine to its limits and pushing yourself to your limits, which you don't know that you have yet because you've never driven at 100%, it takes a while to learn how to do that," he explained.
The sense of purpose and fulfillment that Austin has found in off-road racing is palpable. "It's fun, it's competitive, it gives me something to do," he said, underscoring the profound impact this new pursuit has had on his life. As he continues to push the boundaries of his abilities and compete against the best in the sport, Steve Austin's off-road racing journey promises to be a thrilling and transformative experience for years to come.