Dr. Alan Bradshaw's prescription for a down economy? Work on the things you can control and hold on to your dreams.
 
The Odessa, Texas-based doctor and former Lucas Oil Top Alcohol Dragster champion-turned Top Fuel pilot hasn't been in the cockpit of a dragster for more than a year, but his absence hasn't slowed the fastest chiropractor in the land at all. He's even taken up dirt track racing to feed his addiction for competition and speed as well as keep his skills honed, and his most recent project involves a possible jump into another drag racing class.
 
"We're in the midst of re-building the blown alcohol Pro Mod Chevelle owned by Jeff and Casey Saldivar that we ran last year, and I'm looking to continue racing on a local level and do some quick-8 shows while I'm trying to secure marketing partners for 2010 because I've got an NHRA Pro Mod opportunity available right now with a current top-five team," Bradshaw said.

Dr. Alan Bradshaw's prescription for a down economy? Work on the things you can control and hold on to your dreams.
 
The Odessa, Texas-based doctor and former Lucas Oil Top Alcohol Dragster champion-turned Top Fuel pilot hasn't been in the cockpit of a dragster for more than a year, but his absence hasn't slowed the fastest chiropractor in the land at all. He's even taken up dirt track racing to feed his addiction for competition and speed as well as keep his skills honed, and his most recent project involves a possible jump into another drag racing class.
 
"We're in the midst of re-building the blown alcohol Pro Mod Chevelle owned by Jeff and Casey Saldivar that we ran last year, and I'm looking to continue racing on a local level and do some quick-8 shows while I'm trying to secure marketing partners for 2010 because I've got an NHRA Pro Mod opportunity available right now with a current top-five team," Bradshaw said.
 
Ever a dealmaker and true to his West Texas roots, Bradshaw is quick to point out the up side of the current economy.
 
"As far as the fuel ranks go, short of racing overseas, there's a whole lot more for sale as far as teams go than there are ride opportunities out there right now. But for the right price, a company could really come in and do very well.
 
"It's prime time for corporate America to do really well in drag racing in the name of value for the dollars they spend. Right now there are teams offering marketing partnerships cheap compared to what they had been trying to get, and that opens a lot of doors for smaller companies to take advantage of a national marketing campaign that uses motorsports. The hard part is finding the companies that are savvy enough to take advantage of the situation and have the cash on hand to make the investment," he said.
 
"The Pro Mod option is exciting for me because it's a great class of cars, and the commitment for a company isn't as large as Top Fuel, and still, the programs we can put together could be really stellar. I'm just trying to work with what's available, and still take care of my family and the business at home.
 
"Despite the tough times across the country, I try to find the silver lining- I've got my health, I've got my family and friends, and I still have a pretty good day job," he said.
 
A licensed chiropractor for more than 17 years, Bradshaw said he has seen better times in his practice, too.
 
"Right now, we're trying to figure out a way to prosper in 2010 amidst all the changes in managed healthcare, and that's a real challenge. Add to that, the fact that most Americans are more concerned with keeping a roof over their head, food on the table, lights burning and a car to get to work, much less go to the doctor. That's really unfortunate for them as well as us providers.  It's a matter of priorities and I can respect the people's choices they are having to make right now.  Therefore, searching out opportunities to better serve the public and at the same time improve the bottom line is our primary focus.
 
"In other words, we're trying to make a way to make up for what we've lost," he added, tongue-in-cheek.
 
"It's a lot like racing and sponsors, really - I'm looking for ways to add value for my patients, and attract new patients, too. I know that what I offer them will help them; it's just an educational process, and getting them to take the chance on feeling better. Once we get them in a program for their health, and they start to see results, we can keep them going down a good road. Just like sponsorship.
 
"In the mean time, my wife and I are enjoying watching our daughter play tennis and spending time with the family. Drag racing will come back for me; it's just a matter of right time and right place.  And as I've always said, ‘It aint over 'till the lady sings and I don't hear any intro music playin'!’" Bradshaw said with his trademark laugh.

Advertisement