Chemung native, former NASCAR driver Geoff Bodine pens new autobiography on life, career

Some people spend years looking for their purpose in life.

Others just naturally slide into their niche.

For Geoff Bodine, there was never any doubt. He was born to race cars.

"My father and grandfather built Chemung Speedrome. I've been around (racing) all my life," said Bodine, a Chemung native who went on to become a popular NASCAR champion driver and owner.

"Racing wasn't a professional business back then, not like today. Racing was just for fun," he said. "I'm glad I did (racing). I thought I was going to be a farmer all my life. I had an opportunity. It kind of fell into place. But it was a lot of work."

Now Bodine, who doesn't race any more but is still involved with the business, is giving people a behind-the-scenes peek at what the stock car racing business is all about, along with some thoughts about finding success.

A new autobiography, "All of It: Daytona 500 Champion Tells the Rest of the Story," was officially released Feb. 13.

A local champion hits it big on the national stage

Bodine, 74, competed in NASCAR’s top division from 1979 to 2011.

During that span, he raced for legendary car owners, competed for championships, won the sport’s biggest race, had a fierce rivalry with the late Dale Earnhardt Sr., and competed as an owner-driver following the death of Alan Kulwicki.

Two younger brothers, Todd and Brett, followed his tire tracks into auto racing.

Among the elder Bodine's accomplishments during his career, he was the 1982 Winston Cup rookie of the year. Four years later he captured the 1986 Daytona 500 championship, and he also won what was then known as Bud at the Glen in 1996 at Watkins Glen International.

He also had a few tense moments, including a frightening, fiery crash during the 2000 Daytona 250 Truck Series race at Daytona International Speedway.

Bodine suffered several broken bones during that crash but survived to race again, even though at the time, many onlookers feared he was killed.

A lot has changed in auto racing, Bodine said, since he got his start nearly a half century ago. There is a lot more money to be made these days, but he believes it isn't as much fun.

"Back then, there were not as many rules. There's a tremendous difference. It was a lot of fun back in the day," he said. "When you put a lot of rules in, it takes the fun away.

"They make a lot of good money now," he was quick to add. "If I was younger, I'd be out there."

Accomplishments outside of the fast lane

Bodine, who now lives in Florida, stepped away from driving race cars more than a decade ago, but he has kept ties with the racing industry, designing and building cars for friends, among other activities.

While still getting behind the wheel at various racing events, he also launched his own business, Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project Inc., in 1992.

In 2010, the U.S. four-man bobsled team streaked to its first Olympic gold medal since 1948, and they did it riding Bo-Dyn sleds.

That accomplishment was more important to Bodine than any of his own victories.

"I'm a part of something the whole United States of America is cheering for," he said at the time. "It's pretty cool."

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An important message about racing, and life

Bodine decided to write a book about his experiences to give fans an inside look at his life, and to offer them inspiration on how to achieve their own success.

That includes insight about his own work ethic, and his Christian faith.

"I talk about the three Ds — desire, dedication, and determination. Don't quit when times are tough," Bodine said.

"I had a wreck in 2000. I should be dead," he added. "I'm a believer. A miracle saved me. I wanted to show people if you truly believe in Jesus, you might get a miracle if you need it."

Bodine's autobiography, written in collaboration with Dominic Aragon, looks at every aspect of his life, professionally and personally.

"Geoff has had an amazing NASCAR career," said Mark Mingle, acquisitions executive at Trilogy Christian Publishing, which is publishing the book. "And now as he shares his life and faith through his new book, he is stepping into the exciting realm of published author."

The book sells for $24.99 and is available at major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart.com.

Looking back, Bodine says his life and career turned out pretty well.

"My life has been full of ups and downs. I wouldn't change a thing," he said. "I thank God for all of it. It's made me who I am."

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This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Elmira area native and NASCAR champion Geoff Bodine publishes new book