He is the life of the party, usually spotted with a glass of Blue UV Vodka mixed with Mountain Dew. I’d heard hilarious stories about him and was well aware that he is quite the wheelman, having nailed down his 5th Thunder Car Championship at Elko Speedway this past season. However, I had never “officially” met him.
I’m talking about Lakeview, Minnesota’s Conrad Jorgenson.
He is half of the brain-trust behind what has been dubbed “The Pink Flamingo” at Oktoberfest Race Weekend—and I finally had the opportunity to actually spend some time with him this year at Fest. He has more than lived up to all of the stories I’ve heard.
The guy will give you the shirt off of his back. Seriously, I watched him do it at least twice over the course of the water-slogged Oktobefest Race Weekend. Yes, he literally gave his shirt to other people—in exchange for theirs. God bless him. I haven’t laughed that hard in years when I gazed upon his pasty-white protruding belly from under the way-too-small Wisconsin Badger shirt.
I blew much of my drink out my nostrils several times as I spent the afternoon with Jorgenson and his fellow revelers from Minnesota.
But few probably realize that this man is not just a funny guy who is generally the spark for shenanigans at events—but he has also helped to breathe life into a pretty important program to help a new generation get involved in racing. Jorgenson has been instrumental to help give validity to an organization called, “Youth Impact Racing.”
Adam Brachle is the founder of the group which is a ministry to teach students skill sets that are not only useful in racing, but beneficial in life—and connect with them through the Gospel at the same time. He says that Jorgenson put his credibility on the line by talking with other racers at Elko Speedway to get more of them involved with the organization too.
“Nothing I ask for is ever denied from Conrad. He goes the extra mile,” Brachle says.
Youth Impact Racing has been engaging young adults through the sport of racing and Jorgenson has been “all in,” since he started getting involved by donating time, knowledge, financial resources, parts, and his fun attitude.
Brachle says that once during pre-race interviews at Elko Speedway, he heard track announcer, Jason Searcy interview Jorgenson on the microphone, telling about the “Brothers Jorgenson Impact Beer Bash Racing Benefit.”
“He always has a joyful and fun way to lend support to the cause,” laughed Brachle.
Not only is Jorgenson passionate about helping kids in the community, but he’s been right there to help his own daughter, Julie who has also recently started racing. He’s been influential in helping her find the passion for horsepower, as well as teaching her how to get the car dialed in—and it’s obviously working—she nearly won her first Power Stock feature earlier this year.
“Working with my Dad is fascinating,” the younger Jorgenson says and adds that he’s been a real font of knowledge as she has begun to learn more about setting up her race car—and helping with his.
Beyond the mutual love of going fast, making risky moves, and competing against other drivers, Conrad Jorgenson has also taught his daughter one of the most important lessons of racing. Every time she straps into the cockpit of her car before each race, Jorgenson asks his daughter, “What’s the number one rule?”
The answer? To have fun.
Jorgenson has taught his daughter the incredibly valuable lesson that if a racer focuses too much on winning, it ruins the fun.
And Jorgenson is all about the fun. Yes, this instigator of belly-busting laughs leads with his heart, and is the perfect mix of mischief, ministry, and motorsports.
Originally published in the Midwest Racing Connection
