That was extremely dangerous. At that point, I said I'm done unless I can make this place safer.
After 2009, I stopped for two years. I didn't run at all until they moved the whole operation up to Wilmington.
How has the death of three fellow riders affected you?
Two of the guys, it was their first time riding. It's made some of us more experienced guys extremely leery to invite [rookies] to come race with us.
Have you tried other types of racing?
I actually have 123 records. The four car records were set in April [2012] in a 2010 Mercedes.
When you are car racing, even at the grassroots level, it's more of how much money you can spend than the person with the most talent. It's frustrating, unless you are the person with the most money. With motorcycles, it's more about the talent.
How exclusive is membership in the 200-mph club?
It is extremely difficult [to qualify]. I was the 101st person with the East Coast Timing Association [in late 2009]. Two of my friends who got in shortly before me got tattoos of the 200-mph insignia. They were asking me where I'm going to put my tattoo. I said, "I think I'll just buy a jacket."
How do people react when they find out about your hobby?
Not only does it surprise them, but [clients] who meet me in my office, it scares them a little bit [when they see evidence of his racing on the walls]. They want to know what happens to their case if I don't make it through the year. I tell them there's nothing to be worried about. I do have a contingency plan every time I load up my truck to go racing so they'll know what to do if I don't come back.
When we've lost as many people [on the racing strips] as I have, that's the reality.
You have mixed business with pleasure by devoting part of your practice to victims of motorcycle accidents. How has that worked out?
I think a lot of people appreciate my experience and expertise in handling these cases. It's a different dynamic than your typical auto cases. I've met a lot of people and am fairly well known in the motorcycle community. They know I'm a rider.
Your work is a constant reminder of the risks of motorcycle riding. Do you take to the streets?
About the only time I do anymore is with my church group. I also ride with the Christian Motorcyclists Association. There's safety in numbers. When you've got six to 10 riders, you can get through traffic and be seen.
