NASCAR Trucks: Starr goes to head of the class -- Math Class
12 October 1999
FT WORTH: Craftsman Truck Series rookie driver David Starr is a lot of things to a lot of people, but to the sixth-grade math class of Ft. Worth's All Saints' School he is a living example of a math problem. In a unique, "real world" style, teacher Pixie Moseley has incorporated NASCAR racing into her student's curriculum and used Starr as the centerpiece of the program. The students, ages 11 and 12, calculate things such as decimals, means, medians, and build spreadsheets using Starr's on-track statistics. Additionally, they have been given an assignment to write a letter to Starr asking questions about racing that they have come up during the course of study. Later in the year a slot car track will be set up so the kids can race the cars, time them, and calculate their own racing statistics. The highlight, however, comes on October 14 when the 68 students will take a field trip to Texas Motor Speedway where they will be given an opportunity to meet Starr as he prepares for the O'Reilly 300. "I wanted to incorporate some type of theme into the studies so that the kids could see that what they are working on has applications outside of class," Moseley explained. "I've got the room decorated with all types of car and NASCAR items like tools, a tire and muffler, a steering wheel, and hub caps. We contacted David and he agreed to become part of the program. I couldn't believe it when Texas Motor Speedway agreed to let our class come down to see the track, see the trucks and race preparation, and meet David in person. The kids were so excited when I told them the news." The class will meet Starr and see his No. 73 Sonntag Redi-Mix Concrete Chevrolet in the garage area at approximately 10:00 a.m. CDT. They will present him with the letters they have written and have an opportunity to ask questions, take photos, and get an autograph. The media is welcome to attend. "David is a rookie in the truck series and my kids are rookies too," Moseley stated. "We chose David because he was just starting his career, like the kids in class. Some of them will really enjoy racing and become fans for life and follow David his entire career." Starr has a history of helping kids achieve their dreams. Last year he was named as a "Volunteer of the Year" by the Texas chapter of Speedway Children's Charities for his fundraising efforts. "I really enjoy meeting and working with kids," Starr said. "They represent our future and give me a lot to look forward to. When Pixie (Moseley) asked if I would be interested in becoming a part of her math class I couldn't wait. What she is doing is really unique, and I wish that I'd had a teacher like her when I was in school. With a focus on racing I probably would have done much better in school," Starr joked. "Meeting all the kids in her class is going to be the highlight of my race weekend. Hopefully they can bring some luck to the team." Luck has not been on Starr's side lately. Starr has failed to complete the last five events, sidelined by mechanical problems and accidents. In fact, you have to go all the way back to August 5 at Indianapolis Raceway Park to find him scored as "running" at the checkered flag. "Yes, we have had our share of problems lately," Starr admitted. "I think we can turn them around at Texas. It's our home track and I qualified tenth in June. Even more exciting I ran in the top five or six for most of the race so I know we can be fast here. In June we had pit stop problems which put us laps down but I don't think that will happen this time. I'm ready for a good run and a top-10 finish." Starr has two starts at Texas Motor Speedway with 14th as his best finish. This is the only track that the NCTS will compete on more than once this season. The O'Reilly 300 is the 24th race of the season and will be broadcast live on ESPN and MRN radio on Friday, October 15 at 8:30 p.m. EDT. Qualifying takes place a day earlier. This will be the fourth and final time that the NCTS will run an event in conjunction with the Indy Racing league.