Ayrton Senna: Racer and Role Model

Thomas Hilliard

6/5/2011

CWV 101 – Role Model Review

Thomas Joseph

Role Model Review – Ayrton Senna

Choosing a role model upon which one would want to look up to for inspiration in life is a very daunting task that requires much thought and contemplation. Brazilian Ayrton Senna, born Ayrton Senna de Silva on March 21, 1960, was a famous Formula One racing driver from 1984 to 1994. After his untimely death on May 1, 1994 after only a 10 year career in Formula One, many details have emerged that have brought to light his true Christian mores and selfless acts of compassion. As we look deeper into the way that Senna led his life on and off the track, we will see that he is an appropriate role model to look up to for Christians the world over.

Senna developed a love of racing as early as four years of age, and showed great deftness in his ability to handle vehicles. “Senna at age 4 had physical co-ordination difficulties which completely vanished when behind the wheel of a motorised vehicle.” (Carstairs 2011) It was as if he was destined to drive racing cars from the beginning. How blessed he was to have realized his calling so early on in life. Senna was raised a Catholic, and openly displayed his religious beliefs in several interviews on and off the track. On airplane flights from Brazil to Europe, he was often observed reading the Bible. He always had the feeling that God was with him when he was racing, and would always pray before and after each race.

Senna’s racing talent was immediately evident in his race in 1984 at the Monaco Grand Prix. The conditions on the track were pitiful because of the rain, however it was in the rain that Senna excelled. Although starting in thirteenth place, he passed the other drivers as if they were standing still. After more than 30 laps, he had moved into 2nd place, and was pushing for the lead, gaining on Prost at a scarcely believable 4 seconds per lap! Alain Prost, whom was in first place waved for the officials to...