The green flag drops, and adrenaline instantly surges through Jon Denning's body. He guns the engine of his Chevrolet Impala SS, and 3,100 pounds of fiberglass and steel explode down the straightaway, reaching a speed of 140 miles per hour. Easing slightly off the accelerator, Jon speeds into a steep turn, jockeying for position among cars only inches away from him. He grips the steering wheel tightly and focuses on one thing: winning and taking the checkered flag.

NASCAR's only Jewish driver, Jon, 21, took his life for a sharp turn last January when he visited Israel on a Taglit-Birthright Israel tour. The free, 10-day trip is sponsored by Israel and the American Jewish community for 18- to 26- year-olds who have never visited the Jewish state with a peer group. After touring Jerusalem, climbing Masada, and swimming in the Dead Sea, Jon learned about Jewish history and returned to the racetrack with a renewed sense of Jewish pride. We raced to speak with Jon about his drive to strengthen his Jewish identity.

BABA: Hi, Jon. How dangerous are NASCAR races?

JON: All sports put a strain on the body, and injuries are a part of athletics. Racing differs, though, because in addition to physical wear and tear, there are situations that can cause instant death. You can also catch on fire, but there are so many safety features in the cars that it's actually not a big deal.

BABA:Why did you want to visit Israel?

JON: One reason was to learn more about being Jewish. On the NASCAR circuit, I heard a lot of negative comments about Jewish people. Once, I heard someone saying how bad Jews are, and when I told him I was a Jew, he just walked away. I decided that I wanted to find out more about my roots.

BABA:What did you like best in Israel?

JON: The Israeli people in general. Five soldiers came with our group, and that was the best part of the trip for me. It was great to talk to a kid the same age as me, who is Jewish but grew up with a completely different lifestyle. Having a conversation with a kid my age who is fighting just to stay alive, protect his family, and practice his religion made an impact and opened my eyes to what it is like to be an Israeli Jew.

BABA: How did your Jewish identity change after visiting Israel?

JON: The trip taught me to stay truer to my Jewish identity. I grew up in a Jewish community, and my parents always told me to marry a Jew, but I was just listening to them and trying to make them happy. After coming back from the Birthright trip, I understand their viewpoint, and I believe it. To ensure Jewish survival, it's important to stay true to your Jewish roots and raise a Jewish family. The way I think about and believe in Judaism, and the way I believe in the Jewish people has changed. I think my renewed sense of Jewish identity affects a lot of things in the long run.

BABA: Can you give us an example of what you mean?

JON: I may try to celebrate the High Holidays a little more traditionally this year; for example, I'd like to take some time to study a few prayers. If I learn a little each year, maybe ten years from now I'll understand it all.

BABA:What are your goals?

JON: My professional goals in NASCAR haven't changed. Before my trip to Israel, I wanted to race for a living and succeed at the highest level. I still want those things, but I think I'm personally stronger now, because I've explored and embraced my Jewish identity.

BABA: Thanks, Jon, and Godspeed!

AVOIDING DISASTER
When Michael McDowell’s race car reeled out of control at the Texas Motor Speedway last April, spectators feared the worst. The car slammed headfirst into the barrier, ricocheted off the wall, caught fire, and rolled at least eight times before finally coming to a stop. Because of NASCAR’s rigorous safety precautions, McDowell walked away from the horrific crash virtually unscathed. Here are some of the innovations that saved his life:

HANS Device—The Head and Neck Support system is a semi-hard collar held onto the upper body by a harness worn by the driver. Two tethers on the collar attach to a helmet to prevent the head from snapping forward or to the side during a crash.

Soft Barriers—Built of crushable material that can absorb the impact of a car at high speeds, these barriers significantly reduce the danger of cars colliding with the more traditional concrete walls surrounding a track.

Seat Belts—NASCAR drivers use five or six-point harnesses, which include two straps over the shoulders, two straps around the waist, and one or two between the legs.