GRC Lites Driver Nur Ali Reflects on the American Dream

With the Red Bull Global Rallycross competing at Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, NC over Independence Day weekend, it gives Nur Ali reason to reflect upon what it means to be an American and the freedoms and opportunities that come with it.

     Ali, driver of the No. 42 Valvoline/Tweaker Energy Shot entry in GRC Lites, was born in Karachi, Pakistan. His family moved to Hamburg, Germany when he was an infant but only stayed for eight years.

     “I remember my time in Germany well,” said Ali. “It’s where I developed my passion for motorsports but also where I first encountered racial prejudice. At that time, some Germans weren’t accepting of those not originally from their country. It was common to see racist graffiti that said ‘Auslander Raus’ which translates to Foreigners Out.”

     Wanting a better life with more freedom, Ali’s family immigrated to the United States.

     “As a young boy moving to this country, I didn’t know what it meant to be an American or about the American dream,” said the Trophy Club, TX resident. “But after living here for more than 32 years and knowing the rights, freedoms and opportunities my family and I have, I can proudly say that it’s great to be an American.”

     The American dream is the national ethos of the US, a set of ideals in which freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success, and an upward social mobility achieved through hard work in a society with few barriers.

     “I am fortunate and humbled to be living the American dream,” continued Ali. “When my parents came to this country they had nothing, but they worked hard and believed anything was possible. Because of their hard work, I am not only living my dreams as a professional race car driver, but I can pass the same American values and work ethic to my son who was born in this great land.”

     Competing on July 5 in front of the troops, Ali is reminded of those who protect his freedoms and allow his family to prosper.

     “I’m honored to be entertaining the troops on the fourth of July weekend,” said Ali. “The freedoms and opportunities we have are because of the men and women in our military. From the bottom of my heart, I can’t thank them enough for their service.”

     The 12-race GRC Lites schedule in 2015, its longest ever, kicked off in Ft. Lauderdale, FL in May and culminates in Las Vegas in November. The eight-city tour includes four doubleheader events, as well as the class’ first trip outside of the United States with an October visit to Barbados. All races will be telecast on NBCSN.

     For more information on Nur Ali visit NurAli.com.
Adam Sinclair