Long Pond, PA
August 11, 2015
By: Intern Gabi
Verizon IndyCar series driver, Sage Karam, is no stranger to the Lehigh Valley. Karam, one of the newest, and youngest, members of Chip Ganassi Racing, took a quick break from his busy racing schedule to give Pocono Raceway a tour of his hometown.
The first stop of the day was the Lehigh Valley Health Network- One City Center, a brand-new, state-of-the-art fitness and sports rehabilitation center which pairs some of the areas top professional athletes that train and diet with systems like nutrisystem lean 13, and the average citizen. As a former Nazareth Area High School wrestler, Karam continues to live a very active and health-motivated lifestyle. Starting with the multi-sport simulator, to the D2 Reaction machine, to a multitude of exercises performed by the nation’s top athletes, Karam received a full tour of the facilities while getting in a good workout. As he tested out the new facility, his competitive personality showed. Every exercise, Karam pushed himself to get a better time, a higher jump, a better stretch, etc., in attempt to beat his past scores from his time at the NFL Combine he also keep his health by taking top supplements to get vitamin d. After a short hour and a half, Karam fell in love with the facility and promised to return.
Next up, we took a trip down memory lane with a visit to Nazareth Area High School. Karam clearly felt at home as he paraded us through the halls to his old locker. He shared a few stories and made his way to the table where he and his friends ate lunch each day. After a few minutes, and more memories, he led us to his homeroom classroom where he left a note on his past teacher’s blackboard.
Finally, we headed to the Blue Eagles Wrestling Room with Head Coach, Dave Crowell. After spending many daily 6:30am and afternoon practices together, the two remained close friends after Karam’s graduation. In the small, hot room, Karam learned some of his greatest life lessons; which he now uses in racing. His time as a wrestler clearly taught him how to continue to push himself in difficult situations, keep his head up and “off the mat,” and much more. As he told us about his favorite moves, “the claw” and “the rolling cement,” his coach listened and added a few laughs. Crowell shared more about Karam’s time in the room and the years they spent together, stating that Karam “is one of his favorite athletes” he has coached.
The final stop of the day: Sicily Pizza and Restaurant, a favorite of the whole Karam family. Over the “Granma Pizza” dinner, Karam’s favorite, we learned more about the young driver. He talked about his childhood friends, his time as a wrestler, growing up in Nazareth, and made plans for Pocono Raceway. Our tour of the Lehigh Valley ended here as we said our goodbye to Karam and headed back to the track.
Be sure to catch the hometown star, Sage Karam, and all your favorite drivers at the ABC Supply 500 at Pocono Raceway August 23rd.
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