No. 13, driven by Jeremy Cesene, rounds the corner during a race at the Pittsburgh International Race Complex in Wampum, Pa. He started racing in 2004.

Every once and a while, a little joy comes from the daily grind. Last spring, after wading through the required questions, I got to pull back another layer and see the personal side of Jeremy Cesene. Most days, I solely see choo choos, so a break from it is welcomed. This is just a small glimpse of what my job can entail, and with Jeremy's permission, I bring you a fun little story that brightened my day, even if won't ever see light on glossy paper (sadly).

Brakes glow red hot as the car pulls in revving for more fuel and the next driver. The 33-member team whizzes around the car, checking gauges, tires and safety equipment before Jeremy Cesene sprints off to continue the 24-hour endurance race.

The Fort Wright, Ky., driver relies on two months of prep work and countless safety briefings as he races his team toward the finish line. The entire race includes five drivers switching off every tank of gas and an entire pit crew. None of these feats would be possible for the amateur team without safety forethought.

“We have cars coming into the pits hot, and we have to make sure everyone has the right PPE,” Cesene said.

Like his work on the railroad, job briefings provide safety to everyone involved in every task. While endurance racing has different tasks, such as changing motors in the middle of a race or repairing ripped bumpers, the race still involves people and keeping them safe.

At the head, Crew Chief Tim Lehman orchestrates the motions of the volunteer group every time the car comes in to the pit. To manage everything, he helped establish ground rules before the race, such as mandatory fire protection suits for anyone handling fuel and helmets for anyone on the race side of the retaining wall.

“It’s like herding cats,” Lehman said. “But we stressed the importance of understanding roles and asking questions.”

Specifically for Cesene, he worked with Lehman on driver safety, which includes proper neck restraints. The two have known each other since elementary school and enjoy collaborating for races.

“It’s like herding cats." — Crew Chief Tim Lehman

Cesene stated racing in 2004 and owns a BMW, modified with a cage and safety equipment. Along with the 24-hour endurance races, he participates in road racing. He travels to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, and Watkins Glen International in Watkins Glen, N.Y., on the weekends to race.

It’s a sport he enjoys with those he loves most. The endurance racing team is comprised of family and friends, and his wife, Jodi, and children, Jacob and Emma, cheer him on, too.