At Cedarhurst of Oakwood, Mark Saul is known for his quiet enthusiasm and love for fast cars. But on April 19, as part of Cedarhurst’s Dream Come TRUE program, Mark traded his seat in front of the TV for the passenger seat of a real NASCAR racecar at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
“I felt nervous and excited,” Mark shared. “It was my first time in the car instead of the stands, and I didn’t know what to expect.”
Riding along for six heart-pounding laps at nearly 170 MPH, Mark described the experience as intense and unforgettable. “We were going so fast around the track, it felt like something was pulling on me. My mouth was just hanging open - I could only stare straight ahead!”
Mark’s passion for racing started young. As one of seven children, and the only son, he bonded with his father under the hood of a car. That early connection led to a lifetime of modifying cars and street racing with friends. “My dad taught me a lot - even when he was tossing tools around,” he laughed. Attending his first NASCAR race in Charlotte, NC, where he met Paul Newman, only deepened his love for the sport.
Mark’s dream of experiencing life on the track had been building for decades. Years ago, he watched with envy as his father-in-law took the wheel during the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Michigan International Speedway. While Mark didn’t get to drive, riding in the car at top speed brought that long-held dream roaring to life - thanks to Cedarhurst.
Watch Mark Saul's ride around Atlanta Motor Speedway in a NASCAR racecar:
“When Kristen [Lockwood, Executive Director] gave me the NASCAR shirt, hat and jacket, I knew it was really happening,” Mark said. “The Dream Come True program is great and I never would’ve been able to do this on my own without the help of Cedarhurst.”
His message to fellow residents:
“DO IT! You never know if you’ll get another chance.”
As the car rounded that final lap, Mark wished the ride would never end. “It was better than I even dreamed. I’m so grateful to everyone who made it possible.”
This story originally appeared in the Summer 2025 issue of Flourish® magazine.
About the Author
Ryan Davis is the Corporate Communications Manager at Cedarhurst Senior Living and the writer behind every story in Flourish® magazine. He holds a Communications degree from Indiana University and brings 19 years of experience to his role, which he began in January 2024. Ryan is passionate about storytelling, especially sharing the meaningful lives of Cedarhurst residents, families, and staff. He hopes each published story becomes a treasured legacy for loved ones.
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