VPS Racing Honors September 11th with a Personal Connection
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Time to read 2 min
At VPS Racing, we’ve always carried a deep sense of patriotism and pride in our country. Racing is our passion, but it’s also our platform to honor the values that shape us as individuals and as a team. Every year, September 11th reminds us of the tragedy our nation endured, but also of the resilience, unity, and sacrifice that continue to define the American spirit. For one of our drivers, Steven Hickham Jr., this day has an especially personal meaning.
Steven’s journey has always been about discipline, perseverance, and chasing his calling—even when the path wasn’t obvious at first. A 2008 graduate of Port Aransas High School in South Texas, Steven grew up immersed in racing culture. He spent weekends at the track alongside his father, competing in the Grand-Am Koni Challenge Series, all while trying to balance academics and his future career. At the time, his plan was to attend Palmer University and pursue a career in chiropractic medicine.
But as many racers know, life has a way of shifting gears unexpectedly. After a difficult semester in 2009, Steven’s father suggested that college might not be the right road for him. Around that time, a family friend—who worked as a firefighter—offered Steven the chance to do a ride-along at a local fire station. What started as a simple ride quickly turned into a life-changing moment.
“The second I walked into that station, I felt something I’d never felt before,” Steven recalls. “The teamwork, the trust, the purpose—it was just like being part of a race team, except the stakes were people’s lives.”
Two weeks later, Steven enrolled in the Coral Springs Fire Academy in Florida, which at the time was ranked as the second-best fire academy in the nation. In 2010, six months after enrolling, he was one of only a small group to graduate from the rigorous program as a nationally certified firefighter.
That achievement was more than just a career shift—it reshaped how Steven viewed September 11th and the legacy of those who served.
“September 11th had always been a sad day for me growing up because of the tragedy our country suffered,” Steven reflects. “But the September 11th after I graduated was different. I suddenly felt the pain from all 343 of my fallen brothers and sisters who passed that day. Here we are 15 years later, and it still hits me just as hard—even though I don’t fight fire for a living now.”
Although Steven eventually returned to focus on racing, his time as a firefighter left an undeniable mark on his character. The discipline required to stay sharp, the endurance to push through challenges, and the trust in teammates are all qualities he brought back to the race track. In many ways, firefighting and racing share the same foundation: preparation, communication, and the ability to perform under extreme pressure.
“Whether it’s a pit stop or an emergency call, there’s no room for hesitation,” Steven says. “You train, you trust your team, and you give everything you have in that moment. That mindset has carried me through both fire service and racing.”
At VPS Racing, that mentality shows up in how we prepare for every event. Just as firefighters rely on each other to face the unimaginable, our team relies on each other to tackle the challenges of endurance racing. Every driver change, every pit strategy, and every lap depends on trust and teamwork.
As we pause to honor September 11th, VPS Racing doesn’t just remember the tragedy—we honor the courage and sacrifice that rose from it. For Steven, that connection is deeply personal, but for all of us, it is a reminder of why we race with passion, pride, and purpose.
Today and every day, we remember the 343 heroes who gave their lives, and we remain grateful for the freedoms their bravery helped protect. Their legacy drives us—on and off the track—to stand for unity, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
