Driven

A Father’s Commitment

When he was a kid, Sage Karam had his own field of dreams. His father, Jody, bought a plot of land in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, and it became his first racetrack.

Ups And Downs

From that little dirt track in Nazareth, Team Karam has had plenty of ups and downs — especially when time, money and patience almost ran out.

Successful Journeys

Although it can feel that way, driving isn't really a solo act. There are things all around you that are part of every successful journey.

And successful journeys are what teamwork is all about. Sticking together, staying focused and celebrating the drive.

Tuning Out Distractions

Not only did Sage make flawless pit stops during the Indy 500, his team nearly won the pit stop competition — a high-octane match of skill for pit crew bragging rights leading up to race day.

It was a great showing for a young team and further proof of Sage’s skill at tuning out distractions — a skill he carries over to street driving every day.

Cool Under Pressure

Having a son who’s a professional racecar driver makes that whole teen driving thing a piece of cake for parents … right? Not so much.

Like any other parent, Jody Karam wants his kids to be safe behind the wheel — whether at the track or on the street — and he knows that everyday street driving can be unpredictable and dangerous too.

Jody is a tough parent who taught Sage and his younger sister that they deserve what they earn. Whether learning to drive or any goal in life, they must earn the right to succeed and reach their dreams.

Sage’s sister, Sydnee, is a year younger. Their dad admits he was much more comfortable putting Sage behind the wheel of his first street car than his daughter.

But there was no special treatment for Sage when it came to learning to drive.

Reality Check

You’d think a kid who’d been behind the wheel for so many years would be a driving test slam dunk.

Not exactly.

A last-minute change of plans put Sage in his mom’s car for his test, a car he hadn’t practiced in, and he was just as stressed (and excited) as any kid taking that test.

A Good Reminder

Almost failing his learner’s permit test was a good reminder that the racetrack and the street aren’t the same. No know-it-all attitude here. Sage respects the rules of the road and understands the dangers if you don’t.

Right Move, Right Time

Sage Karam started racing go-karts when he was just four years old. People told him he was mature beyond his years.

Even at a very young age, Sage understood what it meant to be focused; to have a strategy.

He knew when to hold back and when to make his move. He learned how to do the right thing at the right time. Without distractions.

And he’s a winner because of it.

Dream Come True

As a rookie driver at the 2014 Indianapolis 500, Sage started near the back of the pack (31st) and drove his way to a 9th place finish. It was a childhood dream come true and a very long way from that little dirt track in Nazareth, PA.

Smart Decisions

Sage’s rookie run was earned through hard work, focus and smart decisions. It blew away perceptions of what a teen driver could do.

Full Circle

It was a great finish for a teen driver and further proof of Sage’s skill at tuning out distractions — a skill he carries over to street driving every day.

For his dad, it was a surreal experience to see all those people reach through the fence to touch his son. All those years of practice and focus and teaching your kid to do the right thing came full circle at Indy.

Jody Karam was reminded (again) that “ … one of the most beautiful and responsible things you can do is be a good parent.”

On And Off The Track

When Sage is home in Pennsylvania, he drives a pretty decent “tuner” car with some upgrades.

Every now and then, some hometown kid wants to make a bet and race him.

“I’m like, ‘No, man, it’s not worth it. What’s the reward for such risk? What happens if you crash? If you want to race me, we can rent out the track and I’ll be more than happy to race you.’”

Sage knows the challenge will stop right there.

That level head serves him well and is powered by his passion for doing the right things on and off the track.

It’s the Karam way.

Touching Lives

According to Dr. Jarrod Spencer’s book, “The Sky is Not the Limit: Discovering Your True North,” Sage found his niche early in life. When Sage was in Colorado for an Operation Smile convention in 2010, he told people how important it was to “ … find that thing that you love and that you’re really good at.”

Sage should know. He loves driving and he’s really good at it.

And he’s touching lives with every lap.