A Little History....very little (2009)
Years ago just around the invention of the wheel I sat in the stands at Thompson with my father. He thinking I was old enough to understand what this racing thing was all about. Years later brought my own two kids when I too thought they were old enough to understand what this racing thing was all about. Even sat in the same area as my father and I did a “few years” back. Never had a bad time, always had a great time. I do have a little history at Thompson because my father raced at the speedway when it was a road course. I have some very old home movies that I was given of him racing. Pretty sure an old Jag 120 or 140 convertible. But since I started racing those films have a different meaning and value. I think I understand this racing thing a little better now. But with a whole different view… from the track... it's a view that is a lot more fun.
Guess I didn’t realize how much I talked about buying my own car and start racing until I finally did buy one the beginning of this year (2009). Friends called me crazy but also said it was about time…you talked enough about it…sorryeee guys. Looking back, working on the race car was the most enjoyable part for me. I thought, as the saying goes, “I knew enough to get me in trouble”. Boy…was I wrong.
My first year in racing provided my buddies a lot of laughs and good hearted jokes mostly at my inexperienced expense. You see these guys have been around racing since the Westborough Speedway days. What I was learning and being taught was long forgotten by my friends Mark Alden and Ron St. Germain. I think I might have taught them a couple of things, being patience comes to mind. Took me a little time and money to get the car some what race ready.... but for those who race..not a news flash. A number of things happened starting with a bad steering box in my first race. Didn’t take a lap that night. Got the hang of racing midway through the season then my motor decided it had enough. I was just getting started...
After missing about three or four races re-grouped and found another motor. In no time was back at the track with a couple of minor problems with the car. But with the help of so many people both on and off the track I managed to recieve the "Rookie of the Year" and finish 23rd in points. Not bad for the my first year. The thing that most amazed me was how helpful everyone was to me and the cause. In my own division Larry Barnett, Joe Arena, Scott and Jay Sundeen and Paul Palen. On more than one occasion dropped what they were doing to help me. The crew from the 22 T.I.S. modified Dennis, Brian and Mark provided me anything I needed at the track tools, knowledge and loads of laughs. My buddy Rick Fuller with driving tips and installed my new motor (I helped) but most importantly his support at all levels.
Looking back at my first year of racing there was nobody at the track who had or has more fun than me. There were so many good times and laughs. When I thought things were going in the wrong direction with blown motors, over heating motors, bad steering boxes, dirty carbs, flying fan belts, name it. But it was all worth it. I found new friends, a new found respect for racing at all levels and the Rookie of the Year in my division. Not a bad end for a guy in his late fifties I wouldn’t have changed a thing.
You will often hear me say that ....nobody ever has more fun than me…. but this past year ...I also had the time of my life !
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