Started thinking about my life around the world of spring car racing and there are a few races I will never forget because of their improbable outcomes. One that sticks in my mind was Las Vegas in 97 or 98. Rip Williams took one of the nastiest crashes in the B main that should have sent him packing for the night, but in typical Ripper style, he hopped in the the Lumar Sponsored Stinger normally driven by Mike English, started scratch on the field and forced himself to the front to win the main. But the one I am by far the most proud of is Cary Faas return to racing after a vicious crash at Belleville that sidelined him for much of the season. The race was at the Sacramento Mile in the dirt champ car. Practice went well and qualifying set us mid field. As we lined the cars up on the front straight, I looked at carys dad and said , Oh crap, the car is too low! I ran for wrenches and Leonard and I cranked an unknown amount of turns in the rear bars just to get the tank off the ground. Cary did a masterful job of working his way to the front. With three laps remaining the yellow came out. Leonard and I , standing on the front straight, looked closely at the right rear as Cary idled by. We could see a patch if cord. I asked Leonard what we should signal Cary, he said with a grin, Tell him it looks good So I did, on the restart Cary maintained third and with one lap to go, made a bonsai move to pass the top two....well, needless to say he knew instantly that we lied, but he saved it. He held on for third. As we all stood on the front straight, he hugged me and thanked me for the hard work. I was very proud of that night because as far as in was concerned, it was a triumphant return for my oldest and closest friend. It also made it worth it when Leonard hugged Cary and told him he was proud of him. Something every son needs to hear. My proudest moments in life are around racing, and not always moments that have to do with me directly. I love this sport and the people that surround it. Merry Christmas racing family.
Posted on: Sun, 21 Dec 2014 15:04:34 +0000