On Wednesday we went to the track and boy was I impressed.It was immaculate to say the least. The promotor is Fred Brownfield and it's easy to tell he takes great pride in his facility. Later that day we fitted me to Randy's car and tinkered with the suspension. Later that night we went out to dinner with Bob & his family, and Daniel. Great seafood,Great company! Thursday I got an awesome surprise, we were going to test the car, but the great part was we were testing on asphalt !!!! I have never run a modified on pavement so it was a real treat when South Sound Speedway promotor Butch Behn allowed us to run some laps so I could get used to Randy's car. I had a ball on the hard surface. Later that day I got to meet some of Randy's sponsors like when we stopped for something cold at a bowling alley, I was introduced to the owner, Henry Dawson. He definitely had the hot spot after the races as people were elbow to elbow til the wee hours.While we were there on Friday I met Larry DeMoss who's auto parts store helps with the "Big Wally Racing Team". Randy said it was guys like them who keep him going all year.
The racing was great on Friday & Saturday, but we were behind the 8-ball all weekend after a time-trial flat tire sunk us in points.We did win our heat race right out of the box. I got a nice congrats from big Chris and our youngest crew member Kevin Koski.Alot of the local racers stopped by and chatted with me, which was nice because sometimes outsiders aren't welcome at some tracks I've been to. After the racing on Saturday I got to meet and chat with Glen Vincent who's Shipwreck Beads Company is the sponsor of this great race each year. The one thing I noticed was that Glen is very passionate about modified racing and also races himself in the class. He has big plans, which include making this race bigger and better each year.The racing world needs more people like him and Fred Brownfield to keep the interest in racing fans and drivers. I've been told the 2005 race will pay $10,000 to win.That is awesome.
When Sunday rolled around it was sad because Randy & Sundy had treated me like family and they wanted to do more things before I left, but time ran out on us. All I know is this trip will leave me with fond memories forever. The people, the land, the race track, everything was so enjoyable.I know why the Ward's live out there.....it's perfect.There's a few special memories that I want to mention that stand out in my mind.....
* Seeing that beautiful clear sky....awesome!
* Walking up to the track for the first time...wow!
* Running on asphalt for the first time...double awesome!
* Seeing the look on Randy's face after hotlaps the first night..
* Watching Bob pat his ass and point me to the rear Satuday...LOL
* That one gal that tended bar at the bowling alley....OMG!!!!
* Sundy cooking us breakfast at 4:00am in the morning...Thank You !!!
* Randy & Chris working their asses off to make sure the car was right all weekend....Thank You !!!
* Oh, and did I mention that one gal that tended bar....................
If you love car racing and want to go to one of the nicest facilities in the country, take a week off and go to Elma,Washington and watch the Shipwreck Beads Northwest Modified Nationals the middle of June. You will love it, I promise.
There's also 10,000 reasons for any modified racers to go. I'll see you there in 2005 !!!!
Visit these websites if you get time:
Grays Harbor Raceway
South Sound Speedway |
