Had a bittersweet time in Englishtown, New Jersey over the weekend. Kayla and I were down there to see the Lucas Oil Supernationals (NHRA drag racing). Unfortunately, we had to witness the tragic death of Scott Kalitta who died after a fantastic run in his funny car during qualifying. There was an explosion in the engine just as he passed the finish line. We think he was knocked unconscious as there was no attempt to slow the car down after the finish line. He crashed into concrete wall at the end of the track. His death was instant. I still have that empty feeling in my stomach, which I suppose won't be going away for quite a while. My prayers go out to the Kalitta family and all drag racers.
I am trying to find the "silver lining" if there could ever be one for this weekend's festivities. Kayla and I spent a lot of time with Hot Rod Fuller, Rob Flynn, and Ted Yerzyk. Most certainly that was the highlight of the trip. All of the guys who work at David Powers Motorsports are incredible people. Every crew member from the driver to the clutch guy will always stop and talk with the fans. By far it is the most integrated community I have ever seen in sports.
It was cool to get to know Rod, Rob, and Ted better. I didn't get to chat with Rod last year so much, as I was trying to take it all in. This year was different; however, I suspect much of that has to do with my wife being with me. Rod sure likes to give her hugs. Lots of hugs. He even gave me a couple hugs, probably just to get more hugs from Kayla. That's alright though, he's a pretty cool character. It was great to have a couple of drinks with him the night before final eliminations, which he rarely does. Rob Flynn is the brains behind the car. Unfortunately he is Canadian and even worse, is from Edmonton and loves the Oilers. I demolished him in fantasy hockey by the way. A guy from Texas demolished a Canadian in fantasy hockey (sort of like all those years the Dallas team whipped the Edmonton team in the playoffs). However, I will say I have no idea how to make a dragster travel down the quarter mile at 330 miles per hour. He has that on me. And damn isn't that just the coolest thing?! We spent a lot of time with Rob too, which I really enjoyed. He's such a smart guy and really knows a lot about racing. I can learn a lot from him; that is for certain.
Again, my thoughts and prayers are with the Kalitta family. At the same time, Kayla and I really had a wonderful time in Englishtown with all the Caterpillar and Matco team members. We can't thank them enough and hope to see them all soon.
I am trying to find the "silver lining" if there could ever be one for this weekend's festivities. Kayla and I spent a lot of time with Hot Rod Fuller, Rob Flynn, and Ted Yerzyk. Most certainly that was the highlight of the trip. All of the guys who work at David Powers Motorsports are incredible people. Every crew member from the driver to the clutch guy will always stop and talk with the fans. By far it is the most integrated community I have ever seen in sports.
It was cool to get to know Rod, Rob, and Ted better. I didn't get to chat with Rod last year so much, as I was trying to take it all in. This year was different; however, I suspect much of that has to do with my wife being with me. Rod sure likes to give her hugs. Lots of hugs. He even gave me a couple hugs, probably just to get more hugs from Kayla. That's alright though, he's a pretty cool character. It was great to have a couple of drinks with him the night before final eliminations, which he rarely does. Rob Flynn is the brains behind the car. Unfortunately he is Canadian and even worse, is from Edmonton and loves the Oilers. I demolished him in fantasy hockey by the way. A guy from Texas demolished a Canadian in fantasy hockey (sort of like all those years the Dallas team whipped the Edmonton team in the playoffs). However, I will say I have no idea how to make a dragster travel down the quarter mile at 330 miles per hour. He has that on me. And damn isn't that just the coolest thing?! We spent a lot of time with Rob too, which I really enjoyed. He's such a smart guy and really knows a lot about racing. I can learn a lot from him; that is for certain.
Again, my thoughts and prayers are with the Kalitta family. At the same time, Kayla and I really had a wonderful time in Englishtown with all the Caterpillar and Matco team members. We can't thank them enough and hope to see them all soon.
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home