Through the Eyes of a Child
No rant about the indignities of racing politics this time, no missive on racer safety, no call for better rules enforcement; in other words, no unsolicited advice for anyone. Instead, I just want to relate my son’s first visit to a drag strip.
Normally, when I’m covering an event for DRO it’s just not possible for him to come with me. There are too many photos to take, interviews to tape and notes to make, not to mention I often have to work in restricted areas where it’s not safe, wise, or even possible to take a three year-old. But when I heard of a one-day Pro Mod and index race early last month at Montgomery Motorsports Park, I knew the time had come to introduce young master Robert to live drag racing.
Judging by his reaction to run after Pro Mod run on DVDs graciously provided by Sean at Urban Hillbilly Action Videos, I knew it would be worth the two-and-a-half hour drive to Montgomery from north Atlanta. Robert confirmed my inclination, too, as after learning we would be making the trip he happily declared to anyone within earshot for two weeks prior, “We’re going to see Pro Mods!” clearly oblivious to their unknowing blank stares. Excited anticipation bubbled freely from his little soul.
Central Alabama was smokin’ hot and hyper humid the day of the race, though, so I opted to arrive in the evening, just in time for eliminations. To a man, everyone told me it was the right decision, especially with a little one in tow. Robert arrived decked out in his new Bryan Dyar t-shirt, turned around, of course, so he could see its car graphics up front.
We started with a quick stroll through the pits, stopping periodically to visit and chat with racers. Robert wasn’t at all shy about asking each one if he could sit in their cars and no
one hesitated for even an instant before lifting him into the seat. It made me feel good just to be associated in even a peripheral role with such a great group of people.
The only slightly anxious moment I had was when Robert loudly declared he had to “go pee-pee” while sitting behind the wheel of Bil Clanton’s “Big Money” Studebaker. I knew from experience that once the announcement is made the event is imminent, so you can be sure I hoisted him out of there pronto and found the nearest restroom. No harm done, though, and Robert still fondly recalls “the car with the big bird on it.” I also appreciate Toney Russell and driver Greg Holt offering him a seat in the “Low Mad” and setting Robert up with yet another t-shirt for his growing collection.
