Thanksgiving weekend always gets me looking at the past year, as I consciously remember the importance of friends and the good fortune of family. I know how lucky I am to be doing things I like that pay the bills, and that I get to work with my family with little controversy and a lot of cooperation.
My fine friends in racing showed me a lot of heart and skill this year. Many many drivers and teams in front of us had struggles, overcame them, and even without adversity, raced hard whether at the front or simply striving for a better mid-pack finish. Drivers way too numerous to begin listing here were very nearly to a man (or woman) great to watch as they competed. It is an expensive sport, and I saw a lot of family and friends come together to support the spendy hobby their own brother, son, or co-worker had chosen.
From those singularly warming views of racing to the accomplishments of those in our area, especially in wide ranging efforts, I’m thankful they did us proud. Most recently Chris Wimmer’s big-time win at the World Crown race in Gresham Georgia was a huge coup, proving the younger Wausau racing brother of Scott Wimmer still has it. Chris is a great guy to talk to, so quiet and polite, and his racing style is nothing but extra-smooth and always competitive but never ever dirty or abusive.
Speaking of quiet, it is a big difference now compared to the quick turnaround weeks i am used to in the summer. Winter will be much longer, so I get to enjoy my valued family and get a little “me” time. Thanks also to anyone who actually paid attention to my rambling on-track and to this stuff here. I really don’t know who might be reading, but an occasional comment or email does show some folks are paying attention, and that most actually have brains. The quiet is almost oppressive right now, as I write the outside air is one degree above freezing, the air is completely still, and everyone is off to school or work. I get about an hour of that stillness. I can write, watch news, stretch, and futz with my home theater if I like, for an hour anyway. Even that I am thankful for.
I hope you also get the chance to soak in some quiet, and to thank the ones who help you or encourage you. Happy belated Thanksgiving, and now go get those trees and lights up!
