Staying Home or Riding Along

The first time I saw Jack run at Hot Rod Drag Week 2006, Cordova, IL

Last night was Back to School Night for our three oldest grandchildren. My daughter-in-law, Andrea, asked me if I could take Scott's place so that we could divide and conquer in meeting all the kid's teachers, hear the overview of their classes, and ask questions if we had any. Since Drag Week is scheduled for these days in September, most wives and children cannot experience the plethora of activities in this event with their husbands or fathers.  Neither are the fathers able to be present at school functions, games, birthday parties, anniversaries, or other special occasions that may be scheduled while they are at Drag Week.

The school's program was over at 8:30 pm. I got in my car, brought up the Hot Rod website on my iPhone, played it thru my bluetooth function in my car, and started listening to the replay of Day One  at National Trail Dragway. While driving back from the grandkid's school, which is an hour away from our house, I had deja vu of nights driving on unfamiliar roads, in different states, by myself, heading to a hotel room and waiting, and waiting, and waiting, and waiting for Jack and the others to arrive. I didn't have texting back then; calling wasn't an option because the noise inside Jack's Mustang was like being near a jet engine, so I was in communication silence for 6-8 hours--and that was on the good evenings and nights of the street driving portion of the race. Add rain, break downs, and getting lost to that mix for Jack and the guys and you get a couple of really late nights/early mornings arriving at the hotels.

Last night brought back into focus the "not so fun" side of riding along during drag week. Actually, I've never ridden with Jack in the Mustang as navigator, I've been along more as a spectator. As well having someone who can drive the guys back to the "home" track if they break down, to get the trailer and return to pick up the sick pony. Thankfully, my guys have never broken down, other than at the "home" track. Fortunately, they have always made the entire tour. As a spectator who was by herself, those late night driving adventures weren't fun. When the guys did arrive, they were so tired that talking wasn't an option, the pillow had much more allure!

Keith Turk was so kind my first year at Drag Week. I was following the drivers on their route to the next track and I would get out and snap pictures of the guys and other drivers at their checkpoints. "Someone" didn't like me following because they thought I was Jack's support team!  REALLY!!! Check the truck, bub...the only tool you'd find in my truck was my nail file and tweezers!  And the only parts I carried were the different rods for my curling iron! Keith took me aside and said that he didn't think I'd want the "impression" of support for Jack, and he was right. I didn't want to do anything that would jeopardize the intregity of my family or that of Drag Week. So from the second day on, I followed Mapquest's closest route to our hotel. I was disappointed. But rules are rules. Even if none were being violated; impressions do matter. (Philosophical discussion or lesson there somewhere!)

This was the only disappointing part of Drag Week for me, under the circumstances. I know I could enter my car and be part of the race and drive, but would that be fair to "true" drag racer who perhaps didn't get the chance to get into the event because I took a spot that they rightly deserved? My conscience wouldn't let me do that. But at the end of the day, with all said and done, I thoroughly enjoyed my experiences at the couple of the Drag Weeks, and, definitely want to come to the event again to watch my guys with their 'pony' and 'cat' do their thing.  I'm bringing a girlfriend next time!!!

PS:  Momma's Bragging Moment!
Video from YouTube site of one of Scott's runs, Day Three at 131 Motorsport Park:  skip the ad and then it'll play!        https://youtu.be/nFad-_rqYRo?t=2h4m16s