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I had an extraordinary call from a friend of mine tonight. Dick Owens, a guy I summoned this week via a “shout out” on this board, told me that the owner of the racing series where he worked read my post, and was unable to see through the obvious and good-natured ribbing that it contained. She decided that it brought unfavorable publicity to the series, and let Dick go from his position with Fast Mini Cups. I am dumb-founded at this response.
For the last several months, anyone who knows Dick Owens is aware that he is mini cup racing’s biggest booster: He discussed at length this class, his ups and downs with the series, and the plans for upcoming events. It is my understanding that he held a position like race director, so he had spent his time on the phone getting cars to the track, arranging events, etc. It is safe to say it is a mostly thankless job for little pay, if anything. The funny thing is that he did it with pride and enthusiasm that money can’t buy. You have to love what you are doing, and I know Dick went at this work the way a good promoter does: with a positive attitude and with the intention of attracting more competitors to the group.
To the owner of the series: do you know why I wanted to contact Dick? I had an interesting lead from someone who wanted to support your group and help grow the mini cup presence in Florida. I have nothing to do with mini cups (thank goodness), so I tried to pass this good news on to someone who I knew would cultivate the idea and make it grow to benefit mini cup racing. That is why I asked Dick to call or email me.
Do you know why I did it the way I did? Because that is how guys talk to each other. Dick is a buddy of mine from the track. We've known each other for years, we have raced against each other, but have always got along well because we have so much in common; like a love for this sport and a good sense of humor. Guys talk to each other like that, and for you to place any importance to it is nothing more than silliness on your part.
For the good of short-track racing, I hope someone picks up on Dick Owens and puts his experience, passion and effort to work in THEIR series. He will be an asset to the new organization without a doubt.
Again addressing the owner of Fast Mini Cup: I wish you good luck with your series, and I fully expect that you will need it.
Rex Hollinger
“Boneman”
For the last several months, anyone who knows Dick Owens is aware that he is mini cup racing’s biggest booster: He discussed at length this class, his ups and downs with the series, and the plans for upcoming events. It is my understanding that he held a position like race director, so he had spent his time on the phone getting cars to the track, arranging events, etc. It is safe to say it is a mostly thankless job for little pay, if anything. The funny thing is that he did it with pride and enthusiasm that money can’t buy. You have to love what you are doing, and I know Dick went at this work the way a good promoter does: with a positive attitude and with the intention of attracting more competitors to the group.
To the owner of the series: do you know why I wanted to contact Dick? I had an interesting lead from someone who wanted to support your group and help grow the mini cup presence in Florida. I have nothing to do with mini cups (thank goodness), so I tried to pass this good news on to someone who I knew would cultivate the idea and make it grow to benefit mini cup racing. That is why I asked Dick to call or email me.
Do you know why I did it the way I did? Because that is how guys talk to each other. Dick is a buddy of mine from the track. We've known each other for years, we have raced against each other, but have always got along well because we have so much in common; like a love for this sport and a good sense of humor. Guys talk to each other like that, and for you to place any importance to it is nothing more than silliness on your part.
For the good of short-track racing, I hope someone picks up on Dick Owens and puts his experience, passion and effort to work in THEIR series. He will be an asset to the new organization without a doubt.
Again addressing the owner of Fast Mini Cup: I wish you good luck with your series, and I fully expect that you will need it.
Rex Hollinger
“Boneman”
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