a cool thing about Gary Balough

[Boneman]

I listened with interest to Gary Balough on Inside Florida Racing tonight. Although I missed the first half hour (I'll catch the podcast), this was really the first time I've ever heard this guy. He has been a huge part of our racing culture since I was a kid, but I only knew about his high-profile exploits. Beyond that, he has been a complete mystery to me.

So here is a racer who has climbed to the top of the sport, only to encounter career destroying and life altering events. Its happened more than once, but Gary gets back on his feet, pulls on a firesuit and jumps right back in the race.

He has made costly mistakes in his past, and has paid dearly for them. So here is what I admire about the guy today: his enthusiasm!

I don't think there are many men his age, that have been through such tough years, who still have the fire in their guts to jump back in racing with both feet and get involved with a hundred projects at once. He could have every excuse to be a bitter, old dude and tick off years, but tonight he sounded like a young man on a mission! He is out to develop new cars, mentor young drivers, and of course climb back behind the wheel.

Can you imagine what Gary Balough could do for Florida racing in 2011? What lucky track gets the Dick Anderson vs. Gary Balough match race? That will be SRO!

Gotta admit that I was never a fan...until tonight. I wish him well on his new shot at life and eagerly await the rocket ride that is coming our way.

Welcome back Hot Shoe!

[carolwicks]

Rex!

no one could have said it better... glad you got to hear it from the man himself... i also commend Jason and Jack for their good taste and for asking all the right questions. Thank you Rex for understanding that this man is on the way to a complete recovery from a difficult time and i know he will be a force in short track racing. a name no one will forget for many many years to come. i personally think it was one of the best interviews ever on INSIDE FLORIDA RACING....
carolwicks aka oz

[jason]

Thank You

First off, I would like to Thank Jack, for giving me the opportunity to interview Gary Balough. It has been a long time since I have gotten a chance to sit down and do any interview. Man the butterflies were fluttering tonight! Really, to actually have the chance to talk to a hero of mine was very unnerving, but man I am so glad I did, and it is now one of my favorite memories. Rex, I couldn’t have said it any better, Thank you! One thing Gary touched on that I really don’t think anyone caught onto and I’m sorry that I didn’t dig any deeper. It was when he said that “the tracks are there to put on a show”. I would hope that some of the track owners will take that to heart. It’s a show guys, and the fans must be entertained. No show, no entertainment, no fans, no track! We can’t afford to lose any more race tracks. The show must go on. As for myself I can’t wait to see Gary Balough at a speedway sometime soon good luck to you sir and Thank You.

[flvideo]

Very Good Show.

Good Job guys. I also have to agree with Rex. I watched Gary race in the 70's and 80's and he could wheel a race car. Then to see him fall was disheartening to say the least. Now to see him get back with it and pick himself up and go on is neat. If the match up between him and Dick Anderson happens I want to be there and get it on tape for Prosperity. Jack Carol and Jason good Job on an excellent show. Bob....

[carolwicks]

Bobert...

i didnt get to say much because my mic was messed up but i think i would have shut up anyways because Jason was doing far better than anyone could have. he was like a kid in a candy shop interviewing his childhood hero... besides that he is microphone friendly.. ;-) i did get to talk at length with Gary during the week and i was really impressed. he is an excellent speaker and you can feel his renewed energy. we are sorry for the equipment problems. As you all know, Jack hasnt been up to par healthwise and the equipment has been out of service for awhile. but all in all... WOW! i dont know how in the world we can top that one... BUT... we will keep trying to entertain our racing family. ;-)
carol aka ozzie

My feeling is this... it is really easy to always be good. but it takes a REAL strong person to fall down hard and pick themselves up and move on....
Gary is UP!!!!! We all fall short in the glory of God... ;-)

[Don Nerone]

the dick and gary show. have bet you cant get both of them on the show at the same time. You could get them on the track at the same time but we did that and Dick wins if Gary cant reck him . Still love both of them but Garys not in shape for racing but both of them on the show at the same ti me it would be wide open.

Don 62