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Edition 4 of the Charity Truckers 200 is in the books. I took my 3 boys to it today, and we had a really good time. We got all that was promised, and yet I am a little frustrated. Not with the event quality, but with the fact that the charity race has the potential to grow so much, yet after 4 years has not fully taken off and blossomed like it could.
Now this is just my opinion as a spectator. I am sure it was successful and raised some money for the three struggling families that benefited from this years race. Thanks to some generous sponsors, and to the combined efforts of so many, I hope they came out well ahead. The problem is that I like the event and want to see it explode in popularity. Don't ask me how to pull that off; there was certainly lots of effort put in by Rick and his team.
The last minute change in schedule due to the rain didn't help the crowd turn-out, yet it was absolutely the right thing to do. Without the change, one night would have been rained out, and the other would have run in the cold. Maybe schedule everything for Sunday afternoon next year. I liked the daytime format. For one thing, my kids lasted to the end.
Aaron's Rentals supplied one of those arena mascots, and I have to tip my hat to who ever was inside that costume. That person really knows how to entertain a crowd, especially the kids. My little sons loved the "Lucky Dog." He or she didn't just blow kisses like the characters at Disney; this damn dog stole my food, pretended to bonk the kids heads together, danced with them and carried on all day. Thanks Aaron's! My little guys had a blast.
I had a little anti-karma moment today. A few months ago, I was critical of one of the truck drivers in todays race. I watched him at his home track, and commented on how he was the biggest hell-raising, trouble-making, fight starting redneck in the whole place. So today, all the drivers handed out a stuffed toy to a kid, and naturally, this driver walked to the fence and gave his toy to my son. It was a good day to not be wearing a "boneman" shirt!
The command to fire engines was given by one of the family members who benefitted from the race. He is a 12 year old boy who recently had a cancerous tumor removed from his eye and brain. As I sat there with my 3 healthy sons, I have to admit it was a touching moment. Who could understand what that boy went through, and not be moved by the enthusiasm in his voice today?
Warmest congratulations to Rick, his army of volunteers, and to all that helped out with the Charity Truckers 200. On to 2010!
Now this is just my opinion as a spectator. I am sure it was successful and raised some money for the three struggling families that benefited from this years race. Thanks to some generous sponsors, and to the combined efforts of so many, I hope they came out well ahead. The problem is that I like the event and want to see it explode in popularity. Don't ask me how to pull that off; there was certainly lots of effort put in by Rick and his team.
The last minute change in schedule due to the rain didn't help the crowd turn-out, yet it was absolutely the right thing to do. Without the change, one night would have been rained out, and the other would have run in the cold. Maybe schedule everything for Sunday afternoon next year. I liked the daytime format. For one thing, my kids lasted to the end.
Aaron's Rentals supplied one of those arena mascots, and I have to tip my hat to who ever was inside that costume. That person really knows how to entertain a crowd, especially the kids. My little sons loved the "Lucky Dog." He or she didn't just blow kisses like the characters at Disney; this damn dog stole my food, pretended to bonk the kids heads together, danced with them and carried on all day. Thanks Aaron's! My little guys had a blast.
I had a little anti-karma moment today. A few months ago, I was critical of one of the truck drivers in todays race. I watched him at his home track, and commented on how he was the biggest hell-raising, trouble-making, fight starting redneck in the whole place. So today, all the drivers handed out a stuffed toy to a kid, and naturally, this driver walked to the fence and gave his toy to my son. It was a good day to not be wearing a "boneman" shirt!
The command to fire engines was given by one of the family members who benefitted from the race. He is a 12 year old boy who recently had a cancerous tumor removed from his eye and brain. As I sat there with my 3 healthy sons, I have to admit it was a touching moment. Who could understand what that boy went through, and not be moved by the enthusiasm in his voice today?
Warmest congratulations to Rick, his army of volunteers, and to all that helped out with the Charity Truckers 200. On to 2010!
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