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AMA Mid-Ohio, It’s the People

It's the people that made it. Both the season in general and this past weekend more specifically. Gina's weekend was highlighted with meeting Mat Mladin (I'd like to think it was my race result, but I'm not so sure :). I tried to call over to him as he was walking off to Marty Cragill's RV and embarrassed Gina slightly by telling Mat that my wife had been dying to meet him. He was cool enough to take a minute out of his time to shake her hand (and ours), which made her day. She also got to meet and talk to Jason Pridmore, but missed out on Ben Bostrom who many women like meeting. I personally would have liked to talk to Neil Hodgson, as I've always thought he was a down to earth and personable guy. I hope he can somehow stay in the AMA paddock next year, but it doesn't appear likely at this point. In any event, it's the people who make it. That's why fans were disappointed when the AMA factory riders revolted and didn't ride in the heat races Sunday.

Big names aside, it's still the people that made this past weekend as enjoyable as it was for me. My dad is one. Without him there, I don't know how I would have finished. He is an immense asset and a great dad. He's such a smart and down to earth guy, I'm always learning something from him; whether related to racing or not. Plus he's constantly learning on his own. He's so dedicated in helping me succeed, I can't even put into words how much I appreciate what he does for me; especially because I know part of him wants to be back out there racing again. His support, focused yet comical personality, encouragement, knowledge and overall enthusiasm for what we're doing makes being at the track with him something I will never take for granted.

Gina. Without her support, life would be tough. I've seen plenty of guys struggle to race simply because their family doesn't support it to the level that mine and others do. She's arranged her schedule numerous times to accomodate coming to the track, or my working on the bike during the week. She's been supportive during all the weekends I've been gone and she's been at home (there were many), while I've tried to go faster. Plus she likes racing. It's actually comforting when your wife tells you, "you need to go faster", or "you've gotta get comfortable with the bike moving around under you". She helps in the pits, she knows what's going on - and when she gets overloaded with race talk, she has Star, Us Weekly and Cosmo for entertainment news and gossip; which we all somehow end up having a discussion about at some point during the weekend.

James was helpful as well. He was busy helping the Safety First Team during the weekend, but he still checked up frequently to make sure things were going smoothly for us. He also took care of ordering an Arata replacement during the week, after I tore up the exhaust from last weekend's crash, contributing to the bike looking pretty again.

Dave Grey and Garry Hayes were of course there, as we've pitted beside them the past few race weekends. They both think along very similar lines and have very similar goals as we do, which makes it a pleasure to hang out with them at the track. As for others we hung out with this past weekend, Jonas McCluskley, Aaron (Bagwell), Chris Knight, Bill Stranahan, Dan and Scott Sheehan, Mike Flis, Jim and Paul Cottrell, the many GLMMRS folks in attendance, all the people that stopped by to say hello and wish us luck, and especially Mike Repass – thank you all for the help and support this weekend.

Monday, October 2nd, 2006 | POSTED AT: 10:37 AM
FILED UNDER: General, Race Reports

4 Comments on “AMA Mid-Ohio, It’s the People”

Jim Cottrell wrote on 2 October, 2006, 6:28 PM
Great Job. It was a lot of fun watching you race. What a great day of racing..
Eddie wrote on 3 October, 2006, 9:32 AM
Yeah I thought the day turned out pretty well. Where were you guys watching from? I was waiving to as many people as I could on the cool down lap. Not sure if you saw that or not. :)
Jim Cottrell wrote on 3 October, 2006, 7:19 PM
We were on the hill back by the Suzuki tower along with 10000 other fans all cheering for you. : )
Eddie wrote on 3 October, 2006, 7:37 PM
Man that was cool!