Let's face it. We racers are all a bunch of little kids. We get so involved in our racing that we'd forget to eat if someone didn't watch out for us. Thank God for Track Moms.
A Track Mom is the lady who finds joy in looking after one or more cranky, forgetful racers. She cooks, cleans, reminds us to eat and drink, helps us on and off with our leathers, drags tools to tech, puts our bikes on the stands, gets the tire warmers, consoles us when we lose, crash or blow up, bandages us, brings us beer, ect, ect, ect. Her work is never done, and she usually never gets any credit. The best she can hope for is a few cranky, barked orders to let her know she is needed.
Why do they do it? Hell, I don't know. My wife isn't about to deal with that kind of abuse, so she stays home. But there are certian women who thrive in this enviroment. They are the Track Moms.
Some guys are lucky enough to have married one. I'm luckier still to have been adopted. My Track Mom is Dawn Buxton. Not only does she put up with her big, cranky lummox of a husband Paul, (A mammoth job in itself!) but she 's adopted me, Dave Vaugn, Kevin Clark, Kim Olsen, and whoever else happens to be around at any given time. If anyone could be considered the "Team Captain," it would be Dawn. Our race program would suffer tremendously without her.
So take this day to honor the Track Moms. The pay sucks, the children are ungrateful, there is zero recognition and the work is never done. A thankless job to be sure, but we'd all be screwed without them!
Thanks Chris....
.... I'm feeling a bit 'misty eyed' right now.
Dawn :)
I think Dawn may be more of an aunt to me, but I still appreciate having her around. ;D
Happy race moms day, Dawn. Your the best! :-*
Thanks, MOM!!!!!
Happy Mom's Day!
Another person I'd like to add to the "Track Mom" list is Kathleen McLaughlin!!!!!
I know a certain racer who is currently having relationship trouble for the very reason that he fails to acknowledge or appreciate his Track Mom. So here is a perfect place to shout out some praise for YOUR Track Mom. I'll expect Stumpy to lead off the show. (If he's at all smart...) C'mon, guys! talk up your ladies! It's free!
Ok Ok. My mom is not only my mom, but a pit crew too. She's always the one to notice the little things like the tire warmer lights aren't on, and we forgot to re-fuel, and there's only 26.5 pounds of pressure in the rear. I am really appreciative of my Family and freinds to be there for me and livin' the dream along side me.
Stumpy
Yes Stumpy. Everyone is quite jealous of your harem. You'd think a guy THAT hooked up could afford to loan a hottie out once in a while...
You know, wives and girlfriends count as track moms too. If they're taking care of some poor racer who would be helpless off-track, they count. Anyone else?
And not all Track Moms are Moms... I don't know if I could do this without my "Track Guy" (somehow "Track Dad" just doesn't sound right)... I'm continually amazed by his dedication to what we're trying to do... his attention to detail is meticulous... I never have to think about "do I have enough gas?" "can I fit the trailer in there and still get out?" "is this tight?" or "did we set the tire pressure?"... he sacrifices so much of his spare time making sure the bike is 100% BEFORE we leave the house. He doesn't even complain when I forget to feed him all day!