Wow!

[Dawn]

There were riders that really impressed me this weekend....

One was Kevin Schwantz. - what a down to earth person with a real sense of humor.  I was walking Marty through the pits one morning and Mr. Schwantz wanted to pet him.  Well, those of you who know the little Marty dog, you know he's a bit bashful.  One of the crewmember said, "Well that must be because he's old."  I replied, "Who? The dog, or Mr. Schwantz?"  The crew busted out laughing.  I know I should have shown a little more respect, but sometimes things just come out (oops!).  Mr. Schwantz just laughed and said, "I am old, especially in dog years."

The next day, Paul and I are walking buy when Mr. Schwantz was looking at the computer.  Paul said, "You should dial up another 10 horsepower."  Mr. Schwantz replied, "It's not the bike, that's plenty fast, it's the guy riding it."  

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I was sitting there watching the motard practice on Friday, when Neil Hodgson pulled up along side.  After a time, I got the courage to walk up and talk to him.  Talk about a nice gentleman.  I won't post what he said, because it was personal, but I was really impressed and am even a bigger fan then before.
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Miquel....  What can I say?  He was always busy when I went by so I didn't interrupt and there were too many people when he was available to the public.  Renee though waited patiently in line.  He took the time to talk to her and her friends, signed autographs, took pictures, and then ran into the trailer to grab some knee pucks and signed it for her.  Renee was thrilled.

I have more stories, but that's all the time I have for now.

Dawn   ;)

[Gixxerblade]

I agree with you Dawn, most of the big names n racing are pretty cool, except Jamie Hacking, maybe he was ahaving a bad day or several the times I have talken to him. Glad you had a good time at RA. BTW this post is worthless without pics!!! ;D

[dylanfan53]

 Talk about a nice gentleman.  I won't post what he said, because it was personal, but I was really impressed

 :o :o :o ;D

It's always the guys with the accent that impress the ladies...

[spyderchick]

Glad you guys had such a good time. It's stories like that that remind me why I love this sport so much. :D

[Thorny]

Tommy Hayden told my 7yr old, while walking by himself in the pits, "come back some other time." I think he is a twerp to do that to a child who still thinks he is a pretty cool dude.

[tigerblade]

There were riders that really impressed me this weekend....

One was Kevin Schwantz. - what a down to earth person with a real sense of humor.  

I got Schwantz's autograph on a part of my RC51 (the little cowl piece that replaces the pillion seat) at Mid-Ohio in 2002.  It's funny how very few fans seemed to recognize either him or Freddie Spencer (they were all crowded around Nicky).  Anyway, #34 was very cool to me, even after I told him the piece he was signing was off a Honda...   ;D

[cb186]

Tommy Hayden told my 7yr old, while walking by himself in the pits, "come back some other time." I think he is a twerp to do that to a child who still thinks he is a pretty cool dude.

i got that feeling from him and Roger last year at the BIR AMA. i'm not one to give two sh#ts about any of the factory guys, but they seemed particularly self centered when Putter tried talking to Tommy the evening after he gave Tommy a ride back from T3 on my golfcart when his bike quit because a mechanic forgot to put gas in it for practice. just kinda gave brush off head nod.

[Jeff]

Yep, my kids were with Renee and got signed Miguel pucks as well.  That was the highlight of *MY* weekend...

Jake kinda let me down as he brushed me off in conversation about a charity ride that HE is supporting and doing.  But hey, I suppose he gets a million people daily asking for something.

[putter]

i got that feeling from him and Roger last year at the BIR AMA. i'm not one to give two sh#ts about any of the factory guys, but they seemed particularly self centered when Putter tried talking to Tommy the evening after he gave Tommy a ride back from T3 on my golfcart when his bike quit because a mechanic forgot to put gas in it for practice. just kinda gave brush off head nod.

I am with Chad. I am no longer in awe of factory riders, but I thought I would chat with Tommy after I gave him a ride back to the pits. He barely acknowledged me. Oh well.

[Gixxerblade]

Maybe he had a lot on his mind. Maybe he was tired. Just because they didn't sit there and chat doesn't mean they are mean people. One thing I have learned about roadracing is in the paddock most are pretty nice otherwise I would have been gone a long time ago. Another thing about factory guys is that they are the same as you and me really. They aren't super heroes. They can just go faster in a circle than us.  8)

[putter]

Maybe he had a lot on his mind. Maybe he was tired. Just because they didn't sit there and chat doesn't mean they are mean people. One thing I have learned about roadracing is in the paddock most are pretty nice otherwise I would have been gone a long time ago. Another thing about factory guys is that they are the same as you and me really. They aren't super heroes. They can just go faster in a circle than us.  8)

I have been attending AMA races for 13 years. I would never diss a pro racer for having a lot on his mind and not wanting to talk. Then again, I have had some really fun times with Russell, Picotte, and a bunch of the other guys.

I hear what you are saying, but trust me...he was just an ass.

And Dawn is right, Schwantz is the man. A true nice guy.