Fence jumper at Brainerd

[r2]

Sometimes you do dumb stuff with no alcohol involved. Back in 2011 we were running the Seattle Divisional. I decided I needed to take a look at the track before we ran since it was pretty hot out. Rather than step over the concrete at about 60' out wall I decided to try the high jump over it like a runner. Well. my lead foot missed clearing the wall by about 3/4 of an inch, meaning I went head first over and did a face plant on the track. Jeff Smith was with me when I did it. After making sure I was ok (hurt like heck), he told me something to the effect that even in my younger years I probably wouldn't have cleared it, so why try now? I had no answer.

The story is funny Randy, but I can't bring myself to put a funny emoji next to it. I always wanted to break my leg when I was younger for the attention and autographs, until I broke my wrist. I never want to break another bone in my life! My gosh that so painful when they put it back in place. Ruthless

 

[Cliff]

"If I had a nickel for every dumb thing I've ever done..." I would have lotsa $$$$.

 

[sammi]

Sad that our world has devolved to such a bunch of babies who furiously hunt for reasons to be aggrieved. It was a much happier world.

 

[Just Paul]

I wish they would put you back behind the mic at the top end. You did an awesome job!

Thanks! That means more than you know. It's 100% on me that I haven't had any other opportunities.

Some backstory....That was 2019, afterwards I was told I could probably do more in 2020 but, the 2020 NHRA season pretty much got wiped out. However, the local tracks here eventually opened up and as you mentioned above with the JR Dragster racing, we hit that pretty hard with both kids, and they loved it. In 2021, we ran points series at 2 tracks with both kids and ended up doing well. Brainerd takes the top 2 in points for each age group for the weekend display and to run the cars at the Nats. As you can imagine, it's a pretty big deal for the kids to do that. I did announce at the 2021 Divisional with Alan that was held the Wednesday/Thursday before the Nats that year, but the kids earned their spot in the JDRL display and I can't do both, so I didn't ask to announce the Nationals. They've been able to earn a spot at the National every year since, so I haven't asked, and truthfully I haven't been asked, and would not expect to be.

Maybe when the kids are older I could try again, but I already had my opportunity I think. Who knows.. I'm just glad and thankful I had that chance. Dream come true.

At the same time, I was also that kid in 1993 watching Steven Densham show and drive the house NHRA Jr. Dragster during national events and thinking he had to be the luckiest kid on the planet getting to do that. I never got to drive one, but getting to be with my kids while they are doing it is even better.

 

[r2]

Thanks! That means more than you know. It's 100% on me that I haven't had any other opportunities.

Some backstory....That was 2019, afterwards I was told I could probably do more in 2020 but, the 2020 NHRA season pretty much got wiped out. However, the local tracks here eventually opened up and as you mentioned above with the JR Dragster racing, we hit that pretty hard with both kids, and they loved it. In 2021, we ran points series at 2 tracks with both kids and ended up doing well. Brainerd takes the top 2 in points for each age group for the weekend display and to run the cars at the Nats. As you can imagine, it's a pretty big deal for the kids to do that. I did announce at the 2021 Divisional with Alan that was held the Wednesday/Thursday before the Nats that year, but the kids earned their spot in the JDRL display and I can't do both, so I didn't ask to announce the Nationals. They've been able to earn a spot at the National every year since, so I haven't asked, and truthfully I haven't been asked, and would not expect to be.

Maybe when the kids are older I could try again, but I already had my opportunity I think. Who knows.. I'm just glad and thankful I had that chance. Dream come true.

At the same time, I was also that kid in 1993 watching Steven Densham show and drive the house NHRA Jr. Dragster during national events and thinking he had to be the luckiest kid on the planet getting to do that. I never got to drive one, but getting to be with my kids while they are doing it is even better.


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When I walked in Sunday, they were running the JR's, and I saw the bright red parachute, but didn't catch the names. I was hoping that they got to run again this year, but didn't know how all that worked.

2019, holy cow time fly's. I thought every question you asked was spot on, and pertained to what was going on and related to the storyline, just like Alan used to do. And not the mundane where does this rank or how do you feel questions that are asked like today.

I hope you take the opportunity when it presents itself again, because you are a real natural, really seemed to enjoy it. I know I did, and was really stoked for you Paul!

Coolest Dad ever! Goodluck and Best wishes.

The pics with Torrence were epic as well.

 

[r2]

"If I had a nickel for every dumb thing I've ever done..." I would have lotsa $$$$.

2 bucks doesn't buy much anymore Cliff. I paid $5.24 for a cold can of Monster coffee this morning at the gas station ... Made me wish I had put another gallon in the tank instead.