Many Happy Returns, Don, and kudos for operating what will go down in history as one of the most prolific teams in drag racing. Thank you for keeping deserving drivers in the seat, for advancing the technology of the sport through your financial contributions and especially for raising such a great son. Tony, unknowingly, was as big an influence in my son's racing career through his kindness to a small child.
We were at the first winter tune up at SIR in Tucson, before there was a giant draw and the velvet ropes were needed. It was very much like the old days, with lots of space between the teams and an unhindered view of the crews at work. My almost 2 y.o. son and I cruised up on Tony's pit, and your son asked if my son would like to sit in the cockpit. Bad dad
had no camera at the time, but the memory lives with me until the day I take a dirt nap... Tony picked up Emmett out of his hot-rodded car stroller and placed him in the cockpit of his dragster. A huge smile spread across his face (and mine too) and Emmett's first action was to grab the butterfly... He's been hooked ever since, and to this day, Tony's professionalism and successes have been an influence on Emmett's own Jr. Dragster experience, with his future hope to become a professional Nitro driver.
As a dad, I know that a father's influence helps determine the values of a son, and your actions are reflected in your boy, as I hope mine are with mine. I hope that your birthday brings you great happiness and the years bring you continued success.
