Almost a word for word repost

First, take a moment to read the below (Or refer to linked post) And then, read my update to this post.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Just my opinion
First, I would like to start out by saying that I would hope everyone would pray for Jeff and his family…I was not aware of how serious his wreck at Knoxville was until after speaking with Judd. Since hearing the comparison of Jeff’s accident to Kevin Gobrecht’s at I-30, I have been feeling a range of emotions.

Being a fan of many drivers, including Jeff and Kevin, I know how dangerous my favorite sport is. I have seen what happens within the racing community when something happens to one of their own. Organizations like the York County Racing Club raise money for injured drivers, and we, as fans, should support this endeavor.

It still surprises me how many people who boo a certain driver running in Central PA. And while I may not be a fan, this driver’s family is there hearing obcenaties throughout the evening. I have witnessed “haters” threatening his family while he is stopped on the track during a red flag. This behavior is appalling.

Now, we all have our pet peeves at different tracks…but when so-called fans resort to this type of behavior, something has to be done. However, this problem has also surfaced on the various message boards in a different way. Not only do we have this particular issue, but the up-and-comers are facing hate as well.

Granted, some drivers DO need to improve….but the only way to improve is to get seat time. Drivers coming up from one division to another also face scrutiny. Many of these drivers have succeeded in the lower ranks of open wheel racing and moved up appearing at Williams Grove and Lincoln. Those on the message boards criticize these drivers mercilessly.

I am not sure how many of those who are posting actually drive a racecar of any kind, but after hearing the comments, I would doubt they did. Racing is an expensive and dangerous sport…it takes time, effort, and practice to become competitive. I do not have access to a car to offer a challenge like one on the Grove board, but I would challenge any of these “haters” to get 10 laps to see if they could do any better.

UPDATE: Dont you get it? Just because you dont root for someone does NOT mean they cheat. Arent these drivers providing you with your entertainment?

 

Jeff Shepard update

Brad Vores website – http://www.ijustwannarace.com/ gives an update on where to send cards or letters of support to Jeff. Brad’s update is copy-pasted below:

UPDATE 8/10/08 11:30am
Jeff continued to improve over the past 24 hours and is following all Doctors commands. They are keeping Jeff comfortable and relaxed with medication. We should know more about the extent of Jeff’s head injury over the next several days. Please continue to keep Jeff and his family in your prayers.

Cards can be sent to:
Jeff Shepard
14809 Hanover Pike
Upperco, MD 21155

I suggest sending a card even if you are not a fan of The Jet’s. (See previous Shepard post) Jeff is a dedicated sprint car driver that always thinks about his fans.

Short story:
If you were attending sprint car races at Lincoln a few years ago, you might remember the word war in victory lane between Fred Rahmer and Jeff Shepard. That alone kept me coming to races! Who knew that “The Fossil” and the “Mouth from MD” would keep something like that going for an entire season?

And….just as an FYI, Jeff Shepard is NOT the “Mouth from MD” – I am.

 

Fatality on Bay Bridge

If you click on the Title to this post, you will be taken to a video of WBAL News’ coverage of this story. http://www.wbaltv.com/video/17151930/index.html

I am only in my 30’s, but I don’t seem to recall ever hearing about an accident where a vehicle actually falls into the Chesapeake Bay. While this accident is horrific, the tractor trailer did fall into a shallow part of the Bay beside the bridge.

Almost 24 hours later, part of the bridge remains closed. When looking online at CHART, you can tell no one is really going anywhere.

If you don’t have to go near the Bay Bridge, don’t. It will probably be a mess through tomorrow evening.