2019 comes to a close today it's hard not to do the look back and be grateful thing in terms of the opportunities that I was afforded with this year. Yes, 2019 was very good to me as it allowed me to partake in many opportunities that I never dreamed were possible. So bear with me as I do a recap on some of the cool experiences that I got to partake in and I will let you in on the key on how I got to do them all.
The first opportunity was being a part of a race track board of directors. Never in my wildest dreams did I believe that this would be an experience that I could say that I experienced. From being a race fan sitting up in the bleachers saying if they did this or why don't they do that to actually being part of the process and giving input on certain areas of the show, well let's just say that it is a rewarding process but also a very stressful process.
The second opportunity that I was granted was one that I have always wanted to be a part of and probably one that a lot of kids at the race track always wanted to try. That was being up in the flag stand and being an assistant flagman at Jamestown Speedway. First, I must say what an amazing experience it is to be up there. To feel the horsepower flying underneath you and to feel the impact of a wreck below the flag stand as they bounce off each other and off the wall is truly nerve wracking. However, as Peter Parker's Grandpa once said, "With great power comes great responsibility." and that is no joke as there is a lot going on up in the tower that you are responsible for. This was highlighted at the Jamestown Stampede as there was three of us up in the flag stand trying to make sure everything was spotted.
The third opportunity that I found my way into was helping out on the Dakota Classic Modified Tour. What a crazy opportunity this was for me. My fiance and I got help out and assist with the entire tour. I helped mainly, with a lot of the behind the scenes stuff and that was more than enough. This opportunity allowed me to get a look at the meeting that is held between the tracks and the Tour and let's just say that it was eye opening. There is a lot of passion by all the parties involved and it can get a little heated at times but it seemed to work out well in the end.
The fourth and final opportunity that I want to highlight is the opportunity to propose to my fiance at the place where we met. Three years ago at the Jamestown Speedway on night one of the Dakota Modified Tour I was approached by my fiance by sheer luck. It took a week of bumping into each other and another round of modified tour (Sanders Mod Tour) and then a date weekend to the rained out Stampede before she finally agreed to be my girlfriend. Fast forward to July 3rd, in a spur of the moment decision I decided to bring the ring with just in case I wanted to propose that night instead of being stressed out and proposing the first night of the mod tour. She said yes and the night rained out but it was the perfect place and the perfect night for us and for the proposal. I'm extremely fortunate that she has a passion for the sport as deep as mine and both of us are extremely grateful for what Jamestown Speedway has done for us.
So, there you have it, 2019 in a very condensed nutshell. I have been blessed to say the least this past year and if I could tell you guys and gals one key to being able to take the next step in racing or being involved in racing is to put yourself out there. Don't be afraid to volunteer at your local track or to help your local driver. I am a prime example of that. I offered assistance to my local track and that led to the surprising election to the board. I put myself out there and offered to help with the Dakota Modified Tour and now I play a role in that as well. By offering your time and labor you would be surprised by the things that you can achieve or be a part of. Remember we all were once a kid in the grandstands looking out at our heroes on the track. Now is your chance and now is your time to get out and put yourself out there to offer your skills. Don't fret if you don't become lead flagman right away. It all takes time and through that time you will develop the necessary skills to become the next successful flagman, race director, or race car driver. Yes, 2019 was very good to me and I'm excited to see what 2020 has in store. Happy New Years everybody!
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