[ISF]

Danny, I think nearly all of us who are fans of racing had a person close to us who primed the pump, so to speak. You and all those folks you thanked probably will be credited by your Grandboy for doing that for him.

A letter printed in the old National Speed Sport News just before Fathers Day many years ago hangs on my office wall to this day and is certainly apropo to me and to many of us, I suspect. Just substitute Granda for Dad.

I wish I had written it and kudos to whoever did.
It goes like this:

Some Dads buy your first car.
Some Dads pay your way through college.
Some Dads even give you the family business.
My Dad didn't do any of those things.
Instead,
My Dad took me to the races.

[Danny Burton]

SD, that was us. Soon as you mentioned the hap signed by the Hagen/Grant duo, I was sure.

This little guy has shown more interest in racing than his mom, uncle and brother combined. Has me mystified, but I'm not complaining.

[racefan20]

So are we introducing him to LORP this thursday?

[aka Liz]

Originally Posted by HARFprez A simple gesture from a driver, a swipe of the pen to autograph a hat or shirt, a gift of a hot wheel or a free hat has a long lasting effect on a child (of any age). Last night, the generosity of the drivers coming to the front of the grandstands for autographs, can offer huge rewards in the future. A child grows up, and has a thousand different directions to go, many lose interest in racing, many gain the love for the sport that we all have, and a few strap on the helmet, you never know. So next time, even when you're getting your game face on, take a moment for that kid with the sharpie, you'll gain a fan for life. bob.

So, so true - my son was lucky to have some very positive experiences with drivers when he was growing up. And to be honest, he still doesn't like one big name driver who was rude to him oh so many years ago at IRP...those encounters go a long way in the making of fans.