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08/22/07:
We brought a great car to Wiscasset on Sunday but in the end, the local guys
like Johnny and Scott taught us something we already knew but weren't used to
being on the losing side of. Experience on a particular track carries a lot of
clout and this time we were on the losing end for a change. I guess I should
really be disappointed with my performance but the lessons I learned in
defeat are something I didn't have before at that track and should help when we
go back for the big money next year. The fact that cars like Jay
Cushman's and Kelly Moore's also missed the set-up at least told me that even
the best can't hit it the set-up all the time.
It was fun going back to a track that we always enjoyed running and
seeing fans from that area that we haven't seen in quite awhile. Even after the
race was over and we didn't have a great day, the feeling that people were glad we
came makes it easier to except the results and go on. They always say that race
drivers have big egos and as much as we deny it, fan support is what drives us to
win or lose. When I see the young drivers coming into our sport I wonder what
their motivation is and if mine was anything like that when I came in. Race
drivers like Ollie Silver and Smokey Boutwell were my heroes and all I wanted to
be was like them. I'm sure there aren't many people that even know those names but
to me they were bigger than life and I was willing to give up every thing in
life to be like them. I never did reach their level but I did become part of one
of New England's most successful teams, Dion Brothers Racing. At this time I'm
trying to coach Kattie Haggar with some good advice but can't seem to come up
with much other than "surround yourself with good people and don't forget
where you came from." Coming from a big family of six boys was the reason for any
success I've enjoyed but that's not advice that applies in today's racing
world.
Our next race will be at White Mountain Speedway on Sept. 15th which is
N.H.I.S. weekend so after the races at Loudon on Saturday, "head for the mountains"
for some "good old short track racing". Hopefully, we can refine our new
combination and give the front runners a little more competition and the results
we are capable and expected of.
Thanks again to all the fans that support all our races. Yours truly, Dave
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