Life and racing sure has changed over the last few years
It has been over a year since our team has been involved in racing and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss many things about the sport. When I visit my brothers and team members, I try to get a read on how their lives are going and if they are happier living a normal life. I know I enjoy my new life in Florida being closer to my family
but there is an emptiness that used to be filled by being part of "Dion Bros. Racing".
The most rewarding thing about being part of our team for me wasn't the winning but sometimes doing the impossible. When I look back at our career, it isn't the dominating performances that come to mind but the "rise from the dead" "come from the back" races. The things my team did at times to repair and adjust our car into a winning combination when all hope was gone are still my most vivid memories.
Racing has changed so much over the last few years that it is difficult for a hands-on team like ours to separate ourselves from the competition and to be creative. It does look like help is on the way for the loyal Ford racers with the A.C.T. Tour allowing the use of the new Ford crate engine this year. Tom Curley has been working hard on this project for a few years now and Ford has finally seen the value in short track regional racing. Our team has tried to convince them of the value of this type of racing for our entire career but they never would listen. A crate engine isn't a cure all but at least it will try to create a rivalry among fans that has been missing for years now.
I've been invited to help Accessible Racing with their display at "Speedway Expo" this weekend (Feb. 27-Mar. 1) and a visit to "The Shriner's Hospital" in Springfield. I hope we get a lot of people stopping by our booth to check out the handicap accessible race car and to meet the staff. Watching anyone experience driving a race car for the first time is exciting for me but to see people with disabilities "come to life again" is as rewarding as anything I have done in my life.
I'll be wandering around the show most of the weekend (Coastal 181 book signing, Accessible racing booth, Riverside Park reunion, Near Hall Of Fame booth, etc.) so stop and say hi if you see me as it would be great to see old friends and race fans again. Oh, I'll probably be running my mouth with someone so don't be bashful about joining in. Ha! I guess that's it for now so come on down (or up) to the show this weekend and forget that it's still winter outside for a few hours.
Yours truly,
Dave