“Random” Acts of Kindness – 21 July 2007

When you are stuck in a corporate job, “corporate purgatory” as I like to call it, you often start to lose faith in the human race.  
My job is no different.  Every day, I deal with people who are nice to you when they think they can benefit from it, and will be
the first to throw you under the bus if they think that will provide more benefit.  At times, they will even make things up to
worsen your position, and better their own.  To these people, doing things because they are “right”, or taking pleasure in
making someone smile are nonsense ideas.

In a previous life, I worked with some of the best the military has to offer.  I loved the “family” that I found in these groups.  
These people will give the shirts off of their backs to help each other and trust each other completely.  There is no question
that when you need someone, they will be there.  Perhaps that is what draws me to racing.

Go to a race one night and you will see human decency in its finest form.  Competitors who battle fiercely on the track will help
each other off the track.  This is not just help in their lives, but they will give each other tips, provide parts and sweat when the
cars are broken, and anything else someone in their “racing family” may need.  It’s a battle for a relatively small purse and a
large amount of pride.  Yet, people seem to desire to win because they are the best and not because they can screw over
their competition.

Tonight, as I do many nights at the track, I witnessed this once again.  During the 410 feature on Little League Night at
Knoxville Raceway, Ricky Logan blew a left rear tire, bringing out the caution, and limped his car into the work area.  Jack
Dover’s crew ran right over, tore off the wounded wheel, and put another in its place.  Jack and his crew had an abysmal
night, not even making it out for the B feature.  It was obvious they were working hard to get their car back together for the
next race, but they were there to help a fellow competitor in need.

And who can forget season championships from 2006?  Drivers such as Clint Garner were battling for their final point
standings.  Clint blew the engine in his car during hot laps.  Another competitor (I believe Scott Winters) offered up his car for
that final race so Clint had a chance to secure his spot.  Take into account the amount of money that is spent on these
machines, and it is nothing short of inspirational.

Racing draws a certain caliber of people.  Why would someone spend a million dollars to win a thousand?  Perhaps, as so
many do not understand, it is not as much the money as the racing itself.  Sure, there is the pride of winning and the badge of
honor from a well-fought battle, but there is more.  When the “racing bug” bites you and you truly get assimilated into the
culture, it becomes something as necessary to your life as oxygen.  And it’s not just the individuals.  I remember the big ice
storm we had here in Iowa this year.  Power was knocked out to large areas.  Menards® and Target® operated on limited
generator power, handing out flash lights to patrons, and provided the community with the ability to obtain much needed
items.  Wal-Mart® was closed.  Think about these three businesses.  Two of them are active sponsors in racing.  One is not.

Just when I get fed up with the constant back stabbing and corporate climbers, and just when I get completely annoyed with
people who think my frequent use of the words “please” and “thank you” are strange, I get a glimmer of hope from the racers
and crews who take care of each other.  I am reminded that there are, in fact, still good people in this world.  For that, I am
thankful.  For, if it wasn’t for them, I might lose hope in the future of our world.

-- The Mermaid