Stefanie's Corner

For those who don’t know me, my name is Stefanie (kenney) Verkade.

  I currently race GNCC’s, District 6 Hare scrambles, and Atlantic Grand Prix Series.  I have been around the racing atmosphere nearly all my life, as my family is heavily involved.  I’ve seen and raced many different types of machines.  Which makes me think about how races and racing in general has changed over the past couple of years?  Remember when three wheelers, buggy’s, and odysseys were the “in” things to race.

  Remember when everyone showed up to the races with station wagons or pick up truck with home-made trailers.  Remember when a GNCC race was only one race, not two and 150 racers were a lot.  Or how about the tracks were so hard and tight that you nearly closed your eyes and prayed you would make it through or down without wrecking.  Remember when 2-strokes ruled the track.  Remember when society never recognized woman racing in a so called “Mans Sport”.  Remember when people raced with open faced helmets.

  Remember when majority of the racers didn’t have the option of long travel a-arms or suspension.  Thank god for the man who invented the steering dampener!  Remember when hot pink and bright colored gear was the “hot” thing to wear.  Remember when people slept in tents and there vehicles at the tracks instead of motor homes or hotels.  And solar showers were the only source of washing off unless there was a river or creek near by.  Remember when factory support was only a dream.  Remember when you used to race for fun.  Remember when a quick-fill was a large funnel and a five gallon jug of fuel.  And tire balls were a can of fix-a-flat taped to your back bumper.  It just amazes me how much stuff has changed.  Who would have thought big factories would bring tractor trailers to the races.  Or, we would be on TV.  It’s wonderful how much it’s grown.  Its amazing how times flies when you’re having fun......Fun is exactly what I like to do! In my upcoming columns I will share all the fun I have getting ready, training, practicing and traveling to the races. Along with all the gossip, rumors and facts that go hand in hand with it!!

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