Traci

Thru the years of attending GNCC events, I can't help to notice the simple things. The simple things that tend to get overlooked due to all the excitement or pressure of the race ahead. It’s the simple things…Like William Yokley and his father setting up their Team Suzuki tent together as we are arriving, or little Benjamin running around the pits in the AM waiting anxiously for his daddy Matt Smiley to race. How about watching John Ayers teaching his daughter Rachel the ropes of announcing for the great GNCC series. It's the simple things... As I walk around the pits I can't help to notice Laz Sommers dreaming of great ideas to always make sure Brandon has the best on his quad. I even overheard Mr. Gallagher telling his son " I am proud of you, Johnny" as I was standing in the GT Thunder trailer. Looking over at the Twin Air booth seeing Dennis and his son and daughter working together. How about John Cunningham walking around the pits with his smiling boys looking up to him following in his footsteps. Like talking with Mr. Foley and him saying ”I am just happy to be here especially to see Harlen race.” It's the simple things...as I walk the track seeing William Guinter with his arm around his son Brian, discussing technical areas of the track Watching Buren sit on his utility quad with his smiling eyes, as he talks to his daughter Bonnie.

I often run into Mike Chirdon walking the track trying to keep up with his son Blake ahead riding his bicycle. It's the simple things... seeing Barry Hawk kneeling with his daughter Ireland aside the track watching the race together. Tim Lenig running miles a race to catch every possible moment of his boys, Tyler and T.J. on video camera. Mr. Neidlinger with his flame pants wrenching on Seans quad making sure it is race ready. It's the simple things...The big pat on the back Chris Borich receives from his dad when he crosses the finish line for the overall win and the look Joe gives his son Jarod for a job well done pitting. Seeing Stefanie Verkades father standing beside her before every start. Kyrie Braff taking pictures saying “smile dad” as he waits for the start of his race. It’s the simple things…as I walk by youth ATV registration and see Josh Weikel and Nathan Rothermal signing up with the help of their dads. Like watching Kenny Hill teaching his boys the joy of racing and never missing a picture. Bill Ballance riding to the starting line with his daughter sitting in front of him gleaming with her hair tied up in a bow. It’s the simple things…that keep me coming back every GNCC season. Don’t get me wrong, I love to race, I really love to win but it is also the simple things.

Happy Father’s Day
In Memory of Ivan Lenig