Happy Birthday Dad! #78.

Our entire house had a fitful night. I had awakened as per usual, already read the on-line newspapers, checked the on-line auctions, and had the television on in the background when I heard doors opening and closing. A quick investigation revealed that everyone was up! How strange. Krl said that Prissy had been crying, something she does in her sleep from time to time, but Maple Syrple began crying too, wanting Krl's attention. Somehow or other, Prissy had wedged herself under the bed frame. By the time Krl had completed her rescue operation, everyone was awake. Phooey had done a quick charge and was wild with energy, running and playing, trying to get Maple Syrple to join in. We watched a little television before Krl got the two older hounds back to bed, about six I laid down and the two pups laid down with me. I could hear Krl cleaning the kitchen and about seven she came to bed as I was getting up again.

Short nights make for long days.

Krl and I seem to be battling the stomach bug again. We haven't had upset stomachs, but we seem to be distressed some. I don't know, but I am getting tired of it.

I have even wondered if there is something in the house that is causing it because it seems we have been jinxed every since we moved from the jobsite home.

I had been invited to go on an excursion today with K.O.. I declined to attend today. I don't want to be an unwanted guest. If the group as a whole asks me, I would be glad too. There is a meeting taking place among interested parties in putting together a new pulling sanctioning body. There are a few old pullers and there are a few new people wanting to have this dialogue. From what I hear it will never work. They have grand plans but their vision is blurred by their innocence. None of these have ever promoted a show or a circuit. They need promoter input. One of the reasons the old TTPA group went out was because the promoters (the Chambers of Commerce, the Young Farmers, the Jaycees, the Livestock Association, etc....) could not make money. Almost all the way across the board the promoters either lost money on the events or could not justify the amount of work for the limited return. The TTPA class load grew to 14 or 15 sanctioned classes with a structured purse, so these events were looking up from a deep hole from the time the contracts were signed.

On the competitor side, there were a few that "money was no object". It wasn't about horsepower or combination of skill and expertise, it was the square root of money! For others, they were trying to finance their equipment from their winnings. If a person is getting into this activity for the money he is going to be sorely disappointed.

It is a family oriented activity with good people. You'd see sons and daughters getting involved as their parents took supervisory roles. With only a few exceptions, these people wanted to go out there and beat the competition but would do anything to help their competition beat them. For those sad few winning became the "only thing".

Actually, I only know of only one instance where a person was caught cheating. And that covers over twenty-five years I have been around the sport as a competitor, announcer, official, and promoter.

K.O. asked me what I would tell the group. Here goes;
1. Limit the classes, keep the promoter in mind, they write the checks.
I personally prefer the lighter classes where driving skill and reading
the track are as important as engine or horsepower. I would say three classes per night. Got to make admission affordable.
2. Limit the equipment. It has to be something someone can afford to
to get into if the base is going to expand. I personally think claimer
motors are an option. If someone knows they risk losing a high dollar
engine, they will probably want to go more economical.
3. Make sure everyone knows it is supposed to be fun. If someone
becomes "too consumed by it" they might need a time out.
4. Keep the family atmosphere.

This activity is never going to be something these people do for a living. They need to accept this. They are also going to need to understand that most people without a rural background are not going to understand or enjoy this activity.

For the record, I'm pulling for the Saints and the Colts to win today!

Have a day!

FATHER, bless Dad on this day and with many more happy birthdays!