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With all that is occurring in the world today, it is hard telling what people are thinking at times. Like the man who just steps in front of you at McDonald's as if you are not even standing there. What about the kid that pulled out in front of you almost causing an accident and when you honk your horn to let him know your there you see him yelling unmentionables like you did something wrong. Have you ever been standing in line someplace when the person behind you makes a rude comment to the person they are with in what they think is a whisper, but in actuality spoke loud enough they would put a Metallica concert to shame?

Now I am sure you are saying “Alright Aaron, but what does this have to do with racing?"  Well I will tell you. Some people in our society, especially in these tough times, feel they are owed something. Now I am not saying everyone, but it does seem to be a growing trend. We as a people have slowly lost the art of respect and admiration for the efforts of others. It is very easy to stand back and say “He should have run the ball instead of passing." Have you ever tried to make a split second decision, pass, or hand it off ... when you have a 300 lb lineman coming at you at full speed? You just want to get rid of the ball to whoever is closest or easiest.

This principle can be applied in many aspects of our lives. Right now I am going to apply it to racing. This year many drivers have moved up to the next class. They are doing the best they can to drive clean and gain the respect of the other drivers. Just as you are probably a fan of NASCAR and may like a certain driver, someone else may dislike him with a passion. You have that right. Now what you should not do is bad mouth the person who feels the opposite as you. We all have opinions and have the right to express them, but let us be fair to each other and respect all opinions.

Many tracks have new owners this season. Some have been in the racing community for years, some have not. One thing that they all have in common is they are all business owners. They are all open to fans and drivers suggestions because without them there would be no reason to have a track. Some have a great sense of how to run a business, and have been doing so in other venues for years. Others are trying to do what they have dreamed their whole lives. Whether they are a seasoned vet, or have yellow stripes on their bumper, they still deserve the respect for attempting to bring us the entertainment venue we all love so much.

Running a business is not a snap your fingers and it happens kind of event. It takes time to develop and grow. Mistakes will be made and corrected. Some situations may have never even been foreseen and catch the business operator completely off guard. Still people want immediate results so a decision is made and a resolution put in place. Later after phone calls, discussions, meetings with boards and investors it may be decided that the wrong resolution was made. After much thought the process, rule, pay, or hot dog price may get changed again. Everyone before you make snap judgments, please think about what is happening.

"I did pull out in front of him; maybe I should wave and apologize."

“This is their first year with this facility; I bet more changes will be made as the year continues. Maybe I can offer my suggestion for help."

“Wow am I glad they changed their price for pop and hot dogs, I will definitely be back for another great race night. Thanks."

Let's help keep our sport alive. Every racer that pulls their car onto the track is a hero to fans in the stands. Let's portray that hero mentality and act like one in our everyday lives. Keep your heads up, smiles on our faces and say hi to passers by. Let’s show the facilities that we attend how much we appreciate their efforts. Let’s tell them that we realize they are trying their hardest to give us the best race facility possible. Oh and most of all, show the fans how thankful you are that they came out to see their heroes nose to tail in racing action every weekend. Without this respect for each other the sport will eventually die, and that is something I am not ready for. I love racing and am thankful for all of those involved in it.

In closing, please, please, please be patient with each other. Thank you drivers, owners, promoters and staffs for giving us that thrill we all love. I hope to enjoy many more wonderful summer nights at the short tracks of Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. Who knows, maybe I'll see you in the draft.