1996 Twin 125’s By Bob Paxton

Used with permission

Out of bed at 5:00, shower and shave, grab a bowl of  cereal, dress the kid for school (without waking her  up...now there’s a challenge), throw on my Petty  sweatshirt and hat and out the door at 6:00.  (No I  didn’t forget my pants..)

As I pull out of the driveway, I’m acutely aware of the  empty seat next to me.  Dang!  Wish to goodness Marilyn  could have gotten off work to go with me.  Those who saw  her at Atlanta will certainly understand why she’s my  favorite racing companion.  Can you say “10”.

 At 7:30, I pull into what used to be the GE plant off  Bill France Blvd.  Funny, I don’t remember seeing all  those “official parkers” in DIS regalia the last time I  was here.  Of course, the last time I was here was in 1992.

 I’m always leery of these folks.  Seems like every time   you follow their directions, you end up buried in the  back 40 with no hope of getting out cleanly.  Still, I  followed their leading and was deposited on the west  edge of the lot.  Not too bad.

OK, grab the camera, the binoculars and the Scroll.  In  reference to Scott Decatur, I’m going to try not to  refer to the new banner as “sacred”, but no guarantees  that I won’t slip up a time or two during the season.   I head up toward the track looking for the most visible  place I can find to hang the banner.  Uh-oh, we’ve got a  problem here.  Dalelama had advertised the reunion as
 being across from the Winston Tower.  I actually found  myself across from Weatherly several hundred yards  toward turn 4.  Sure hope that doesn’t mess too many  people up.

 At the edge of the parking lot about 25 feet off  Speedway Blvd., there’s a tree and a light pole about  the right distance apart.  All right!  There’s also a  policeman there directing traffic.

 Remembering the horror stories about last year’s  encounter with security I tied up the scroll with some  degree of trepidation.  The cop looked over at me, then  turned back around.   OK!!!  We’re in business.  Now all  I need is a few other RASN’ers.

 What I got was a rain shower.  Too bad Genthner.  The  first sea trial is mine and The Scroll passed with  flying colors.  The shower was light and brief.  Hardly  worth mentioning.

 About an hour later, Bonnie Cowart earns the honor of  being the first person of the year to spot the banner.   (No she’s not related to Delma, but ironically, they’re  both from the same town).

 Soon the Dalelama arrives and that’s when the fun  starts.  I won’t detail what happened, but see the Photo  Caption contest coming soon to my home page.  (Eat your  heart out Eldo, you ain’t got nothing on me, buddy!).

 Then Decatur and some friends join us and the real  sacred scroll is laid out across the windshield of
 Dale’s truck.  Time to officially initiate the new banner.  I whip out my trusty Sharpie and affix the
 first signature while Dale snaps a picture.  The others  quickly follow.  Before the day is over, there are  eleven names adorning what had been virgin vinyl.

 We pass the morning looking out for guys dressed as  pirates, listening to Dalelama’s plans for a new group  and a new banner (go ahead, Dale, I double dare you!)  and putting new names and faces together.

 I’ve got the world’s worst memory for names, so I’ll not  try to list them since I’ll miss some for sure.   Besides, Dale was taking attendance against the list on  his home page so I’ll let him publish the roster.

 One thing worth mentioning, though.  One of the guys who  stopped by was a lurker from New York state (yes, I  forgot his name..) who worked with Jocko Maggiacomo.   Says JM may be getting online here shortly.

 Just after noon, we take down the banners and head  across the street to the speedway.  Bonnie and I get  about a 300 yard head start, but guess who wins the race  to the seats.  Yep, no question the Dalelama has no  equal when it comes to getting thru a crowd in a hurry.   Is it a coincidence that he’s the only admitted Jimmy  Spencer fan I know?

 The races were good and close.  I wasn’t really happy  with the outcome of either one and was hoping to see  more dicing for the front positions.  Oh well, Sunday’s  when it really counts.

 After the 125’s, Dale, Bonnie and I meet up with Decatur  and friends to watch the practice sessions.  By the time  I head home, the traffic was still heavy, but moving at  a steady pace.  Those clowns in Atlanta really need to  come down here and see how it’s done right.

 The ride home was uneventful.  Dangitall!!  Now, I  *really* miss having Marilyn with me.  Oh well, there’s  always next year.

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