True Racing Fans!

June 28, 2009

In the mass that descended on Summit Motorsports Park this weekend, we ran into a couple that is here for the first time this year, and despite the fact that this event is only three years old, that seems to be the exception. Ron and Jackie Woolworth have attended their fair share of racing events, just never here. Their first impression? “It’s an awesome facility. We really didn’t expect it to be this big, or this clean! And, we had no idea that they had so many big events.” Ron said.

The first-time couple was enticed to come to this event by long time friends Clarence and Lorrie Reynolds, who came here last year for the first time and thought enough of it to bring the Woolworths. The four fans come from the Flint, Michigan area, and anyone with any knowledge of how badly the recession has affected that area knows that spending the weekend here has to be something very special!

Long standing race fans, the group has traveled together to NASCAR, IndyCar, and NHRA events in the past. Clarence and Lorrie did some racing themselves in the 1970’s at the now defunct Detroit Dragway. Ron and Jackie used to race their 1971 Olds Cutlass at Lapeer International Dragway in Lapeer, Michigan. Of all the racing that the group has experienced, one thing that they had never done was an NHRA National.

What’s their impression of the racing? “Phenomenal. Just unbelievable.” Clarence said, “You just can’t describe this to someone. That’s why I told Ron and Jackie that they were coming to this event with us. I demanded it!” Clarence went on to say; “The Baders need to be commended for this place. Even the girl that wiped the tables off in the concession area was polite and asked if we were having a good time. I’ve never been to a track that did as much as this one does for their guests, and I’ve seen a lot of racing!”

Clarence and Jackie own American Recreational Vehicles in Burton, Michigan, which is a full service and sales RV facility, so getting away for an extended weekend takes some planning and coordination. Making the trek is a little easier for Ron and Jackie. Ron is retired from GM, and Jackie is a retired dance teacher, so their schedule is a bit more flexible. Ron wisely took retirement before the current round of economical devastation took an even larger bite out of an already shaky local economy.

We want to thank Ron, Jackie, Clarence, and Lorrie for spending their weekend with us. It’s folks like you that makes what we do worthwhile! It’s a pleasure to know that our guests are happy, and the group left no room for doubt. Thanks Ron, Jackie, Clarence and Lorrie. We’re already looking forward to seeing you back next year.