Event Workers
"It’s no wonder they all
dress in white. Those people are angels."
Author unknown
In the years that I have been involved with motor racing, I have never fully understood the psychological makeup of event workers. Rain or shine. High heat or frigid cold. They're always there.
These guy's & gal's, in white shirts and pants, can be seen at every event throughout the world. From a dusty dirt track somewhere in the mid west, to the city streets of Monte Carlo, to the various turns of the Indy 500.
They arrive, or simply appear, early in the morning, and quietly disappear after all the fanfare is completed, only to re-appear the following day (or event), and patiently stand at their respective locations around the track, and ensure that the drivers are once again informed of any impending dangers. Or, to inform the drivers they're doing wrong. And if need be, are willing to place themselves in harms way, to rescue a driver, who's really in trouble.
So much is written, photographed, interviewed and televised about the drivers, the cars, the tracks......And all the while the workers are standing there in the background, smiling gently, taking it all in, never once demanding attention or recognition.
Perhaps the gentle smile, is their own outward expression of knowing that THEY made the entire event possible.....
They're at the track, on station, before some of us have even put on our fire suits. All morning long, they're standing there, letting us know what's going on by displaying their various flags or rounding us up for the next session. A quick sandwich and soda for lunch, and then it's right back to their particular station for the rest of the afternoon. All of this dedication and self sacrifice, is to ensure that us drivers have a competitive, safe, and fun filled day at the races.
I always considered myself a pretty dedicated, passionate, racing enthusiast. That is, until I worked a couple of races with the "original" dedicated, passionate, racing enthusiasts.
To my dismay, I realized that I wasn't even in the same league.
Drivers: At every opportunity, take a moment and thank these folks personally. During the warm up & cool off lap, a simple thumbs up or quick wave is all that's required. Without them, we couldn't race. Besides a sandwich and a soda (and maybe a few beers after the event), it's the only payment these selfless individuals receive.
Event Workers................
You Guys & Gals RULE!
Thank You!
