Racing days...

This year, after racing over 40 years, my dad has retired from stock car racing. Besides my wedding day, there aren't many races that I can remember him missing over the years. I think he started racing when he was 18 years old and didn't miss many seasons over the last forty years. Although I know deep down he misses it dearly, I personally think it was a great time to end his racing career having been inducted into the Shawano Speedway's Hall of Fame last summer and turning 60 this past winter. I spent many summers running around at the track, but haven't been there very often since the kids were born. Will is really into race cars right now so there is still hope that Dad will have a grandson to carry on the tradition of racing.

(beware of poor quality of photos - didn't have many originals)

Dad's car when he was 19 years old.

This is the first car I can remember him working on in the garage as a kid.

1983

2008

Lexi's first time at the races. Oshkosh - July 2007

July 2007 - Oshkosh. Dad, Lexi, Amara Otto, Alec Bartz, Bryson Otto

Dad was inducted into the Shawano Speedway's Hall of Fame in July of 2008. We had a big cheering section that night - even had special t-shirts made.

This was the page in the bulletin they handed out during the Hall of Fame night.

Picture board that was on display on Hall of Fame night.

Hanging out in "the pits" between races.

Dad and Tom

Will's first trip to the race track - July 2008.

The kids surprised dad by getting permission ahead of time to go out on the track during the Hall of Fame ceremony. They brought him bouquets of flowers.

We had a party after the races at Pederson's Bar.

Dad and Dan
Dad and the "Leopolis Ladies"

Although I am sure he will still be frequenting the race track on Saturday nights, he will be doing it from the stands instead of ripping up the dirt track. When I used to go to the races as a teenager, I would be like.."Hell yeah - go...go...go" Now, the last couple of years I find myself closing my eyes and hoping to heaven he doesn't get into a crash to avoid a serious injury. Happy retirement Dad.