Fud's Crud - February 2000

Happy New Year! I didn't get a chance to say that last month. The wind was blowing too hard to talk. The end of each year through the first couple months of the new year are the time when the short little fat fellow that schedules my life likes to see just how many hoops I can jump through at one time. However, this time there was something strangely different. Looking back I know what it was: Fun!

While Rudolph's Revenge officially ends each District 38 season, ole Rudolph firmly plants one of his hooves in my rear and neighs Merry Xmas! Quickly compile results, send to webmaster so he can return final point standings, then I can track down the old jacket winners for new embroidery (Only one refused to turn his in and is still squealing like a pig) call the new new jacket winners for their sizes, order the jackets because in less than 30 days is the Awards Banquet. In between was the final 1999 round of Thunder in the Valley and of course the New Year's celebration on December 31. "Rags" still wonders what I do all day.
A hiccup caused a delay in getting out Thunder results, it's a good thing that banquet is not until March. The Dunaway track started out very pretty however, by the time race day dawned the course made Attorney General Janet Reno look like a cover girl! All during Tech and Sign-up the afternoon and evening before the race everyone was pleading for a breeze. I tried to warn them to be careful what they wished for, because in the Dez the breeze switch has two settings, Off and Hurricane. At 6:30 a.m. race day the Hurricane arrived. Up until then there had not been the hint of a breeze in spite of what "Donnie" will tell you as to how the Waddell Pit Markings got moved. It was the wind, he cried and then screamed out in pain as his nose continued to grow.
However, the wind did make a fantastic day for racing. There was non-stop action for hours. At 7:00 p.m. the San Diego Off Road Coalition had their Fun Nite Rallye for everyone that thought they could negotiate the dez. I believe "thought" was the appropriate description. While no one (Putt Putt Wessels wasn't there) talked of getting stuck they sure had a lots of laughs to describe. In the end the SDORC did a wonderful job of organizing this family event. Next time I want to help too!
The battling bonfires kissed off the 1900's for good and the wind played on. There was hardly a time for celebration because right around the corner was the D38 awards banquet at the Viejas Casino. Time was of the essence as the number of attendees had to be guaranteed in only two days. 133 person said they were going to show up. Sold Out! This is going to be a fun afternoon. So how many do you think turned up with the usual drop outs, late minute replacements, etc. When all was said and done, 131 checked in with Miss District 38 Melissa Dlouhy, 2 did not. As the joyful crowd was devouring the delicious food including the chocolate covered strawberries "Rags" was back in El Centro wondering if it was too late for reservations.
The ceremonies started off with a few surprises. We honored Diane "Mom Weenie" Douthitt for her many years of braving the weather to write down the numbers at the finish line. She was glowingly stunned! Our "Sportsman of the Year" Award, the Floyd Hudson and C/M Trophy for the first time was presented to an entire family. When son Allen White II showed up to race we benefitted with help from Mom (Kevie), Dad (Allen), and little Sister (Danielle).
The awards ceremony seemed to fly by. Senior Champion Mark "Pancakes" Brown had us rolling with laughter as he described his motorcycle obsessed family. If someone blows a little gas they name a bike after it. When his wife Leslie cooks a big batch of chill a 4-Stroke National is suddenly reverberating around the house. A fun time.
For the year 1999 Cycle Parts West posted a $10,000 contingency awards program for the four race series. A fantastic amount and it was now payoff time. Rocky Trevino, the owner had assured me that he and his lovely bride would be in attendance and I announced them. Well Rocky's lovely bride for the afternoon turned out to be "Fast Juan" Gregory. The crowd howled with approval. A very very big tip of the hat to Rocky and all the Cycle Parts West Crew. Thank you very much!
The grand finale on center stage was scheduled for last, a salute to 7 racers that had impressed me the most for the twenty years I have been organizing and promoting District 38. During each presentation a slide show highlighted a few of their many accomplishments. Suddenly it was over. I thanked Miss District 38 and we walked down the steps from the stage at the bottom I was blind-sided by a blow I never saw coming. Remember when I mentioned the two persons out of 133 that had not checked in, Mom was now in my face and I was getting an earful about how her and her son had been there and I had not called his name. Past encounters with outraged parents or racers told me to keep my mouth shut and whatever I did do not pour gasoline on the burning fire. I felt terrible, but how do you un-ring a bell. After all, the party was over. Fortunately before my ear was burned off and I said something really stupid, the flames went out

Return to OnLine Monthly

This page last updated on 6 September 2000