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Time for an angel to fly; track bids farewell to chaplain Don Wilson
Tennessee-bound friend of the Placerville racing community to be sorely missed by all
Special Media Release from Handy Racing Promotions, Inc.
PLACERVILLE, CA – For the last five years a familiar voice has rang across the public address system at Placerville Speedway to open each event. It has been a voice that has been respected and admired. It’s a voice of wisdom, a voice of hope. Sadly, that voice is bidding farewell after Saturday night. Pastor Don Wilson is bidding farewell to accept a fulltime management position in Millington, Tennessee.
“I think this place will be the thing I will miss the most about Placerville, aside from being away from my kids and their families,” said Wilson. “I’m so grateful for all of the great friends I made during my time here. I thank each and everyone of them for their friendship and support and will continue praying for them every day. God has a purpose for things that happen in our lives. I feel like the track was one of the biggest things I was here for. It’s something I am very proud of and will always remember.”
Wilson came to Placerville Speedway 5 years ago, offering his services as the track’s official chaplain. In the history of the speedway such a service had never been offered or utilized. It was then promoter John Padjen and track announcer Bill Sullivan who conferred and agreed to bring Wilson in and give it a try. Taking the chance became one of the best things to happen to Placerville Speedway.
“I remember we had no idea what to expect in the way of a response to this new service. Don came to us to with his idea and we said heck, NASCAR does it, so let’s give it a try,” said Sullivan. “Since that very first night the response was awesome. The racing community adores him. We needed him, some of us more so then others.”
Each week at Placerville Speedway, prior to the national anthem, Wilson addresses the crowd. His nightly message always reflects family values and good sportsmanship. Prior to his invocation, Wilson visits the pit area where he talks with many drivers about various subjects. For some, it might be discussing a new motor or the weather; for others, it may be more personal.
“Don had brought something very special to this place,” said Mike Andreeta, Director of Competition at Placerville Speedway. “He came in here and gave this place something that local dirt track racing really didn’t have. I think he’s really made a difference here for many people and he’s brought some real class to the program. I’ll miss seeing him and hearing him each week, he’s a great guy.”
Earlier this year, Wilson found several drivers turning to him for advice following the sudden death of teen racer Christian Stover who lost his life suddenly while driving a quad on a family outing. It’s times like this that Wilson truly shines for the racing community, offering friendship and counsel in times when life gets them down.
“When my dad became terminally ill three years ago, Don came into my life at the track,” added Sullivan. “My dad was a huge race fan, Don spent countless days with him and helped both of us through a very difficult time. Looking back I couldn’t have gotten through it without him and I certainly couldn’t have come back to this place after that loss the way I was able to. In my opinion, Don Wilson is a real-life angel and it’s time for him to move on to his next mission in life. If this track had a hall-of-fame, he would be in it for what he has done here.”
Prior to his nightly invocation, Don Wilson spends time with Speedway staff and visits with the drivers. A true race fan at heart, he enjoys being close to the sport and fulfilling a need at the same time. Placerville stock car driver Danielle Clauson is one driver that knows just how valuable Wilson has been. Clauson has suffered a great deal of loss in her life over the years including the tragic murder of her brother A.J., the loss of her father, followed by her husband and most recently, her longtime friend Dan Ramey.
“Don has done a lot for me and my entire family, we have been through so much and he has been there to help me,” said Clauson. “Every week he takes the time to talk to me and encourage me and pray with me. He brings a calming feeling to the track and I am really going to miss hearing his words every week. I can’t be there this Saturday for his farewell message and maybe that’s a good thing because saying goodbye is very hard. I’m happy for him but I am sad to see him leave us.”
Following his invocation every night, Wilson watches the races in the press booth with the scoring staff. Much like Clauson related to, Wilson’s personality has brought a calming feeling among the staff, which can be faced with a great deal of stress and responsibility.
“Don has brought a lot to this place,” said track scorer Cindy Jones. “His great sense of humor really helps put some stressful moments to ease for all of us upstairs. We are all going to miss him. We wish him the best of luck in his new venture.”
Wilson’s departure announcement came suddenly. He learned of the job offer to manage one of the area’s largest funeral homes and cemetery earlier this week and is highway bound as early as this weekend. At the request of his wife, April and speedway staff, he has postponed leaving until after Saturday’s Tribute to Al Hinds to visit with friends and address the speedway crowd one more time.
“April and I talked about it and agreed, I have made so many friends here I can’t leave without saying goodbye to many of them,” said Wilson. “It’s going to be hard to say goodbye but I’m looking forward to it.”
In the wake of Wilson’s sudden departure, Placerville Speedway hopes to continue utilizing a chaplain for their events in the future. Wilson will be instrumental in helping the track locate a volunteer in the future to fill his void.
“This isn’t something just anyone can do and it’s not something just any pastor can do,” explained Sullivan. “The reason Don’s work was so magical at this place is he is a true race fan. He has put his heart into his position with us. We will entertain a replacement in the future and if he ever wants to come back we will welcome him with open arms. I know he will find another track back there and wherever he ends up on Saturday nights, well, they will have some very lucky fans and drivers. All to often we don’t realize what have until it’s almost gone.”
Anyone wishing to send farewell wishes to Don Wilson may do so by e-mailing Bill Sullivan at [email protected]. All messages will be forwarded directly to him once he settles into his knew home. Placerville Speedway and the entire staff of Handy Racing Promotions Inc. wishes Don and April Wilson the best of luck in their new journey.
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