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First of all I would like to say Thanks to USAC for inviting my wife and myself to the 2009 Awards Banquet in So Cal. Unfortunately business is really slow and we aren't going to be able to attend. It really bums me out because I wanted to walk around and say thanks for letting us be a part of the Vermeil Classic in Calistoga. We met so many wonderful people like Steve Howard, Greg & Heather Sowers, and Jason Smith. We also got to know Tommy and Jeanie Hunt and they were so great to work with. I also wanted to thank the teams that made the long tow.
Even months after the race we are still getting calls from people like Al Vermeil saying "Thanks" for all our help. I just want to stress the importance of saying "Thanks". After we saw how much people appreciated our efforts, we are excited to give a 100% again for this years race.
So don't forget to make your way around the room and say thanks to Steve Howard for all he did this year and I'm sure for many years past. Steve is a neat guy.
The other two guys you need to thank are Scott Daloisio and Jeff Kristensen ( Raceway Video). Scott is one of those announcers that turns racing into entertainment. He is lucky that he has one of the most exciting venues to work at, but he takes it so much further than most announcers. I have only attended a few USAC/CRA races in the past three years, but thanks to Jeff and Scott I know most of the drivers by car number and their nicknames better than I know NASCAR. If you raced at Perris it would be a no brainer to give your sponsor (or even a new prospect) a Raceway Video to get them excited and hear Scott calling out their name when you're on the track. When we stopped for gas on the way to the Glenn Howard Memorial, there was a Vista Paint store across the street and I could already hear Scott calling out their name. It's hard to get sponsors, but at least you guys know that if you get one, that they will hear their name called out loud and clear at Perris. Jim Naylor from Ventura is another exciting guy on the mike. I just don't know how he keeps from loosing his voice every night?
Lastly I want to apologise to Glenn Crossno if I pissed him off at the last race. I was the stranger helping with the rear end. My son and I were watching ten guys working to get Spenser's car fixed so we just wanted to help your two guys get Casey's car back together.
Anyway...I hope you all have a good time at the banquet and I wish you the best of luck in 2009.
Sincerely
Chad Hawkins
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