Hometown Getaway

If you don't know my dad, he can have these brilliant ideas at last minute. Well, with college, a full time internship and a job, moving things around last minute can be stressful. A few weeks ago I got a phone call later at night from Frank. He was asking me what I was packing for the weekend. I was completely unaware that we were even taking a road trip and I was already scheduled to work. I asked him where we were going and he said your favorite place. The answer could only be Fremont, Ohio. 

It just so happened that this weekend was the World of Outlaws show at Fremont Speedway. As the week continued on I was gleaming with excitement. 

When Friday finally rolled around I could not contain myself, I was ready to leave! Unfortunately, I had to work till five at my internship. I was working as quickly as possible to get everything done in hopes that I would be able to leave early. Well, I did! I called dad right away and told him to get ready that I was on my way home! 

Fremont is an eight hour drive from our house in North Carolina. I can't even remember the last time I got to take a road trip with just my dad. Fremont has a special place in the entire Kerr families heart.  Frank Kerr is kind of like the hometown hero. I hear they still see his t-shirts from time to time. Even though my dad is from Pennsylvania he still considers Fremont Speedway as his hometown track. 

I met my parents on the side of I-77, of course I got yelled at for the amount of stuff I packed for only two days. I over pack for everything. There is never a dull moment with my dad and I. Basically the entire way in the car we sang, laughed and talked about the future. My future is something we talk about a lot. I am about to graduate college and it is time to start planning it. Dad wants to help me in every way possible. 

We arrived to the Linder's house in Fremont a little before midnight. They were up waiting for us with a cold beer in hand. We were both in dying need after being in the car all night! The boys got hooked on iracing right away, the girls went a picked up pizza for everyone. I was starving, dad has a limited stop policy when he drives. 

I fell asleep on the couch as they continued to have a good time. Saturday was going to be a long and busy day for everyone. I slept great in "my room." I woke up early to start getting ready for the day. Dad followed shortly after and kicked me out of the bathroom. After morning festivities and a few meetings, we went to dads favorite place to eat Whitey's. Everything you get there could possibly give you a heart attack but it taste awesome! 

After visiting a few friends it was finally time to head over to the track. Dad's schedule was tight and it was my job to make sure he was everywhere he need be on time. First on his list was an autograph signing at the Fremont Speedway Hall of Fame along side Kerry Madsen. It was great seeing the smile on his face and all the old fans welcoming him back. 

We finally got a short break to walk around visit everyone. I can't tell you how many times I get "I remember when you were this big." I feel bad when I don't remember half these people in the first place. As we are walking through the pits a man stopped and asked if he could talk to my dad. Well, I did not see a problem in that. I pulled dad aside and turns out this man was making a documentary on old and new sprint car racing. 

Frank was more then happy to sit down and do an interview but this is when our night got crazy! We were on a time schedule and we all know racers could talk forever about the industry they love. They set the camera in the Hall of Fame in from of Jim Linder's old car. The man conducting the interview had many great questions about Frank's history and thoughts. 

What really got me was the man who tapped me on the shoulder during dad's interview. I turned around and he goes "how does it feel to have a famous racing father?" I did not really have an answer. I had never considered my dad famous before. I just smiled and pulled some corny answer out of no where. 

Before the race started the speedway was presenting Steve Kinser, The King, a plaque and inducting him into the Hall of Fame. My dad got the honor of being apart of this special moment. Frank raced with Steve for many years. It is always sad seeing a racer retire, no matter who they happen to be. 

When things finally calmed down Dad and I walked to the infield to watch the heat races and the feature. Dad does not miss a single lap. It was actually the first time we had ever watch from the infield at Fremont Speedway. 

You can see the joy on dad's face when he gets to see everyone that he misses so much. There is a good amount of racers still out from the good ol' days. The still remain like family to us. 

After the race we went the Fricker's and had a few drinks. We also needed to thaw out, it was a cold night. Leaving Sunday morning was bitter sweet. The trip was short but it was great seeing everyone. The only thing we looked forward to was seeing the dogs, yes the dogs. We miss them more than anyone when we are gone! Hopefully we will be returning soon. I miss everyone like crazy already!