(THE OTHER SIDE OF JEFF GILDER, THE MAN)
We met Jeff Gilder, founder of Racers Reunion, in April 2009 after having been members since November of 2008,A casual "hello" and "nice to meet you" was the extent of ourconversation witheach other, as we first met.
That was okay, as we were in the middle of the first Annual Columbia Speedway Racers Reunion Event, with thousands of people in attendance. We didn't feelabandoned as Robbie and Donna Solesbee, along with Dargan Watts had taken us under their "watch care" to assist with any information we needed about the site. Believe us, they had no idea what they were doing in telling us to feel freeto ask any questions we needed to.
We are still asking questions!!!
While Jeff had welcomed us through the site's comment box,that was about the only contact we had for quite sometime. It was at this point we were beginning to feel he was just a rich guy who had nothing else to do with his money, except start a racing site, of which he could be in charge. As time moved on, there were questions which wouldneed Jeff's suggestion or decision. We tried not to call him as we were not so sure he would appreciate a call. One could easily see he was quite busy on the site heading a radio program, being involved in the chat sessions, writing forums, blogs, and answering all the questions posed by other members, as well as any we may have.
We made it through the second annual Columbia Speedway Event, just attending the events at the track, with feelings toward Jeff a little more understandable, a casual business type relationship. We had e-mailed one another about some suggestions and/or ideasconcerning the site, even though some of the e-mail was a one way situation!!
It was this, the most recent Columbia Speedway Event this past weekend, which brought us to realize there was a side to this young man which many, like us, had been unable to see. The difference in this event and others was the fact we had not seen Jeff before, during , and after the event was in action. We were fortunate enough to arrive on Friday afternoon when the place was not over crowded with people, because of the weather. Jeff met us as we drove in, to welcome and give usthe credentials we would need for the rest of the weekend. He was busy moving around to make sure everything was flowing as it should. He stayed really busy as we left the track for the motel. We had been told of and invited toa "jamming" which would be held in the motel lobby later in the evening.
Tired, though we were, the decision to go down and spend a few minutes with all the folks who would be there, was made.We felt we could meet many of the members, for the first time, by attending.As we arrived, there were about four of the members and a couple from California playing guitars. Within a very short time there were other members arriving with guitars also, then they began "Jamming" and singing. At this point we didn't think we would be leaving,as was our plan. About that time areally young lady arrived and was introduced as McKayla, who was going to sing for us. It took only a couple of lines in the song to affirm the fact, we would not be leaving anytime soon.
This is how wefound there was another sideof JeffGilder !! After spending three full days of steady working, and surviving all the battles he faced during the terrible wind and rain, he shows up at the motel, with guitar in hand, to be with the people who he seemed so proud to be a part of, and enjoys the same things we all do!!!As we look around the room and hall, there was no alcohol visiable andeveryone was having a wonderful time!! It was an eventful time anyone would have been proud to have their children with them. The only thing seen was out in the hallway wheresomeone had a beer. As we later thought about this, it made us proud that Racers Reunion, under the guidance of Jeff, is a site even cleaner than Facebook or many other sites. We wish to commend Jeff, along with all the guys and ladies of Racers Reunion, for keeping the site free of obscenities!!!
We left Saturday, having met many of our fellow members, wishing our health would allow us to attendALL of the events held by
Jeff Gilder of Racers Reunion.
Jeff, should youread this, don't think we are trying to get you to answer our e-mail !! Also please don't think we are trying to earn "Brownie Points", as we left the Brownie stage about 60 years ago!!!! Oh yes,thanks for everything you do to provide a place where racing people can gather and bring back many wonderful memories of " back in the day".
God bless all we met, all we already knew and we love you ALL!!!
Billy and Barbara Scott
updated by @billy-barbara-scott: 12/05/16 04:02:07PM
