Miller's Time/Don Miller/A Book well worth the read

Back in January, on a cold and cloudy day, I was in Mooresville for an event at The North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame which involved HBO Canada. As it ended up, I was there the entire day and had quite a bit of time to spend around Don Miller.

Don Miller, probably best known as the man who brought Penske Racing South to Mooresville, NC, was some one I had met the first time some four year prior when I was invited by Bob Hissom to participate in the Stocks for Tots event. That first meeting consisted of a hand shake and a few words. This past December, I was honored to share lunch with Don, Bill Blair, Todd Morris, and Bill Rhine as we prepared for the Stocks for Tots evening. Let me say, here and now, that I am rarely, if ever, intimidated by those I meet, regardless of their fame, but I will often think about those things later and thank God that I was blessed with the opportunity.

When I had lunch with Don and really got to talk with him that day in December, I was deeply impressed with the man who was so very famous, yet so very down to earth at the same time. This was Don Miller! Penske Racing South! The man known for cars, speed, racing, enhancing Rusty Wallace and Ryan Newman's careers and for so many other things racing related. He was also well known for what he had done to establish the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame AND for the contributions to the children being abused and neglected in that area. Just read the first paragraph on Page 262 of the book "Miller's Time" and you will get a glimpse of one of the many reasons I think Don Miller is so very special.

Anyway, back to that January day in Mooresville. I left the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame with a copy of Don's book which he had autographed to me and written a special and treasured comment in the front. Everyone who knows me knows I am an avid reader but it wasn't until yesterday I was able to pick up Don's book. Literally, I could not put it down. I have just finished reading one of the most amazing books of my life.

I know this book is for sale at The North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame and I'm sure you can order it on line from their site. If you are anywhere close to Mooresville, NC, however, I would recommend you stop by the Hall and pick one up for yourself. Part of the proceeds of every sale go to the Stocks for Tots program which supports SCAN, Stop Child Abuse Now.

I highly recommend this book to any race fan because it gives you and inside view of NASCAR, drag racing, and just plain car lovers. Moreover, it gives you insight to a man who has give most of his life to making this world a better place, absolutely a better place, for all, but especially for kids.

I would not be bold enough to state that I am included on Don's list of friends, but from what I read about him, I know I am on his list of acquaintances. I certainly look forward to the next time I get to spend some time with him. What an absolutely Prince of a fellow is Don Miller.

Proud to add this book to my racing library. It will, indeed, be read more than once.

Tim

Don is one of the truly finest gentlemen I met when working in stock car racing. First time I met Don was in 1981 in a buffet line at a Darlington Country Club luncheon when he tapped me on the shoulder and introduced himself. It wasn't until after lunch someone told me he was the same Don Miller who lost a leg during a pit stop at Talladega. I bet that book is just full of interesting behind the scene and historical facts.

A May 12, 1974 Associated Press report from the Lakeland Ledger :

Sadly ironic that just this past Sunday we lost driver Gary Bettenhausen, driver of the Penske Matador Don was crewing for.

http://stockcar.racersreunion.com/forum/topics/r-i-p-gary-bettenhausen

Dave, the book is just full of the personal life of Don from the time he was a kid. I have read many a book about many a racer, most of whom I have watched over the years and most of whom I have met from time to time. The problem, if there is one, with Don's book is that it so understates the greatness that is Don Miller. I have truly enjoyed every second I have spent in his presence. I look forward (hopefully)to many more opportunities to be around him. Any time I can be of help at the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame, I am in "The Legendmobile" north bound on I-77.

Gadsden, Alabama newspaper