Awesome, Exciting and Humbling
Unique Hiram
Monday April 13 2009, 1:05 AM
I have spent the last few days volunteering at the Columbia Speedway and it has been an awesome time for me. Having been born and bred in New York City I would have never thought that I would love being outdoors this much assisting in the beautification process of this historic venue.An awesome experience occurred for me each and every day that I went to the speedway because I have been witnessing a tremendous transformation of forgotten history. This transformation has been like a caterpillar that was stuck in a cocoon and busted out of that shell as a beautiful butterfly. It has been amazing to me to witness the number of volunteers who have dedicated their precious time as well as equipment.There have been so many stories shared with me about the days that individuals used to come to this racetrack with their families and witnessed the many exciting moments of racing that happened there during its operational years.Devin aka Master Painter showed me where her dad used to enter the track from the rear entrance and park their vehicle in the infield. We actually walked around the racetrack and she pointed out other things like the railroad track along with the various spots where some of the drivers ran off the track during their intense races. Jim Seay, sports extraordinaire, shared stories about his attendance at the track along with pointing out the location of the flag stand and scoring board. Of course, The Legendary Tim Leeming shared some more stories about The King and other memorable events around the track. Robbie Solesbee just kept me laughing because he is so funny and such a joyous human being. Yes, he did share some racing stories as well.I finally got to meet Jeff Gilder who is such a humble and fun loving soul. His dedication, drive and nonstop mentality are motivating factors to all that have been involved from the beginning of this project to the individuals that who have gotten involved along the way that includes me. Yes, he has meetings upon meetings to attend but he is also working hands on with everyone to make the track come alive once again for the upcoming, phenomenal event.This experience has taught me so much more about being humble and dedicated to a wonderful cause. Yes, this city girl has not minded getting her hands dirty or paint in her hair because it is all worth it. This volunteer effort for me is like being on the beach looking out at the clear blue ocean or visiting the breathtaking ruins of Rome, Italy for the first time.I am looking forward to April 24 & 25 and I really wish that I could snap my fingers like Jeannie or click my heels three times like Dorothy so we would be there already. It is definitely going to be well worth the wait and I am already looking forward to the 2nd Annual Love Chevrolet Racers Reunion Spring Festival @ Columbia Speedway.
Jeff Gilder
@jeff-gilder   15 years ago
Unique, I love reading the things you write....and getting your perspective on this project. Thank you for your interest and all your help!
Gail Flowers
@gail-flowers   15 years ago
I am also having a wonderful time helping with the cleanup while making new friends.You all make working fun! thanks,Jimmie
Devin
@devin   15 years ago
Me three! It has been and continues to be a wonderful time helping and meeting people who all believe and share in what Mr. Gilder is doing, as well as the site he and Dustin have created to reunite racers and their fans. I am like a child when I am out there.It has been an honor to help and watch the transformation occur.Thank you.
charles bray
@charles-bray   15 years ago
"Unie",thank you so much for your comments and your hard work on our project.It is truly a labor of love!Tim has suggested that we continue this bond of friendship by meeting monthly over a meal to start planning for next year and for fellowship among our new friends.I want you to be a part of that!thanks,Charlie
Lawrence Gardner
@lawrence-gardner   15 years ago
I guess this make me Six. It was to good to meet you Saturday and spin some tales for you. For you are what this is all albout, keeping history alive and passing it to the next generation of racing fans.
Unique Hiram
@unique-hiram   15 years ago
I want to thank you all for allowing me to share in this experience of a lifetime. Every one of you are tremendous human beings! You are the examples of what being passionate about something and working hard to make dreams a reality are all about. It is my true honor to be able to share this moment with you and I salute you all...I mean that from the bottom of my heart :o) Thanks and see you all soon!
Jeff Gilder
@jeff-gilder   15 years ago
Tim,John Banks and I have been discussing this....doing something like the Historic Speedway Group has done at Occoneechee. It would...or should involve forming a "non-profit" corporation and would enable the group to recieve charitable contributions from surrounding entities. As you stated Tim, we would need to get Bobby Sellers on board. I could see this develop into a situation where there could eventually be a museum constructed and a Columbia Speedway Hall of Fame...or Wall of Fame. The facility could be used for for the Annual RacersReunion and a variety of other events. I think Bobby Sellers will go for this idea....especially if it eventually leads to some sort of racing at the track...even if it is vintage exhibition racing....and if it provides some sort of revenue to him and Wade.
Devin
@devin   15 years ago
Yay, Jeff and Tim! Museum, Hall of Fame and Vintage racing? Sounds wonderful. With enough donations, anything would be possible and I just know people would come to any event. When do we start?! :)
Jeff Gilder
@jeff-gilder   15 years ago
There was also some discussion a while back about establishing a Columbia area RacersReunion "chapter". I like this concept....a way to be involved in community things and having better focus on the drivers and other racing folks from that area.
Unique Hiram
@unique-hiram   15 years ago
I love the idea! Just like Devin said, "When do we start?" Let me know and I'm ready to assist in taking this all to the next level :o)
Unique Hiram
@unique-hiram   15 years ago
LOL Robbie :o)
Devin
@devin   15 years ago
Alrighty! Am I allowed to say that? Excellent idea. There could be a chapter at every forgotten race track if a shopping strip hasn't yet been built on it. For the April 25th event, maybe someone could make a sign that says "Please help support Racersreunion.com events and especially the new upcoming Columbia Speedway Museum. Donations welcomed, not required." There could be a locked fish bowl/box on the information booth table that people could drop donations in. Just a thought.
Lawrence Gardner
@lawrence-gardner   15 years ago
Jeff if you do "Vintage Exhibition Racing", then Rule #1 will need to be stay off of the "Vintage Guardrails".
Devin
@devin   15 years ago
lol, Lawrence. Especially if we are able to paint them this weekend! But hey, I would volunteer to fix 'em right up if a vintage car were to scrape one up.
Jim Wilmore
@jim-wilmore   15 years ago
Sounds like the Columbia event started weeks ago with the clean-up. Sorry I missed so much of the "pre-ceremonies" but can't wait to finally meet all of you...even if your from NEW YORK CITY! LOL! Goes to show even New York City can produce fine race fans. Thanks go out to everyone that has participated in making this dream come true. See ya at the track!!!