Happy Holidays!

As we prepare for celebrating the holiday season and closing out another year I took time to reflect on the past racing season. Traveling to Avon Park to begin another season of racing I was surprised by an interested buyer for my racer. After negotiating a price I watched it drive onto the track after the second day of racing with a new owner (heart breaking).

During my long trip back to Maryland from Florida I decided to have a new one built. (And what a beauty). Then figuring out how to spend the racing season I decided to devote myself to working as many races as possible as an Inspector and Chief Steward. And I have to tell you that I had a Ball!! Enjoying every moment of it. Watching both young and old enjoying themselves at each event. Traveling to every 2016 race except 2, I had a ringside seat for every race. Had the opportunity to meet many new racers I had heard about but never had the chance to meet from events I hadn’t had a chance to attend in the past like Gun Barrel Texas, Cerro Gordo IL and California, again I had an absolute great time.

Then came the announcement of my induction into the Hall of Fame, to be included along with some of the Lawnmower Racing Icons like Chuck Miller, Bobby Cleveland, Art Neville, Charles Powell, and John Nelson just to name a few was a tremendous Honor.

I have taken this sport very seriously from the start, always tried to do the right thing, at one time in the beginning even put this sport ahead of personal priorities, (a mistake which I learned from). I never did anything to gain personal recognition or awards, but to did my very best to make it better for all. Devoting my time and for several years putting my racing aside to be there for all racers. And I truly enjoyed it to the point where I wondered if I wanted to continue my on track racing and work the track full time. Watching the winners excitement and losers wondering what they needed to do better next time, the excitement of all racers greeting each other as they arrived to the track for and event and the social time after a weekend of racing Skoaling was special.

Then of course working alongside individuals that mean so much to me, Bruce, Kerry, Rich and Tony, whom I have come to depend on more and more. I couldn’t ask for a better team to work with.

So 2016 for Manny Torres was a year to remember for a lifetime, mistakes? I’ve made a few but I learned for them. They made me a better person. Would I change anything? Not a dam thing!

Was I worthy of a Hall of Fame induction?, you be the judge, but remember one thing, Manny Torres always had the best for the racer in mind whenever I walked on the track and while actually racing, I raced cleaned with the others on the track safety in my mind.

So again as we prepare for the upcoming 2017 season and the celebration of USLMRA’s 25th I look forward to see everyone at the track.

Merry Christmas to all and Happy New Year from the Torres Family

 

Manny Torres
Chief Steward/Tech Inspector

 


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