| Sunday, November 18, 2001 | |
| WHEN YOU DO GOOD, GOOD THINGS HAPPEN | By Robin Smith Miller
 My favorite saying in life is "When you do good things, you get good back." I have seen this come true many times in life, most especially in the stock car racing world. It seems that good karma seems to follow stock car drivers when they unselfishly give of their time and resources to those who are less fortunate than they are. I also believe that the racing "family" in general is so special because of the way they band together to help those in need constantly.
My favorite saying was proven true yet again on Saturday, November 17 as I watched several of Southwest Florida's best stock car drivers in action at Charlotte County Speedway. First, Buckingham resident and current open wheel modified division, Chris Dean, made a crafty move on the second lap of his race and moved into second place after starting mid-way through the field. He battled with the race leader until he took the lead from his friend Kurt Riley on Lap 8. Meanwhile, fellow driver, Christine Gibson, was having a terrible night being involved in several spins. Her karma was way off but it should have been just as good as Dean's for the same reasons.  Despite intense pressure lap after lap from Naples drivers Scott Kleiber and 1999 dual points champion Chris "Big Fish" Turner, Dean continued to lead and eventually won the 35-lap feature race.
Shortly thereafter, perennial Southern Thunder favorites, the fast limited late model division hit the track for their fifty lap feature race. Lehigh Acres resident, Buzz "The Bomb" Martin started on the pole and led the opening laps of the race until he was passed by current division champion, Glenn Morris of Bokeelia, in his CAT Country 107 sponsored car. Meanwhile, current points leader, Randy "Hondo" Fox, was making his way up front while fellow Lehigh resident Danny Caylor drove Fox's well known black #4 closely behind. Caylor tried to follow Fox's move, hoping to learn from the older, more experienced Fox although Caylor is a champion in his own right. It stuck me as kind of odd, Caylor won a points championship in the pure stock division over five years ago, while Fox has never won a championship, yet Caylor knew he could learn much from his mentor.
Eventually, past champion Mike "Hobo" Hovis took the lead with Fox right on his tail. They led the way, lap after lap, until they both spun coming out of Turn Two and Fox was penalized to the rear. This did little to "settle down" Fox, racing despite intense pain from a pinched nerve in his neck he made his way back to second place behind Hovis and battled for the lead to no avail.  Hovis took the checkered flag first, while Fox finished second. Rookie driver and current pure stock champion, Chuck Sweet of Punta Gorda, was third.
Sweet's crew chief, brother Kevin, credited Fox with their success in the race. It seems several weeks ago, they brought their car to Fox's shop for some technical assistance. Fox's crew helped work on the car and when they were done, the Sweets asked "What do we owe you?" Randy Fox simply said "Just bring your car to the Noise for Toys show on November 30." The Sweets readily agreed.  All of the drivers listed here are slated to bring their race cars, crews and families to the First Annual Noise for Toys Car Show on Friday, November 30 at the Wal-mart Super Center at 2523 Lee Boulevard. The event which will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. will have not only a display of Southwest Florida's finest racing vehicles but live entertainment, as well.
A local rock and roll band named "Nocturnal Passion" has stepped up to the plate by volunteering their services for this worthy cause. They will perform all original songs from the car lift on Fox's race rig. The Bayshore Elementary Cloggers will also perform for crowd.
Many local East Lee County businesses have also stepped up to the plate and donated prizes for a raffle including Radio Shack, Beall's Department Store, Mr. & Mrs. BBQ, Maria's Restaurant, Gatti's Jewelry, Perkins Restaurant, Fashion Flowers, and Genesis Hair.
The great new owners of Southern Thunder have donated a dozen passes to the Speedway for our 50/50 drawing, have offered to place a box at the front gate for the next two Saturday evenings, where fans can bring a toy for donation, and will advertise the event in their track program next week. The biggest prize donated thus far is from KARNAC.com, a three-lap ride along in a Sprint car at Dave Blaney's Outlaw Driving Experience and it is anticipated they will broadcast the event live on their radio show. Jim Keating of Clear Channel Broadcasting is ensuring the event is promoted on CAT Country 107 radio starting this week. Keels and Wheels Magazine has given the group ad space for the past few weeks, gratis, and will continue to do so until the event is over.
The racing community hopes the local community at-large will come out and support this event. All you need to do is bring an unwrapped toy, some canned goods or a monetary donation. The proceeds will go to help give our local needy families a good holiday season. All goods collected will be given to Lehigh Community Services to disperse to Lee County families in need. Should you not be able to attend take a toy to the Speedway for the next weeks for donation. All drivers in all forms of motorsports are encouraged to bring their vehicles to the show, as well.
For more information, please email me at RSMiller58@aol.com
-Robin Smith Miller
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