Often there have been stories shared with us about the all the great drivers, officials, track owner's, etc. But too often we forget about the others out there working who also make racing more pleasurable. Those people are the 50/50 salesperson, ticket booth and concession stand operator's to name a few. They are there for every race, but never get to see the excitement.

Ever wonder what would make someone possibly desire to do these jobs? Maybe it is the desire to meet and serve people? I'm sure the pay isn't what keeps them coming back to stand in those hot buildings or walk around in the HOT sun to sell tickets. Or stand over an extremely hot grill and fryer cooking the burgers and things that satisfy our hunger or thirst. The people who hold these types of jobs at the tracks also play a very important part in racing.

The ticket booth operator's are usually in a tiny space, with very little room to move and temperatures close to 100 degree's with no air. But even though they suffer these types of conditions, when you arrive at the ticket window, they are still able to address you with a smile and courtesy. I admire these people for being able to cope with the surrounding circumstances, there is no way I could. So people should take this into consideration, before going up to the window and being rude or disrespectful because you are hot or had a bad day. Imagine how they feel!

The 50/50 salesperson doesn't have it any easier either. They walk around all day selling tickets, climbing up and down the bleachers. Why do they do this, to make it easier for us to enjoy the race and to sell more tickets maybe? This contributes to more money for someone to win and also creates a bigger fund for things the track might use the other half for (drivers, injured drivers, driver points fund, etc.). These people are also very courteous and should be admired too.

Now last, but not least, the concession stand operator's. Do they ever have a tough job, working in those tiny stands dealing with even more heat from the grills, fryer's, etc. And I bet their pay isn't making them any richer either. So they must really love their job right? What pleasure could they possibly obtain from working under these conditions, with hardly any pay? Once again for the love of meeting and serving people. I've seen people be really nasty to these workers, and why I ask? Because maybe they are not serving you fast enough or the food is too cold or whatever reason you might have. So when you go to the concession stand asking for a beverage, food or whatever, try and put yourself on the other side. Would you want to be in their shoe's?

Just remember if these jobs weren't filled with people who have a passion for meeting and serving people, then there would definitely be some unhappy people without them! Let them know you appreciate the work they do on your next visit to the track. Because they deserve to be recognized and appreciated also!

-Sharon Fancher

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