Sunday is Father’s Day. But for most racers, every day could be Father’s Day.
Ask most any racer anywhere in the country about the central influence in their careers and most will reply “my father.” That’s certainly the case at South Boston Speedway.
“My dad has always provided the encouragement when things are going rough or the voice of humbleness when we are on top,” said South Boston regular and 2005 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series National Champion Peyton Sellers of his dad Bert.
“Working countless hours a week just to be able to spend the weekend at the track with (brother) H.C and myself is just what he does expecting nothing in return but for us to give it our all.”
South Boston Speedway will be honoring all fathers Saturday night with a $5 admission price for the Halifax Insurance presents Whelen Night NASCAR Late Model Twin 75 racing program.
Nathan Crews is in his first full season of Late Model racing at South Boston, and for a rookie moving up out of the Pure Stock Division, is doing quite well, running in and around the top 10 most of the year. His dad, a former racer, has been instrumental along the way.
“He made us take a very different route and made it hard so we would appreciate it more, so when we got better opportunities, we would be more thankful,” said Nathan, speaking of his dad Bruce Crews, a former South Boston driver himself. “The first race car I ever had he bought it for a thousand dollars and made us work on it. Me and him spent three years working on that car. That set my career up, him and me building that car. It was a special time. And he’s still always there for me.”
When Matt Bowling, defending South Boston champion, current track points leader and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national points leader, is racing, you can be sure his dad Tim is somewhere close to his son’s pit stall, a big grin sprouting from behind a neatly trimmed beard.
“My dad is my biggest fan and sponsor of my racing,” said Matt. “And I can’t thank him enough for that. If it wasn’t for him, I would never be able to do what I love to do every weekend.”
Peyton Sellers wrapped up perfectly how racers everywhere feel about their fathers headed into Father’s Day.
“The life lessons that my mom and dad have been able to show me through racing far out-weigh the trophies and victories,” Peyton said. “From carrying us to go-kart races all over the country to being my spotter Saturday night, my dad has always been my rock and hero.”
