Dear Irwindale Speedway,
Turkey night 2000 was an event the whole family was looking forward to for months. When my seven year old son, Gregory, learned that Tony Stewart, his absolute favorite NASCAR driver, was going to be there signing autographs, he could hardly contain his excitement.
When the big night finally arrived, Gregory donned his Home Depot racing suit that he had gotten for Halloween, in hopes that Tony would sign the matching helmet.
Being a relative newcomer to the racing scene, my husband and I were unaware that the autograph session would be near the pit area, and we got in line very late. After waiting in line over half an hour, a security team member cut the line off directly in front of us. Apparently seeing how important an autograph would be to my little boy, thanks in great part to a gentleman fan who was waiting with us, we were allowed back in line. I was very happy, although I felt badly for the fans who would not get autographs.
About ten minutes later, the line was cut short again, this time about a dozen people in front of us. When Gregory learned that he would not get any autographs, tears filled his eyes. Several fans implored the security team to allow him in line, but they felt, and rightfully so, that it would not be fair to the others.
Then a truly amazing chain of events was set in motion. Mel Kenyon, who will always be MY HERO, knelt in front of Gregory and gently offered to sign his helmet. After doing so, several other drivers said they wanted to sign it as well. Then someone suggested they pass the helmet down to Tony Stewart, which they gladly did! A roar of applause filled my heart with joy, as these wonderful men did their best not to disappoint a seven year old boy who so obviously loved the sport of motor racing.
The next thing I knew, a lady named Judy, whom I later found out was a member of Tony's entourage, asked for Gregory. She escorted him around the back of the signing tables where Tony Stewart, ever smiling, graciously signed the front of Gregory's racing suit, as well as the helmet, despite his obvious exhaustion.
Thanks to the caring security team, and to Judy, the understanding fellow fans, and especially to the tender kindness of Mel Kenyon and the other drivers, my son's dream of seeing Tony Stewart again became a reality. My heartfelt thanks go out to all involved, but especially to Mel, who really got the ball, or should I say helmet, rolling, making Turkey Night a night of Magic for one little boy.
If possible, please forward this letter to Mel Kenyon and to any of the other drivers, including Tony Stewart, so that they would know how much we love and appreciate them all.
A million thanks, Alicia Rentz, Lomita, CA
P.S. Thanks also to LUGNUT Jr., who actually spoke to Gregory when he gave him a hug, making my son feel extra special that night.
