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Bluteam
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Posted: Monday Aug 27th, 2007 05:26 AM |
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Just in case anyone is interested - the round trip mileage from Puyallup, WA to Hanford, CA is 1,928 miles. The drive time pulling a trailer, and occasionally abiding by the ridiculous California 55MPH speed limit is 16 hours and 10 minutes, including stops for fuel and rest room breaks.
Therefore, as we left Hanford this morning at 6:00AM and just arrived home, the entire story of this weekends trip to Kings Speedway will have to wait until I've had a little sleep.
The content of the story will include TJ Hartman making his debut without the wing with the SCRA360's. It is a story of success, but not for the reasons most would imagine. Let me just say that it is great being a parent of a teenager, and the lesson learned this weekend will never be forgotten. Mostly because Sprintcarz was there to witness it firsthand and he remembers everything. 
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Bluteam
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Posted: Tuesday Aug 28th, 2007 06:21 AM |
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When the "Hartman Family Racing Plan" was formed this past winter, it included a few requirements for 15 year old TJ Hartman to fulfill and abide by - one of which included a physical and strength training regiment to prepare his then 98 pound body to meet the demands of driving a sprint car. He has since bulked up enough to tip the scales at a hefty 115 pounds!
This past weekend he discovered the importance of physical fitness in racing, and what happens when you don't make it your priority. Read the rest of this story with a visual of his dad, crew members, and friends, all laughing and smiling from ear to ear.
We had been making plans to run a few races in Oregon this summer without a wing, in part, to ready TJ for a few races with the SCRA360 group in California later this year. Unfortunately, we discovered at the last minute that the non-wing group in Oregon has a minimum age limit of 18 years old. The parent in me applauds the promoters discretion on this, and sticking with our rule of complete honesty with promoters regarding TJ's age and experience, we thanked them for talking with us, and stated we looked forward to running with them in the future.
This left us with the decision to go ahead and take the next step without the benefit of having ever been in the car without a wing. We contacted Richard Harvey's group - the SCRA 360's, who race in California. Upon approval to run, we loaded the car into the trailer, packed our bags, filled up the cooler, asked for a day off from work, and headed to Kings Speedway in Hanford, CA.
If you have never been there, you are missing what I think is one of the great track layouts for dirt racing. It's a 3/8 mile, progressively banked track that is almost always dry slick. It promotes a drivers throttle control ability - or lack of. Simply mashing the gas will most likely leave you without any tires at the end of the race. Miss your mark and you're going off the end of the track into a cloud of dust. But hit your marks, manage your tires, and the progressive banking and dry slick surface makes for great passing and racing.
TJ has a style of driving that is progressive as well. He takes himself up to speed when he feels comfortable. That's not always conducive to a story of immediate glory and fame, but it beats having to explain to anyone why he wadded a car up trying to learn something.
TJ struggled to figure out the car in hot laps, qualifying, and the heat race. He explained to his crew that he knew the problem was in himself, but he wasn't ready just yet. It was becoming very clear that the original plan to run some laps in the car would have been beneficial - not only to him, but us as well. Fortunately, he was closing in on the 20 lap mark. The point in which he felt comfortable in the driving school to finally gas it up. Unfortunately, it was time for his first main event in a "traditional" sprint car against a very talented and experienced group of drivers.
Flying his rookie flag, and starting 18th of 19 on the grid, TJ lined up for his first main event without a wing - having only 57 laps in competition in a sprint car, and less than 20 laps without the wing. When the green dropped, TJ found himself tailing a field of cars all working for the bottom of the race track. Knowing he had to try something, he went high and found himself passing cars. On lap 4, he had moved to 15th, and was testing the limits of his fathers "best chassis setup". That usually means one thing, and yes, on lap 5, he spun out. Missing a front bumper, and relegated to the rear of the field once again, it was clear that TJ had found the comfort zone he knew was there.
On the restart, he once again moved high and started passing cars. Now at this point, TJ's entire crew is smiling, but not for the reason you're thinking. You see, we were relieved that his struggles earlier were not the result of our incompetence. Now we were all seeing the kid we had become accustomed to. Confident, smooth, patient, and not afraid to try something. He had just done it at his pace. We watched as TJ hit his marks and passed cars. The difference in him was night and day, and from nothing more than the result of his own patience within himself to take his time getting up to speed. To put it simply, he didn't just go out and try to set the world on fire.
But now he was moving forward. Somewhere around lap 15 TJ found himself sitting in 9th place. Life was good. We're barely watching the race now. We're happy. Starting 18th and working his way to 9th was a great accomplishment. He was showing what he was capable of, and that's all we asked for. And then it happened. This is the point where we start laughing. This is the time where every parent of a teenager gets complete satisfaction. The time, where for once, you don't have to say a thing to demonstrate a lesson that old age and experience overcomes youth and exuberance every time.
As fast as TJ had moved forward, he was now going backward. A Mack dump truck has 5 gears in reverse, and for a moment, I swear I heard a backup alarm going off! 3 laps later the #19 family owned Twister 360 Sprint car slows on the back stretch and enters the pits - driving straight to the trailer. No words needed to be spoken to know what the problem was. But that wouldn't be our style. You see, in our family, and with our friends, if we're not talking, we're mad. And nobody at our trailer was mad. In fact, on the contrary, our 964 mile trip home was going to be fun with a capital F. We're laughing. Someone else is making backup alarm noises. Cell phones are ringing from calls from the grandstands wanting to know what just happened. So, sticking with our motto of always being truthful, I asked with a grin on my face - "what happened TJ?"
Still sitting in the car, he said with a slight tone of self-disappointment - "I can't move my arms".
Now, I suppose some car owners would be upset with their driver for falling out of the seat. Some crew members would be angry that their hard work and sweat had just been wasted. But not our team. We relished in "our victory". All of the conversations about the importance of physical conditioning were just played out for TJ to experience first hand. Someone handed him a pair of cutters to remove the transponder, and he didn't have enough strength to cut the zip ties! We were in heaven. The old guys were right - and the young guy knew it. He also knew we were not going to let him forget it, for if we did, it would only say we were disappointed in TJ, instead of being proud of this kid who had just shown what he was capable, and incapable of.
I think there is also the realization that none of us could have lasted as long as he did in the situation. As far as that goes, some of us could not have taken the toll of putting the suit on. The weather surely played a factor, as did the adrenaline associated with running only his second race, and having high expectations of himself as TJ does. But the main factor was that TJ was simply not quite ready this weekend, and in typical TJ style, he accepted it and saved his car as well as others to race another day.
We're proud of you TJ. And/but, we're not going to let you forget this lesson learned. And to be quite honest, that took some big ones to pull in and face this crowd.
 
Green to Checkers,
Ted Hartman
Last edited on Tuesday Aug 28th, 2007 06:31 AM by
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PAUL
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Posted: Tuesday Aug 28th, 2007 06:36 PM |
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They changed their speed limit to 55 mph? I was down there 4 years ago and it was 65 mph all the way down to LA, except for some cities you had to slow down to 55 mph. Man that would suck driving 55 mph all the way through California. The CHP's down there do not play games either.
PAUL
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Fletch
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Posted: Tuesday Aug 28th, 2007 09:24 PM |
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Now, I suppose some car owners would be upset with their driver for falling out of the seat 
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Bluteam
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Posted: Tuesday Aug 28th, 2007 10:39 PM |
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Fletch wrote: Now, I suppose some car owners would be upset with their driver for falling out of the seat
His mom said we should keep him Fletch.
http://www.racingimagery.com/html/kings_aug_25_page_2_21.html
And Paul - 55MPH if you're a commercial vehicle or pulling a trailer. But you can't do anything once you get caught in the draft with them California drivers in the fast lane. Just hang on. LOL
Last edited on Tuesday Aug 28th, 2007 11:01 PM by
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Dirttrakker
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Posted: Wednesday Aug 29th, 2007 12:22 AM |
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http://www.racingimagery.com/html/kings_aug_25_page_5_13.html
That is me passing on the high side...
I aint gotta witness, and I cant prove it, but that's my story and I'm stickin to it!
LOL
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sprintcarz
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Posted: Wednesday Aug 29th, 2007 01:19 AM |
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Dirttrakker wrote: http://www.racingimagery.com/html/kings_aug_25_page_5_13.html
That is me passing on the high side...
I aint gotta witness, and I cant prove it, but that's my story and I'm stickin to it!
LOL
And I've got my own version of the story too.
A Kodak moment --
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Tina
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Posted: Wednesday Aug 29th, 2007 03:25 AM |
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| Nice job TJ. More meat and potatoes and fewer PB&J's. Keep up the nice work, we hope to see you race someday.
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Fletch
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Posted: Wednesday Aug 29th, 2007 05:46 AM |
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Hey Blue Team,
Get TJ one of these: http://www.ncsxshop.com/cgi-bin/shop/EKH-KM1.html 
Might help to keep him in the seat ! 
Fletch
BTW Congrats T.J. You did well & Did the right thing !
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Dirttrakker
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Posted: Thursday Aug 30th, 2007 04:52 AM |
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I would like to thank Marshall Schlenz, and Jim Sievert for traveling almost 2000 miles round trip to help me. And also Greg Bishop who came from Huntington Beach, about a 500 mile round trip to watch and help me also. Thanks alot! I couldn't have done it without you.
TJ
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Bluteam
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Posted: Friday Aug 31st, 2007 02:39 AM |
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And I want to thank my family - Ann, TJ, & Nicki.
For getting up at 5:00AM on Friday, sitting in the cab of a pickup for 964 miles with only 5 stops - 4 of which were for fuel. For allowing me to keep driving to stay ahead of Sprintcarz , and waiting until way to late to eat dinner, er, I mean breakfast.
Then, after getting to the Motel at 1:00AM after racing Saturday night, they got back up at 5:30AM, so we could head for home. 964 miles, 6 stops, and not one complaint. Not one "when will we be there" or "dad I gotta go".
Now, I will say that TJ has no problem sleeping for 14 hours , and it was hard to tell when Nicki was awake or sleeping as her eyes were always open, even though I think she was asleep, AND, she makes a GREAT transmission temperature guage thanks to her fabulously beautiful feet. 
But QMMom.............she's the bomb. Not one time did she adjust the heater...I mean air conditioning. She never changed the radio station. She always had a cold beverage for me and a bag full of snacks. She never even flinched when I handed her the tire bill.
The best part of all?
The trip was fully authorized by her without any coercing on my part.
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Bluteam
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Posted: Saturday Sep 1st, 2007 06:43 PM |
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More photos
Attachment: nonwing.jpg (Downloaded 177 times)
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Bluteam
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Posted: Saturday Sep 1st, 2007 06:45 PM |
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| more can anyone read the sticker on the arm guard panel behind his head? Attachment: nonwinga.jpg (Downloaded 175 times) Last edited on Saturday Sep 1st, 2007 06:46 PM by
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ChancesMom
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Posted: Monday Sep 10th, 2007 07:09 PM |
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Thank you so much for sharing your story! As the Mom of a rookie Late Model driver I greatly appreciated it! You see, I have emphasized the being in shape thing since day one to my now, 21 yr. old driver. I've noticed of late that he is telling me that so and so in the number XXX was sweating like a hawg when he climbed out of his car, or so and so was out of steam and that's how my son got around him..........
Physical condition is so very important for all athletes. Plenty of bed rest, good food and NO partying the night before a race. Standard rules for our team.
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QM Mom
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Posted: Tuesday Oct 16th, 2007 01:33 AM |
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Bluteam wrote:
But now he was moving forward. Somewhere around lap 15 TJ found himself sitting in 9th place. Life was good. We're barely watching the race now. We're happy. Starting 18th and working his way to 9th was a great accomplishment. He was showing what he was capable of, and that's all we asked for. And then it happened. This is the point where we start laughing. This is the time where every parent of a teenager gets complete satisfaction. The time, where for once, you don't have to say a thing to demonstrate a lesson that old age and experience overcomes youth and exuberance every time.
We're proud of you TJ. And/but, we're not going to let you forget this lesson learned. And to be quite honest, that took some big ones to pull in and face this crowd.
There was a new lesson learned this weekend while the guys were working on the car.......the car never had any power steering!!
Even again, at this most recent trip to Kings Speedway - where TJ put his recent increased workout regimen to the test (and passed), there had been no power steering.
TJ - you really do have big ones
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GregB
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Posted: Tuesday Oct 16th, 2007 01:36 AM |
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QM Mom wrote: TJ - you really do have big ones
TJ, I'll say it for you........ geeez Mom knock it off will you. Nothing like your mom getting on racing website and reflecting back to her days of bathing you.
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Bluteam
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Posted: Tuesday Oct 16th, 2007 01:51 AM |
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QM Mom wrote: Bluteam wrote:
But now he was moving forward. Somewhere around lap 15 TJ found himself sitting in 9th place. Life was good. We're barely watching the race now. We're happy. Starting 18th and working his way to 9th was a great accomplishment. He was showing what he was capable of, and that's all we asked for. And then it happened. This is the point where we start laughing. This is the time where every parent of a teenager gets complete satisfaction. The time, where for once, you don't have to say a thing to demonstrate a lesson that old age and experience overcomes youth and exuberance every time.
We're proud of you TJ. And/but, we're not going to let you forget this lesson learned. And to be quite honest, that took some big ones to pull in and face this crowd.
There was a new lesson learned this weekend while the guys were working on the car.......the car never had any power steering!!
This is me after TJ told his mom what happened ------->  
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QM Mom
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Posted: Tuesday Oct 16th, 2007 01:52 AM |
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GregB wrote: QM Mom wrote: TJ - you really do have big ones
TJ, I'll say it for you........ geeez Mom knock it off will you. Nothing like your mom getting on racing website and reflecting back to her days of bathing you.
Muscles - I meant muscles
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GregB
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Posted: Tuesday Oct 16th, 2007 02:14 AM |
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QM Mom wrote: Muscles - I meant muscles
oh boy......
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Bluteam
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Posted: Tuesday Oct 16th, 2007 02:19 AM |
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GregB wrote: QM Mom wrote: Muscles - I meant muscles
oh boy......
Looks like the heat is off me for the moment. 
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Dirttrakker
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Posted: Tuesday Oct 16th, 2007 10:09 PM |
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| Geez Mom!
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Blasticus
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Posted: Tuesday Oct 16th, 2007 11:11 PM |
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I sure love these posts, Ted. As a kid growing up my parents took us to races weekly. Mom & Sis never really enjoyed them as much as Dad, my late brother and I.
My 2 boys just never got into it and I never pushed them. Kinda leaves me as the Lone Ranger in my family.
Fortunately I never lost the passion for racing as a fan. Just could never drive one in competition. I have however fulfilled dreams I had as a kid, and the suggestions my parents made back then. Better late than never. I did my radio DJ thing in my late 30's into my 40's and by accident have also spent the last 10 years announcing Dirt Track Racing here in Idaho. It surely is not the scale that is going on west of the Cascades and never will likely. But Damn....it sure keeps me young. To see the youngsters that I remember racing gokarts @ 5-6 yo grow up and be successfull in full size cars makes me proud to have been a small part of their youth, even if they don't remember me, and I never wanted to be on radio or do track announcing to get recognized anyway. Fame was never and is not my passion. The fame is the excitment on the track. That is something I/we always remember. To the day I pass my excitement for racing will never waver. Keep the awesome stories coming, and good luck on the track.
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Blasticus
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Posted: Thursday Oct 25th, 2007 03:23 PM |
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| Was checking the site out Ted. Very nice. Its laid out very well. Did you do it or did you have it done?
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Bluteam
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Posted: Friday Oct 26th, 2007 12:15 AM |
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Blasticus wrote: Was checking the site out Ted. Very nice. Its laid out very well. Did you do it or did you have it done?
Thank you for the compliment. I can only take credit for submitting the story updates, helping with the slide shows, OH, and making sure the theme color stays Blue.
TJ and his mom built the site, and TJ now does all of the updating and layout on his own.
I don't know the difference between a KB, MB, or GB, and I always mix up my t's and o's when I'm typing, so we all get along better if I stay out of the technical side of things.
Thank you for visiting.
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GregB
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Posted: Friday Oct 26th, 2007 12:18 AM |
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Bluteam wrote: Blasticus wrote: Was checking the site out Ted. Very nice. Its laid out very well. Did you do it or did you have it done?
Thank you for the compliment. I can only take credit for submitting the story updates, helping with the slide shows, OH, and making sure the theme color stays Blue.
TJ and his mom built the site, and TJ now does all of the updating and layout on his own.
I don't know the difference between a KB, MB, or GB
Thank you for visiting.
well I'm GB not sure about them others ..
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Bluteam
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Posted: Friday Oct 26th, 2007 12:27 AM |
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GregB wrote: Bluteam wrote: Blasticus wrote: Was checking the site out Ted. Very nice. Its laid out very well. Did you do it or did you have it done?
Thank you for the compliment. I can only take credit for submitting the story updates, helping with the slide shows, OH, and making sure the theme color stays Blue.
TJ and his mom built the site, and TJ now does all of the updating and layout on his own.
I don't know the difference between a KB, MB, or GB
Thank you for visiting.
well I'm GB not sure about them others ..
From as near as I can figure out - a KB is small, and a GB is big. MB falls somewhere in the middle. But a KB usually has a higher number, and seems to orginate in foreign countries. A GB, on the other hand, has a small number, but appears ot be a harder thing to attain.
Traffic this month through Tj's web site has reached GB status - probably due in part to this message board and GB & RT.
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GregB
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Posted: Friday Oct 26th, 2007 12:35 AM |
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Bluteam wrote: and a GB is big.
More diet jokes. been talkin to my wife again huh.
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Bluteam
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Posted: Friday Oct 26th, 2007 12:38 AM |
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GregB wrote: Bluteam wrote: and a GB is big.
More diet jokes. been talkin to my wife again huh.
No, shes been pretty quiet lately.
BTW - can anyone explain what the heck a googlebot, a yahooslurp, a sbider, and I'm almost afraid to ask - a MMcrawler are?
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GregB
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Posted: Friday Oct 26th, 2007 12:41 AM |
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Bluteam wrote: GregB wrote: Bluteam wrote: and a GB is big.
More diet jokes. been talkin to my wife again huh.
No, shes been pretty quiet lately.
BTW - can anyone explain what the heck a googlebot, a yahooslurp, a sbider, and I'm almost afraid to ask - a MMcrawler are?
I bet your kids know.
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