TRI-CITY SPEEDWAY PROMOTERS MIKE GRAHAM AND ROGER CRICK HONORED AT WORLD OF OUTLAWS LATE MODEL SERIES BANQUET
by Lou Long

December 17, 2008

I had the honor and pleasure of representing two outstanding organizations during the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show in Orlando. One, of course, was The National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum Foundation, of which I am Vice President. The other was Tri-City (PA) Speedway, where I am Pit Steward.

Going into the show, I thought that my duties on behalf of Tri-City would be somewhat limited. Mike Graham, co-promoter of the track, contacted me on Thanksgiving weekend to see if I would be his stand-in for the World of Outlaws Late Model Series banquet. Sure, anybody can handle a free meal, right? And, despite my shrinking frame, I can still put away a good dinner with ease.

Upon arrival at the banquet, I was told that I would be seated at Table One. That should have been a clue that something unusual was about to happen. But, I quickly dismissed it as I was just a pinch hitter and they had to fit me in somewhere.

Well, I had an enjoyable dinner with World Racing Group officers Tom Deery and Brian Carter, Eldora Speedway's Larry Kemp, Virginia Motor Speedway's Sawyer brothers, Ray Marler representing Ken Schrader's Pevely facility, and my guest, Bob Baker, the Executive Director of the Hall of Fame. Dinner conversation included serious subjects like the latest traction control devices unabashedly on display at the trade show and new kinds of track preparation techniques to combat it. I even learned some things about the equipment used by the pros to prepare some of the finer surfaces in the business. Just to show that it was not all shop talk, though, I will always remember the good-natured ribbing of Larry Kemp for his colorful attire.

The usual award ceremonies followed, with the top Late Model drivers getting their well-deserved accolades and point fund monies. Each presentation included video highlights of that driver's season. 

Before WoO champion Darrell Lannigan was summoned to the podium to receive his just due, and a cool $100,000, Tom Deery addressed the crowd. His job was to present the award to the WoO Promoter of the Year.

Tom gave an inspiring speech about how important it is for all of us involved in the sport to be good promoters of it.

He then focused on the task at hand. He began to explain how good promoters have a vision and work effectively to carry it out, even through adverse weather conditions. He talked about making events special for the fans and competitors. He mentioned that certain events achieved must-see status. Then, he mentioned unique trophies that the winning drivers will always cherish.

"He must be talking about Eldora," I said to myself.

Then, I heard him say "Oil Region Classic."

"Holy $#!¥," I said to myself. "That's me, oops, them. Now what do I do?"

Well, I gathered myself up and made my way to the stage, where I received the eagle trophy on behalf of Tri-City's dynamic duo of Mike Graham and Roger Crick.

That was the easy part. I still had an acceptance speech to make.

Those who know me realize that I am rarely short of words. But it was an unexpected challenge.

I delivered the speech extemporaneously, including the customary thanks to the WoO officials and racers who were, truly, a pleasure to work with on race days. I also included some personal insights about how I came to work at Tri-City and how much I have enjoyed my time there. I concluded by saying that Mike and Roger are good fiends of racing, and good friends of mine, and how deeply honored they will be to know that they received this well-deserved honor.

I was remiss, though, in failing to mention the other half of the Tri-City ownership team. Margaret Graham and Susie Crick are not as visible as their husbands on race days, but, believe me, they are equally important to the successful operation of the track. Sorry, ladies.

It was with mixed emotions that I returned to my seat for the remainder of the program. I was excited that my friends and employers received the award. But, I was saddened by the fact that the reason that they could not be present to accept it themselves was that they were continuing their negotiations to sell the speedway. 

I know that the "Oil Region Classic" is still a cornerstone of the WoO Late Model schedule. I know that both the current owners and the potential buyer are working hand-in-hand to continue the tradition that grew so rapidly at Tri-City during the Graham-Crick regime. So, circle Labor Day weekend on your racing calendars and get ready for good racing and a great party.

And, if you see Mike and Roger at that bonfire, tell them "Thanks, for all that you have done."

Congratulations WoO LMS Promoters of the Year:  Mike Graham and Roger Crick.