PREZ SAYS

Words: Randy Faul

A Big Shout Out

As we wind down our season, I would like to take this time to acknowledge and thank everyone that has made this season one of the best I have seen. Our organization continues to achieve great accomplishments as we grow and move up to the next level. FTR has been on a lot of the industry’s radar as we continue to shine and display the reasons, we are one of the top-rated off-road series in the U.S.

With the personnel we have that continually give 110 percent that doesn’t even think about how much they are contributing to the entire program each and every race weekend, it is mind-boggling the impact they make. From helping the clubs with parking starting on Friday night, to spending your entire Saturday morning at the peewee course, the man hours involved are off the chart, and that’s just getting things started. From the club, FTR sign up and AMA sign up, FTR merchandise, setting up the grid with our P/A system, getting practice off on time, that is just Saturday morning.

Continuing that responsibility with the starts, sweep and staying on time again is something that not every organization can do. With the clubs on their game from Tuesday on until Sunday evening, everything is well orchestrated down to when the checkered flag comes out on Sunday evening. My point here is these weekends that we all enjoy just don’t happen as we sometimes think. A lot of planning on the club’s part and a lot of help, volunteers and guidance makes our weekends one of the best race weekends you could ask for. Not to degrade any other organization, but I’m telling you that nobody has the consistency, organizational skills and results like FTR. Not saying we sometimes don’t have a snag , but when you run up to 1300 entries and average 1000 to 1200 riders and their families and friends, there’s a lot that could go wrong in a hurry.

FTR continues to look at ways to make things better, change the way we do things and sometimes make rules that may not agree with everyone at the time, but know that the leadership always has the best interest for FTR in anything that is done and that will always be the main objective.

We are a minority in today’s world and society is always looking for ways to discourage us and actually eliminate our sport and with that said, it is so important that we always show professionalism, responsibility and engage in doing the right thing. We are all in this together and I ask you to look at yourself and try to give back or contribute in a way that we preserve our sport for our children and grandchildren.

I have been part of FTR since the early 80’s as I came from the MX series and raced HS when I didn’t know what I was doing but continued to learn and become a real competitor if you want to call it that with a few jackets along the way. From being a HS Referee, HS Chairman, Area Director and then to my present position, I have witnessed the one-day events with no minis, quads or the 75 classes that we have today. Manual scoring was the norm with at least twelve people with clipboards and two backup scorers just in case, I don’t want to go back to those days. Some of you can remember some of that and it took an army just to sign up and score the event. As

I reflect back on those times, it brings back some great memories that I will never forget and I hope with our events today we are making those memories for you and your family. Take lots of pictures, videos and become friends with your fellow FTR members, it will mean a lot one day when you can reflect back and remember the good ole days!

Thanks for listening

Randy Faul

Starting Line to Checkered Flag…

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

2 Timothy 4:7

We finished at Old School! Welcome to summer. Time for family, friends and just kicking back and unplugging.

I encourage you to spend some time with Jesus this summer. Give Him the chance to prepare your heart, mind and spirit for not only the next season but the next phase of your journey.

Rest

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4:8

Seek the Lord first. You will find the rest you desire.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:29-30

Jesus will take your fatigue, your worries, your need for a break