NEMA Mourns
This sport that we love so much, this thing that is so entrenched in our hearts and souls, has now hurt our hearts and taken a piece of our souls. Some of the attraction of this sport that occupies many of our days and nights are the personalities of the people involved, the interests that we share, the camaraderie of the competitors, the spirited competition and the overall thrill that is auto racing. A good part of that thrill is the danger associated with the event itself. There isn’t a driver whose adrenaline isn’t fueled by the risk they take every time they strap themselves into the car. That risk and the element of danger is part of what brings us back week in and week out, puts spectators in the stands and provides the excitement that consumes so much of our lives. Love it as much as we do, we hate it when it takes one of our own.
Shane Hammond was a colorful kid, warm and friendly with a great smile and pleasant attitude. He was a racer’s racer. He never complained, he listened a lot, a true professional, a gentleman and a friend to everyone he raced with. He could turn the wrenches and was admired for his mechanical abilities. He was good on the track, too. One of those drivers that week in and week out was in contention, and more often than not we said “he’s due for a trip to victory lane.” Often times we were surprised that he didn’t post a podium finish and be back at the start/finish line after the race to celebrate with some of the more experienced drivers like Joey, Nokie, Randy, Greg and Ben. He certainly was on par with those guys. Many of the times he didn’t post a top three finish it was no fault of his. It was mechanical problems or he just didn’t get the break he needed to get to the front. Even though he wasn’t there in front of the crowd getting his picture taken at the end of the race, he never showed an ounce of discouragement. Right back at it next week, listening, asking questions, trying harder. Shane was a racer’s racer, a role model to the incoming rookies and sophomores of NEMA. He was part of that new breed of midget drivers that have been putting NEMA on the map lately; destined for greatness in open wheel racing.
Now we try to make sense of a devastating tragedy like this. Why? Why Shane? Why NEMA? Why now? If there is even the slightest consolation, we have to remember that death is at the doorstep for all of us. We can’t predict when we will be called, only the Good Lord can make that decision. We can only hope and pray that we will be one of the fortunate ones that are called to Eternal Life while doing something that we truly enjoy, something that is our love and passion. If there is a final gift on this earth, it is that.
The Northeastern Midget Association will go on in our 56th season. We’ll gather at the track and continue the spirited competitiveness, maintain that special camaraderie and live the thrill of the sport that is so close to our hearts. But our hearts will be heavy and it won’t be the same for awhile. There’ll be a hole in the line-up, an absent smile, a great competitor, a friend, a racer’s racer will be missing. Have the faith that he will be with us in spirit at the track every week. He’ll be in the pits and at the drivers’ meetings. In spirit he will ride with you, the drivers, for each and every lap and he will be in victory lane to celebrate right alongside you.
God rest Shane’s soul and God ease the pain of Shane’s family and friends and of the wonderful people that are The Northeastern Midget Association.
In lieu of flowers, Shane’s family has asked that contributions be made in Shane’s name c/o NEMA. All contributions can be sent to NEMA at 266 Kelly Rd, Middlebury CT 06762.
Sources: Pete Falconi/NEMA