21ST TO 3RD DOESN’T TELL THE WHOLE STORY

I usually write these articles and tell the inside story of a Hoffman race.  I will briefly do that, the important part of this story doesn’t involve on the track news.  After a private test day, then practicing Wednesday last week, qualifying Thursday with a disappointing 21st starting position, we returned Friday to take advantage of more practice time.  We found something for Tony Friday, did a full tank run and knew Tony was comfortable in the car and we had something for them.  

Tony was patient early in the race, worked his way through traffic and several accidents , running in the top 10 with about 100 laps in the books.  Getting “on the board” and running as high as 4th.  Anyone who saw Tony run the last 100 laps knows without a question that he is one of the most talented, competitive and versatile drivers of all time in the world.  He put on a show running down the leaders and passing them.  With a few breaks,  we could have won the race.  A 3rd place finish was one heck of an accomplishment,from 21st starting spot. 

The true story here is Tony Stewart the man.  Unfortunately not many people get to see that side of him. He stopped to talk to fans when he was busy and trying to focus on driving.  His kindness in the autograph session to a lady critically ill and young fans was very telling about the man he is.  He has figured out that being a celebrity brings with a chance to touch lives in a positive way and make people happy.  He has not forgotten where he came from and truly enjoys open wheel grass roots racing and the people around it.  Thank you Tony for giving the Hoffman Team memories that will last for a lifetime.Thank you Penny, so great to meet you and Max.  Tony’s Team was a pleasure to work with, Jared Frood , Eddie Jarvis and especially Misha Geishert.  Without you Misha, we could not have pulled off this entire adventure, your efficiency, follow through and kindness will not be forgotten. We love you !!!

SHOUT OUTS

Unless you have run the Little 500 you cannot appreciate the amount of work and coordination it takes to make pits stops , logistics and time it takes to run the race.  

First of all to Mean Green and CR Brands, without you this could not have happened.  Machine Gun Ken, without you this would not have happened. Your friendship to Hoffman racing and especially myself is a real plus to this race.  

The core Team of Richard and Rob Hoffman and myself(Tim Waechter) could not have run the race.  The addition of 9 time race winner Eric Gordon was genius by Richard and Rob.  Thank you Eric for your expertise and helping Tony and Team.  

Shout out to Josh Shaw, aka Spider Man for your friendship and fueling ability, Jake Simmons(ex-Hoffman crew member), Kevin Doran, Jake Gordon, August Hoffman and Tim Wollfrum . 

Time to rest a bit and appreciate the accomplishment and memories of the 2017 Little 500. 

Tim Waechter
VP Marketing/Public Relations /Social Media Hoffman Racing
11 Time USAC National Sprint Car Champions
twbigt69@gmail.com
513-284-1519