T'was the Night Before Christmas, Race Fan Style

Valerie Perkins, WhoWon.com and TwoGirlsGoneRacin.com

T'was the night before Christmas, and all through the land

Not a race track was open, only snow filled the stands.

The pit shacks were shuttered, front gates were secured

And over PA sysems, not one word was heard.

The flagstands were empty, there were no shouts or cheers

And no kids begged their parents for speedway souvenirs

PRI had just ended, Chili Bowl was two weeks away

No races were scheduled to run Christmas Day.

RVs and campers were winterized and parked

Musco lighting was turned off, scoring towers were dark.

And everywhere race fans were snug in their beds

While visions of close finishes danced in their heads.

But somewhere in Ohio, north of Rossburg town

If you listened real close, you could just hear the sound

Of an engine, a Chevy, a small block at that

At the wheel was a driver in a Schlitz Beer ball cap.

He was pushed by a truck, its driver in red

With a long white beard and a furry cap on his head

They moved through the infield, past an empty food stand

Their only witness, a reindeer, with stopwatch at hand.

They rolled out of the pits and down the front straight

Then the engine, it caught, and the car pulled away

Past the bleachers it rumbled, the midget so light

Broadsliding 'round turns on that cold winter night.

Just off the cushion, the driver he flew

Gaining speed as he rounded the corner in two.

He zipped down the backstretch, no fenders, no wings

Because many drivers have no need of such things.

As he circled the track, he laughed in delight

Engine roaring as dirt clods flew into the night,

Many ciruits he made in the snow and the cold

The speed and the skill were a sight to behold.

All too soon, in the east, shown the first light of sun

And alas, it was time to end all the fun.

He was heard to exclaim as he climbed from the car,

"Merry Christmas all race fans, wherever you are!"