12/14/2025
LONG post from Susan
Yesterday was an emotional day for me as I closed a chapter in my life. We purchased a run down race track in 2017, took 3 years to build a beautiful facility. Took great pains to make it that way. In 2020 during Covid we opened up. We have had our ups and downs as every business does but boy what a journey. I officially announced at our year end banquet that this was my final season. I struggled mentally not having my husband by my side this season but it was best for him to not be there. My family and close feiends know this is best for me as I have a lot going on. Race track business is a full time job and I already had more than that going on. I have enjoyed meeting a lot of great people and didn’t enjoy some rude people I have had to endure but you take the bad with the good, it makes the world go round. I have grown to love my race track family, most call me mama Susie or Susan, as I have come to be that person. I will miss not seeing some of them, I will still see some of them as they are family, chosen or by blood. My kids have always been there for me to lend a helping hand when they weren’t working or vacationing and I appreciatethem more than they know. My mom has been there even when she broke her arm picking up supplies for the concession stand. I couldn’t have done it without them. Family and friends are everything!!!
Jesse made the last season for me the best one yet. He will never know how much I appreciate him for stepping up. He had no idea what he was really getting into. He brought his dad in to help with Tech, thanks Duke. His stepmom Cindy would help wherever she needed, thank you Cindy Lowe. I have known Jesse Lowe for several years and watch this wheelman go through ups and downs in his personal life and grow to be a wonderful man. He will become a daddy next month and I cannot wait to see him grow with his family. Love you, he has called me mama for years lol.
Aaron Loden and Jessica Carter my scorers, they have fought with MRP, transponders and internet and listened to some complaining. I love this duo, they took it all with gritting teeth and always came back the following race even though they may not have wanted to at the end of the previous race. I love you for sticking it out with me. Aaron started out as one of out deputies and when he left the Sheriff’s Dept he wanted to continue to help at the track so i put him in the tower. Thank you again!
Cylas Carter, what can I say about Cylas. Boy you have grown not just physically because you did shoot up like a beanstalk. He has come a long way on announcing, you could hardly hear him when he started. I think he’s getting it, more excitement son!!! Love you!
Serena and Jonathan Hampton, these two are mine lol. Jonathan worked the middle of the track and if anyone upset Serena at the scale house he was there in a second. They brought a beautiful baby girl into the race scene last season and we love her to the moon and back although she can test you on a daily lol. I love these kiddos and can’t wait to see what life has in store for them, hopefully a calm little boy in the future lol.
Kristy Hampton my right hand and twin. Before I had I knew she was a mini me from the ultrasound. When she wasn’t gone to college or working she was there with me and helping me. If you came to the concession standand heard someone barking orders it was most likely her. When I didn’t feel good she stepped up. I have taught her a lot and she will go far in life. I love you baby girl and wish for nothing but the best for you!
Most of my gate workers didn’t make it to the banquet, other things in life took priority. That’s life! I couldn’t have done it without these folks, Tammy Goins, Kathy Crowe, Kathy B., Brittany Bailey, Bobbie Samuelson, Larry “Sam” Samuelson, Wayne Morgan and Glenda Robinson. Thank you, love you all.
Charles Miller in staging, didn’t make it to the banquet to call for security one more time. Thank you!
Medical and Rescue always there for the safety of everyone. Thank you for being there for us Carrie McKeehan and Scooter. Rhea County Rescue Squad, several I never knew the names of but I definitely knew the Mayor Leon.
Rhea County Sheriff’s Dept always had my security and had my back. They always said the food was the best lol. Thank you for always being there! Cheyenne Swafford, Todd DeLeonardis, Jon Smith, Huskey, James Haufman, Wolfe & the several others that came on occasion.
Middle of the track crew always kept it moving, Tim Harris, Josh Harris, Zach Farrington, Heath R***r, Chainz, Marcus Jolley, Jonathan Hampton, thank you so much! Tim has been there with me from day one, he is a great guy and watched his son grow up. As we have watched most of the guys families grow they become family, love you guys!
Clean up crew Robin Jolley, nobody wanted to help her but she did the best she could with what she could. I will tell you there were some nasty people using and abusing those bathrooms. Jaylon and Angel picked up trash after the races and Robin too. They would see things that shouldn’t be seen at a track 🤦🏼♀️.
My concession stand crew I have had so many that I cannot name them all. I had some that came on a regular basis and some that just showed up whenever, but I have a special family that I guess I have adopted lol that has stepped up when needed the most and brought more help. Thank you Brooke Leffew, Madi, Luallen sisters, The Dexter Family, Angie Johnson and Joey Key. Love you all ❤️.
If I missed anyone I am sorry, this is very emotional for me. I really do appreciate those that supported and helped us out.
I have been talking with people that are interested in opening the track next season so don’t think it will sit dormant. It is a great facility and should keep going. Best of luck to the next ones!!!! SUPPORT DON’T BASH!!!!!! I cannot say that enough.
Thank you to all that have supported us these past 6 seasons.
Love and prayers for all.
