36 weekends, and countless days per year NASCAR moms give up their kids, and husbands to a sport that is incredibly time consuming. They put up with hours of conversation about strategies and the latest gossip. They listen to the day’s complaints, and reassure. They do all of this with a smile and a hint of enjoyment and encourage you to keep going. They are incredibly patient and tell you that they enjoy it as much as you do. They are the best.

There have been a slew of articles this weekend, and appearances on TV by moms of drivers. Often forgotten are the mothers and wives of crew members. While they may not have spent years watching their kids compete for wins and championships on the track, they have spent years giving away their time with their sons and daughters and husbands. The time can often get lonely, but through it all they support their loved ones to do what they enjoy.

Many years ago when my family made the decision to make NASCAR a more permanent part of our lives my mom was the biggest driving force. She encouraged my father and said whatever it was, we’ll work it out. Through the years my father or sibling being on pit road or stepping off the wall has always been a concern for her. She usually didn’t like it, but she understood. While racing was not always her favorite thing, she has learned to love it and enjoy it. She listens as we tell her about our days, or the latest piece of news we heard. She is engaged and is always excited for us when we hit another benchmark. Some weekends she spends alone, but she has adapted and I think she has come to like them a little. I know that I and the rest of my family appreciate and love her more than she’ll ever know. She is the most selfless person I know and always thinks of us before she thinks of herself. Her commitment to us, has allowed us to be committed to what we love. Her support has meant so much, I know we’ll never be able to repay her.

As mothers day comes and goes and Fox and NASCAR pay tribute to those in the spotlight, don’t forget those who support those, who support your favorite driver. They are a rare and wonderful breed. Happy Mother’s Day to my mom and Happy Mother’s Day to you and yours.

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