A Hug From Norm

We've been attending races at Texas Motor Speedway for several years. My family quickly noticed that several trucks were basically 'naked' (lacking sponsorship) yet they continued to run the race instead of doing the 'start and park'. We know that NASCAR discourages the 'start and park', but still some do it. We became especially drawn to Norm Benning when we realized he was a seasoned driver nearly the same age as my father. After cheering for the #57 my father jokingly mentioned that he'd like to help out the team. You'd think by then my dad would have learned that my family takes a comment like that and runs with it. We run a small drywall and finishing construction business based out of south Houston. On the Monday after those infamous comments, my mother (treasurer of the family biz) set out to see how we could help the #57. After a few phone conversations with Kevin (PR/Jack Man/Gas Man) and Norm (Owner/Driver) we agreed to offer as much funds as we could find in our family business budget to help them out. They were grateful for any financial assistance we could offer but we decided to wait until closer to the race to decide just how much we could swing.

Then came Eldora and our decision to dig a little deeper to help Norm Benning Racing out. We decided on an amount, which was by no means near what fully funded teams get and made plans to see Norm Benning at Texas. A few weeks passed and we received a phone call from Norm that he was going to put our company on the hood of his truck for the Texas race! We were so surprised and shocked! We figured we might get a sticker on the side of the truck. We weren't looking to get noticeable signage on the truck. We just wanted to help him out with a couple sets of tires or fresh parts. When we told dad (company owner) he just laughed. Disbelief will do that to a man. Norm Benning Racing arranged for 4 Garage and Pit Passes for us for the NASCAR Truck Series.

I keep trying to come up with the right words for this experience, but I just can't find them. It was something more than awesome, barely believable. I had some preconceived notion of what a NASCAR driver and team would be like. I was so off. Perhaps other drivers and teams operate the way I imagined, but Norm Benning and his crew are different.

I arrived in Dallas early on Friday morning. I had enough time to visit with my family and some friends before I went into the NASCAR Trucks Credentials office to pick up my Garage and Pit Pass. We hopped on our bikes (really the best way to get around Texas Motor Speedway, if you ask me) and headed to the infield. We flashed our passes at a few security officials then walked right up to Norm Benning's truck. Instantly we were introduced to Norm, his crew and a couple more Norm fans. First impression of Norm Benning - No handshake. Norm gives hugs, warm embraces. Kevin was equally as friendly and excited to see us. It was just about time to qualify so we set off to take pictures of the qualifying laps. Norm ran two laps and eventually began 33/35 in the race on Friday night. While other drivers were qualifying I went all fan-girl on Bubba Wallace. He's a young driver, new to the series who I root for as well. He's adorable and I wish I could get him to marry into my family. I forgot to mention to him that I have an awesome, single sister! I felt like I was cheating on Norm, but Kevin assured me that everyone in the truck garage loves Norm. It wouldn't be seen as an act of infidelity to the #57 to squeal at the #54 driver.

After qualifying we walked around, did some shopping and enjoyed some precious down time before the race. Dad and Janis went to the Truck Driver's Meeting. They sat with Norm. I have been to a Sprint Driver's Meeting before, but this one went really quick compared to that one. Apparently there was no talk of the pit road drama from the previous race at Martinsville.

Friday evening we went down to pit road to take pictures of the truck before the race. Norm saw us right away and called us over the wall to walk out to driver introductions together. We cheered as he walked across the stage then walked back to the truck with him. We started to say our goodbyes and wish him well for the race when he told us to "line up" with him for the invocation and national anthem. It was surreal. I chuckled to myself because I watch these "line ups" on tv every week! What the heck am I doing in one?! After more hugs from Norm (he loves to hug y'all, so do we so it works) we set off to his pit box to watch the race. Unfortunately this was a short race for Norm. A part broke in the rear of the truck and he had to call it quits. We were so sad for him. It's obvious when you talk to him that he LOVES to race and wants to be out there, not in the garage. We offered some assistance to help him get everything together. I pulled the jack back to his trailer. Boy did I get some looks! One official gave me this "WTH" look. I merely responded that it was a race souvenir. He started laughing and later asked where it went. "They made me give it back." More laughs. Norm had the crazy idea that we didn't get enough time on his truck because of the short night he ran. We all gave him this look that implied he was crazy to think that it mattered to us. It didn't. Still doesn't. We then began to say goodbye (more hugs), but he asked that we all get together for breakfast the next day. A few texts and phone calls later we decided to meet at an IHOP away from the track the next morning.

During that breakfast (which extended more than TWO hours) Norm and Kevin shared some funny stories and hopes for future seasons. If you spend 2 minutes talking to Norm it is clear that he is a genuine, kind man. He's doing what he loves with the resources he has available. He doesn't get down about being a small-budget operation. He accepts it and works very hard. After more hugs, I left wanting to do anything I can to support him. If that's donating to his team or just cheering wildly for him at the races, he is absolutely grateful. I'm a fan for life. I'm sure that we'll continue to give what we can to Norm Benning Racing.

Norm is working on securing a full season sponsor for next year. He is such a deserving driver. I'll be hoping and praying that he finds the resources to continue doing what he loves.

Hugs to Norm!