I was ‘spectating’ in Topeka over the weekend, so got the chance to see some stuff I normally wouldn’t. Several of the bigger surprises revolved around Brogdon…
One of the first was seeing a beautiful charcoal-painted, broke-wall aluminum gooseneck trailer parked in the ‘Back 40 lot’. It was one of the nicest rigs I’ve ever seen. I was surprised- but probably shouldn’t have been- that it was Rodger’s. (Smaller than his previous toter/stacker, but definitely NOT what I’d call a step down.)
Next surprise was the Unkefer ‘Last Pass’ tribute. Bob was obviously a HUGE part of NHRA racing in this part of the country for a very long time. And while I appreciate everyone who supports our events, it definitely feels like something’s missing without hearing/seeing Unk.
Anyway, when I first heard RB was going to be taking Bob on one last run, I assumed an urn had been somehow secured inside the car. That’s not exactly how it went down. The parachute tribute was a definite surprise. But in my mind I can clearly hear Bob billowing his approval, so it immediately brought a smile.
As I thought about that pass, I tried to imagine how nervous Rodger must have been about it. For me, even if it was just Q1, given the circumstances I’d have wanted to make a nice run. And he certainly did.
I wasn’t trackside when Brogdon crashed the next day, but as soon as I heard the news I couldn’t help thinking it was less than 24 hours after the Unk tribute pass. It still sort of boggles my mind that one guy could have so much ‘stuff’ going on in one race weekend. I guess that’s par for the course for Brogdon, though. (There’s no question the dude runs WFO all the time!)
Rodger- if you happen to read this: thanks again for all you’ve done for Comp these past few years. I know a lot of folks knock the class for being a shadow of it’s former self. All I can say is we got here as soon as we could, and have enjoyed (almost) every minute of it. I know you have too.
Hope you- and the wagon- get well soon!
Keith