Just What We Need!

[MAURICE BLENDHEIM]

Originally Posted by buzzinhalfdozen

After reading thru the posts on this subject I see there are some pretty strong sentiments on both sides. As for me my son raced JR's and went on to become a very successful racer, winning in most everything he's driven (including a motorhome) while gaining the respect and friendship of his fellow racers. Now I have no way of knowing for sure if drag racing was the thing that helped in developing his way of living his life but I do know that I've never had to bail him out of jail, he's never been in any real trouble and he's become a responsible adult and father. This summer my grandson will begin his JR dragster racing and I'm hopeful that he too will develop the same skills and friendships that my son did. That being said my personal opinion on 5 year olds racing is let's wait and see....I'm sure there are some kids that will be just fine, some not so much, no different from the adult racers we all race with today...there's some good ones and well not so good as far as handling themselves.

Joe…I enjoyed your sensible post. I'm kind of surprised about some of responses to Jim's original and almost hateful post. As parents we all have the best intensions for our children. We have to display positive examples of existence at all times for them to make the best of their lives in this "not so nice society" we all live in. Growing up in the 60's is not like growing up today. Today, we need to keep our children closer than ever and keep the lines of communication open at all times. At 5 years old a child is very influential and listens better, especially to Grandpa. Responsible positive guidance in youth today will put them in the winners circle tomorrow. I think some should analyze their own responses and look at what they are complaining about. Maybe a more sensible approach would be to pick a Youth Member of the JR. community and have the President of the SSSSA work with the kids in a more professional fashion. Oh... I almost forgot, think back to 5 years old how cool it would have been to have a Good Dad and a JR. dragster in a world without all the choices. Safety is one thing and Sharing Professionalism is another. "Just my opinion"…MB.