Anthem at Topeka

[Bob Unkefer]

BLAME ME,
Not NHRA or HMP. It was a split second decision made on the fly. We had drivers suited up in Alky dragsters ready to go on a hot humid day. Joey Keith was ready to go. Warren pulled out the ipad and it was dead. I've been to events where the Pledge of Allegiance was said en masse to initiate the event rather then the National Anthem. Joey finished the invocation and Warren gave me the look that we SHOULD be good to go. Wanting to be sure to Honor our great country I went with the Pledge to commit to that honor and not hold up the show, or lose the anthem mid verse. We all know how hot our fire suits get in Stk & SS, and they're thinner than what the Alcohol guys and gals wear, and I was thinking of our fellow racers too.
There was no disrespect intended to anyone, anywhere for any reason, and If the decision offended or upset you, please accept my most sincere apology.
We received many positive comments Saturday afternoon and Sunday regarding the Pledge of allegiance, but I was awakened this morning to a couple of phone calls regarding discussions on a couple of different social media sites regarding the disrespect shown. Having been in attendance at events in the past where we all recited the pledge in unison, I honestly didn't feel an explanation over the PA was necessary. In hind sight, I probably should have.
Again, if I offended or upset, my apologies.
May God continue to Bless this great country!