Who is Memorial Day Weekend for?

Our current troops, our previous troops, our past troops?  They all deserve recognition. Let us fly our American flags this weekend in recognition of those fallen soldiers who have given their lives for our freedom. This freedom allows…no let me say… gives us the privilege to watch racing.

What does Memorial Day Weekend bring for us as race fans? The F1 Grand Prix of Monaco, NASCAR in Charlotte, NC and…the Indy 500!

I think they call it “the greatest spectacle in racing”. Danica Patrick, Sarah Fisher, Milka Duno are part of the spectacle. Sure, there are 3 females in the race now. Is that the spectacle? I hope not! I hope you girls all kick butt! Please tell Dan Wheldon my son Connor says HI!

For a successful look at females in current racing, take a look at Beccy Gordon and her All American Team. Check out a short documentary of her 2006 Baja 1000 adventure, produced by Bo & Shanna Bridges. 

Click here: www.allamericangirlracing.com

or here: www.youtube.com/allamericangirlracin

Shouldn’t it be a weekend to celebrate those, no matter what, who have lost a life in search of something better else? Think of all the racers we have lost in pursuit of their dream.

We should remember them this weekend, in addition to our fallen soldiers.

Anaya Yates

Velociteam@Verizon.net

Emily Thayer

I feel a debt of gratitude to my mother Lucy Yates, since deceased, for forging the path of my success. My father, Glen Yates, has supported me ever since. That’s what family does for each other. My children, Michael and Connor have been my saving grace. Without them, I do not know what would have motivated me to keep going through the tough times. I love you both.

My closest friends have edged me towards my educational goals and I am forever grateful for their support.

My racing family has been a key element to making Champ Car another relationship along the way. The friendships I have made are insurmountable and one-of-a-kind. I consider all of you my family as well.

One of “our family” will be deployed to Iraq on June 12^th. Glen Burr of Utah. The National Guard has called him up for service for a deployment of 18 months. Glen is a wonderful father, husband and racing fan. I was in need of some help at the Las Vegas Grand Prix and there he was, ready to assist. Thank you Glen.

I am sure he would appreciate hearing from us during his long stay overseas at such a troubled time. He can be reached at: glen.william.burr@us.army.mil

If any of you would like to know how to write Glen or keep his family’s spirits up, please send me an email and I will forward the information.

It would be difficult to function without any of you. YOU are what make racing a positive experience.

I have had some losses during the past week as well. It is unfortunate that so many lives can be taken so quickly. The horrific accident which claimed the lives of 3 small children on I-5 in California last Friday, were the children of a fellow employee here at Wonderware.

I also lost a fellow ski instructor, Emily Thayer, over the weekend. She was a vivacious, energetic and awesome skier who was only 23 years old. She died of staff infection complications on shin surgery.

On a happier note, my boys and I went out Thursday night to celebrate Mom’s day at Trabuco Oaks Steakhouse. I’m glad. I don’t think they would have lasted until Sunday. If you ever have the chance to meet my boys, each one over 6’5”tall, you would know they eat all the time!

See you in Portland!

Please celebrate your Mother, your family, your friends and co-workers not just on a day the calendar says is special, but each and every day.

Anaya Yates

Velociteam@Verizon.net