February 14, 2007
From Bruce Kaufman
Mr. Mow It All
President and Founder of the U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association
I am snowed into Chicago today, and cannot make it to Dallas for
Dubba G's
funeral. His wife Karron told me that DG is decked out in Hawaiian
shirt, as is
his family and pall bearers! DG would have it no other way. John
Nelson,
President of the Lone Star LMRA will read my remarks. USLMRA will be
represented by John & Kathy Nelson (wearing a smart red, white and
blue ensemble), Tim &
Patty Robison (wearing brilliant Tenny Lamas and cowboy/girl hats),
Mike
Cupps, Cheryl, Cody & Tyler Powell.
On behalf of the members of the U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association,
Dubba G's
brothers and sisters, such as Sodzilla, Turfinator, The Lawn Ranger,
Hedge
Hog, Weedy Gonzales and Sir Lawns A Lot, thanks to Karron for the
honor of
speaking today.
I made it to Dallas last Monday just in time….
Just in time to see my man Dubba G. Just in time to hand him some t-
shirts,
goodies and a British Flag. Just in time to rub his bald head for
good luck
just one mow time. Just in time for him to see me. Just in time
before he
bagged his last clippings, and headed for the big back yard in the
sky.
Did you ever meet someone for the first time and immediately take a
liking to
them? I'm sure you all have. Today, on Valentine's Day, I think of
my wife
of almost 20 years, and how it really was love at first site for
both of us.
I liked her from the moment I met her.
Same with Dubba G - no not that way!!!!! - But I first met the guy,
and just
plum liked him from the get-go!
His humor, personality, humility, ability to fit into any situation
and his
gentlemanliness are immediately apparent. Since I met him in 1999, I
just
plain liked him.
Now, as I write these words on Tuesday night, I know Karron and the
family
are all together at Garrett's wake. While the snow blows cold here
in Chicago,
I have warm thoughts of my friend Dubba G.
Cheese cake shaped like a lawn mower in Palm Coast, Florida…table
surfing at
a pizza joint in Marysville, Ohio…hoisting a huge trophy in
Mendota, Illinois…
enjoying a fine dinner together in Irvine, California…wading in
the fountain
at the Hyatt Hotel lobby, Lisle, Illinois…drinking "pink things"
with British
lawn mower racers…reading his famous quote in Sports
Illustrated….and meeting
him for the first time in Decatur, Alabama.
When I first met Dubba G, I told him I'd make him a star of lawn
mower racing
- that he and his trusty steed, Geronimow, would be known across the
land.
And we did! TNN, The Dallas Morning News, Sports Illustrated,
newspapers here
and there - the names Dubba G and Geronimow are known from Mandan,
North
Dakota to Avon Park, Florida; from Duncanville, Texas to Wisborough
Green, England.
Dubba G was the perfect "Racer Liaison" and problem solver. He could
talk to
anyone; solve problems, so we made him a staff member. Dubba loved
the gift
of gab, so we made him a race announcer. Dubba loved to eat, so we
had him
cook the steaks after the races. Dubba G loved to socialize, so we
made him
Chief Gadfly. What a great guy.
Here are some words from racer Jim Poden, one of the founding
members of the
USLMRA, who has been a racer since Day One, April Fool's Day, 1992.
Remarks from USLMRA Charter Member Jim Poden
(Previously posted)
Remarks from 2005 Dave Hertel Mowtivation Award Winner Art Neavill
(Previously posted)
Remarks from Florida Lawnracing Association Founder and Immediate
Past
President, Joe Gillians
(Previously posted)
In the days before Dubba passed, he, along with Karron and me,
decided to
create a lawnmower racing award in his honor. Today, I am proud to
announce the
creation of the DUBBA G EVERYMAN AWARD, for our Every Man, Garret
Gray. Here
are some of the criteria by which the annual award winner will be
selected, as
wished by Garrett himself.
"I have not done this before but I am certain we could tweak it a
bit.
So let's get started.
1. We are looking for people with dedication, integrity and
conviction to
stand up for what they believe, even when unpopular.
2. The candidate will carry a positive disposition. Obviously, game
face
before the race doesn't count.
3. Actions on the track, including driving style, will show
gentlemanly
demeanor. Not necessarily always deferring to other drivers, but not
creating
unsafe situations. Their competitive spirit needs to be tempered
with a "spirit of
a sound mind".
Intentionally running people off the track, running into or bumping
and/or
ignoring Safety Crew repeated will disqualify a candidate.
4. Candidates are willing to help others. When times of need arise,
sacrifice
is not uncommon, willing to volunteer, add a hand, step up to the
plate.
5. Enthusiasm is key. They want to be here, at the race, in the
paddock, at
the driver's meeting, their excitement will help the group's
positive energy
grow and surge just by their presence. Similar to #2, but more
encompassing.
People just like being around the candidate.
6. General knowledge of what's going on race day, race track, in the
paddock,
in general. This would imply that first month rookies may not fully
qualify,
but depending on their learning curve, they could be in the running.
This
doesn't mean they have to know everything, but a good solid
understanding of how
things work is the basic idea.
7. Most important, at least to me, is their Sense of Fair Play. We
have all
seen racers over the years that possess some or a few of these
qualities, but
when bump comes to shove, this particular attribute gets left behind
or thrown
out the window, depending on the situation. This applies on the
track,
adherence to the rules, arguments about rules infractions and who
gets the last beer
after the race.
8. Comes prepared to help. Spare parts, rope to hang clothes, share
knowledge, extra mower to run on race day in order to keep
accumulating points for the
season. Having made preparations to help others in advance, knowing
someone
will need something. #4 shows the willingness, #8 exhibits the
forethought to
add extra supplies, etc.
9. One of the traditions I enjoyed most was having a Steak and a
beer (or
mower) after the race. I know most people what to run home. But
there is always a
few that will stick around or meet you on the way to the airport.
10. I always preferred plaques. Trophies can be hard to store, but
there's
always room for a plaque. A lot less dusting along with less space
used.
This should give you an idea of what I have been thinking."
Note from Bruce: Official Award Criteria will be announced on…TAKE
A
GUESS!!!!!!!
Dubba G
A Man Out Standing In His Field
1964-2007
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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