It has been determined by a unanimous vote (of 1) that the driver due to be profiled in this month's newsletter is Ken Sabby.
For anyone who has ever been to a Northern Vintage race, the guy you saw polishing the already gleaming race chariot several times before the heat races, before the feature, and before loading at the end of the night; that would be Ken. Several tracks, I am told, have reduced the lighting to protect the fans from the glare coming off that blue #32.
Not only does his car shine, but Ken's trailer inside is just as clean as my Dr.'s office. I really dont know what job Ken had in his real life, but imagine that somehow the word "polish" was in the job description along with the word "plan." Each and every item in his trailer has a special place designated by Ken.
Ken says his racing started in the 60's as a car owner, but like many other racers, quit racing to raise a family.
In 1999, his nephew persuaded Ken to help in the resurrection of the #72 car - a leftover from the 60's. After a couple of years with Ken watching everyone else have the fun, they built another car and Ken started racing.
I think what really happened was that Audrey grew tired of Ken painting the lawn a darker shade of green and in polishing the kitchen sink 3 times a day, that she told Ken to go get a race car to help occupy his spare time.
Ken said it took him 3 years to build the #32 car. Well, I guess it would, when one has to polish the car 3 times a day along with finding time to built it. After a tough first year (he says), he has become very successful in getting to the front.
As for me, I have only been able to stay ahead of the #32 a few times - a very few. It helps to draw good. Its been said that being able to sling mud on the #32, if only for one lap, is as good as a win - not sure who said this though.
One can't speak about Ken without mentioning his number one pit crew, traveling partner and wife, Audrey. Audrey has traveled with Ken around the Midwest USA, getting tires, parts, trailers and cases of polish, hauling all those parts to the chrome shop, as well as coming to almost all the races they attend. This makes for lots of togetherness.
Ken sorta lives and breathes NVSR. He is a past Board president and still very helpful to the Club as needed. I personally have received a lot of insight and advice from Ken along the way as well as some good racing. He and Audrey are a very positive force in our group, always up to and available for whatever is asked of them. Audrey is one of the group of "race ladies" who help with the draw, do our lineups, prepare snacks, cheer us on and most importantly, keep score.
Thanks Ken and Audrey!!