I still can’t believe it. I sit here writing on Tuesday night, July 15th and I still can’t believe it. Like most of us, it’s just shock. This week we lost SK Modified driver Jay Miller, the 35-year old who won his first ever SK Modified event just a few weeks ago on June 28th. The Speedbowl community hurts, but we’re a strong bunch and will get through it together. It’s with a heavy heart and some truly fond memories that I send my deepest sympathies to the entire Miller family, the #09 SK Modified team and all their fans and friends. Two of those memories, especially, I will never forget.
The first was back on the night he won that SK race when I spent some time with him out in the parking lot after the races. I was with former Mini Stock competitor Rich Brooks when we spotted Jay with his crew. They were all smiles and being congratulated by many when we got to their parked trailer. Fellow competitors like Doug Coby, Tyler Chadwick, Glenn Pressell and Diego Monahan were some of many gathered around to offer congratulations while countless others yelled or beeped as they drove by on their way out. I love moments like that in our racing community. It was just a great vibe. Indeed he beat the best that night, holding off 6-time Champ Dennis Gada and NWAAS National point leader Keith Rocco. Then his cell phone rang, and I would soon get a dose of Jay’s great sense of humor.
He went off to the side to take the call and then came back shortly after with a funny grin. “Hey Coby” he yells to the pilot of the #10 SK, “when you tell someone you won and they say ‘yeah right’ , uh, is that a good thing… I’m thinking probably not, huh?” And then he just busted out laughing. Indeed nothing could have brought him down that night. Nor did it seem the win gave him any sense of being better than he was. But on that night, there was no doubt he was the best and that was all that mattered. That’s how racing should be. One race at a time with a level perspective. I liked that about Jay. It was easy to be happy for him that night. Guys like Jay are just easy to root for.
The next week I saw Jay in the pits where he came up to me with a big smile and his hand extended out. “Hey Sid, thanks again for the program” I looked at him puzzled, “whatta ya thankin’ me for? You won the race, I didn’t do anything. I’m just spreading the word.” “Ah, you know what I mean” he said with a chuckle “It was great man, we really appreciate it”. With that he walked away and because I was away from the ‘bowl at a wedding last week, that was the last time I spoke with him.
These last 2 times I saw him, I’d never seen him happier and I’ll always remember that.
I just wish he knew how much we’ll all miss seeing him smile each week at the races.
Rest in peace good friend.
Thanks for the memories!
Sid