Filling Those Shoes

 I’ve always thought there’s a country song that fits nearly every situation. The late Loretta Lynn became world famous by boldly writing and singing about issues she and others, particularly women, faced.

 As I pondered what to write leading into the Hence and Reba Pollard Memorial race at Senoia Raceway this weekend, the tune that comes to mind is: “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes."

 It was written by Troy Seals and Max Barnes and made famous by George Jones. The song features Jones, one legendary giant of the industry, singing about his peers and those who came before them and wondering who, if anyone, would step up and carry country music forward when the current stars are all gone.

 I remember thinking similar thoughts when we lost Hence and then Reba Pollard. It was the same when the star drivers of my youth got older and no longer chased checkered flags.

 Closer to home, I also wonder who will step up to fill the shoes of the aging antique iron collectors who have been the backbone of Inman Farm Heritage Days for the past 25 years.

 But just like in country music, newcomers step in and carry things forward.

 Hence and Reba Pollard’s offspring now run Senoia Raceway. Hence and Reba’s son Sonny and his wife Vickie, along with their children Bubba and Andrea are leading the way as the track continues to move forward.

 At our shows, and at the track, it’s often the girls that fill the shoes of an earlier generation. My daughter Stephanie has taken over much of the operations of our shows. Shannon Mikulskis and her family help operate the sawmill that her late grandfather Zane Bristol once ran. Richard Maxwell’s daughter Debbie and her brother Doug lead a huge family effort, including the girls, in running Mr. Maxwell’s old machine shop and planing mill.

 Allison Maloney works side-by-side with our long-time syrup cooker Ben Merchant. There are others too.

 At the race track, Andrea Pollard plays a big role in promoting and hosting the events, and several female drivers are carrying on their family legacies.

 Olivia Gentry is following in the tire tracks of her father Oliver Gentry, while her sister Jenna sells racing apparel at Senoia and other tracks.

 Tina Cooper Johnson is continuing the family driving tradition started by her father Sammy Cooper.

 Brandy Brewer married into the racing Brewer family that includes drivers Daniel and Alan. She has taken over the driving duties from her husband Michael, writing another chapter in that family’s racing history.

 The boys are doing their part as well, with a number of second-generation drivers and some third, like Bailey Williams, who has followed both his father Richie and grandfather Ricky Williams.

 There are countless others. Glenn Morris, himself the son of a Senoia pioneer (Bob Morris), sent me a list of second-and third-generation racers. Among those on his list are Lee McElwaney, Landon Bagby, Kyler Haygood, Jake Herrell, Scott Howard, Dalton Poston, Rucker Orr, Shane Fulcher, Marty Lunsford, Michael Page, Peyton Stevenson, Robert Caldwell and Clint Thompson.

 It’s been more than 50 years since the first race at Senoia, and sport and the race track remain in good hands.

 I know Hence and Reba Pollard would be mighty proud.  




  

  

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