Edition 33, October 15th - 2008

Just a Business Relationship

My professional career does not allow me to get too close to the companies and individuals that are Hankscraft business partners. If I allow our vendors to become too close and they cross the line from business partners to friends, it might cloud my decision making process. This is a lesson I learned many years ago, and I still practice it today. So when Hankscraft was asked to be a financial partner with Berge Racing, I assumed this would be another hands off business relationship, albeit one that follows my passion for stock car racing. I was wrong!

The team collectively welcomed all of us when we met them for the first time at Slinger Nationals in 2006. The car had our new decals on the hood; we were offered refreshments and we were allowed to go on top of the hauler and watch other races. We left that night with fast time, and a win as new sponsor. I drove home from the track that night thinking; hey these guys are pretty good. But what makes up the Berge-Swan race team? Let me introduce you to the guys in the blue shirts, in no particular order.

Ryan Farrell - Crew Man
The youngster who wants to be known as “Rowdy Ryan” probably because he knows almost every line from Days of Thunder . Lately Ryan and I have been sitting in the stands during races shouting out the story lines from Days of Thunder, which drives my boss Mark crazy. Anyway back to Ryan who is a cool kid who is attending Engineering school at MSOE and hopes to have a degree and a chance to pursue his racing career. Ryan sometimes wanders off during race prep and that drives owner Adam insane, however Ryan always shows up when the work needs to be done. Adam will oft times send him under the car to do the dirty work to remind him that not all racing is victory lane pictures. Ryan should go far, as he knows how to treat people right. He shakes your hand and he welcomes you when you attend our races.

Lenny (the fox) Lystra - Crew Man
is perhaps the calmest member of the team. Lenny does not appear to have any cares in the world, but as we related to each other I found Lenny to be quite a deep thinker. His friend Bonnie, and my wife have became friends, which is nice that the ladies can do more than sit in a hauler for 5 hours waiting for the car to race. I know Lenny has a vision, and we hope to keep working with him.

Don Stardy - Crew Chief
I don’t know where to start with this guy!! He is cool, and hot in all the same minute. He knows how to wrench a car and win championships, but like some of us, he gets frustrated at things he cannot control. He wants to be number one, and deep in his heart he knows that you have to climb the ladder to get there, he just sometimes wants to take three steps at a time. He is a good friend, and I believe he would do anything for a friend. He is a great family man, and we appreciate his efforts.

James Swan - Driver Extraordinaire
This will probably embarrass this guy, but once we found James, we tried like hell to keep him a secret. I have been around racing for a long time, but to see what he can do with a car still amazes me. Racing is his love and passion. I have to admit one of my most boring interviews was over two years ago, when on the phone, I was trying to inquire what James was all about and all he could talk about was racing. He is a great talent, and he is a good comrade, and it is an honor to be affiliated with this person with his drive for winning.

Adam Berge - Owner
I never had a brother, but if I did, I can imagine Adam to be that person. Probably in Adam’s mind I would be more like a father due to our age difference. Adam and I talk several times a week, and sometimes when my day is not going the way I want to, I will get a call at noon or late in the day, and I will see it is Adam and somehow that picks me back up. Our conversation may start with Adam saying, “I’m ticked off”. Then we talk about what personality or rule that is upsetting him that day. I always listen to him as I know that he knows the answer; he just wanted someone to agree, or tell him to back off. As an owner he has always respected his sponsors and always informed us of his team actions before they happened. No surprises, always an open book with Adam. I hope we continue our talks this next year. He is a neat guy and good friend.

And finally, to our Hankscraft racing crew of Mark Blume and Adam Favia, thanks for all your support, it was great three years with the 97 team, and here is hoping we may repeat our success.

RACED to the Checkers

Jim

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