Father's Day With
the Hornaday's
by Marty Tyler - Catchfence.com Staff Writer
06/14/2002

All families have their own way, a ritual if you will, of celebrating the various holidays. With this Sunday being Father's Day, let's take a look at Ron Hornaday's plans, and what Ronnie thinks about it since he is a father, as well.

I spoke with this duo on Wednesday of this week. It was a thoroughly enjoyable exchange as you will see.

Saturday, as you know, will be the running of the Kroger 300 Presented By Oreo at Kentucky Speedway. Ron will fly to the speedway, then head home afterwards for the Father Day celebration with family at his side.

But before we get into that, let's cover our talk about Ron's season and Ronnie's plans for the future.

Saturday's race at Kentucky Speedway will mark the 6th race for Ron behind the wheel of the #26 Carroll Racing Dr. Pepper Monte Carlo. I told Ron the performance of this team has been quite remarkable since he took over the driving duties for them. It always takes time for a team to learn each other's needs, to "gel," so to speak. With 1 top 3, 2 top 10s and 1 top 15 position in just 6 races, how does Ron explain their immediate success?

"Well, I came in here with an open mind. I look at the length of time Dave Carroll has been in racing and he knows what he is doing." Ron explains. "I believe in them and they believe in me."

It certainly shows, Ron, in a big way!

Young Ronnie is currently working to add any additional training he believes will benefit him in his quest to continue with his racing career. He has competed in 2 Craftsman Truck races and a BGN race (at Kentucky). While he has high hopes of returning to racing in the future, presently he is hoping to work with a shock company since he feels that is an area where he needs more knowledge. He believes he needs to know as much as he possibly can about building and working on race cars in all areas. He said, "He (Dad) always said don't ask someone to do something you can't do yourself. I try to live by that."

So now about Father's Day. How does Ron plan to celebrate? "Well, " he chuckled, "I am going to sit back in my chair with a cold Dr. Pepper and watch the family play in the pool and the lake. I have 3 grandchildren and we are all going to be together."

Next, I asked him about those famous mushrooms he prepares (I know how that got started Ron!). Is this a secret family recipe? Is he going to cook these himself? But, wait! It's Father's Day! Father's aren't supposed to cook on their day! Ron quickly set me straight on that.

"I'm not going to do anything. I'll tell everyone else what to do, " he laughingly said.

Ok, so....I told Ronnie that his Dad had it all planned out. "You heard what your dad said, didn't you, Ronnie?" I asked. "Your father said he was going to sit back in his chair with a cold Dr. Pepper and tell everyone else what to do! What do you think about that?"

"He thinks, " he said. "I'm a father, too, now."

So...with Ron, Sr. living close by and in attendance, I think I can see how this whole thing will come down at the Hornaday's. Ron, Sr. will probably tell Ron, Jr. what needs to be done. Ron, Jr. will obviously pass that and what ever else he thinks of on to Ronnie. And Ronnie? I guess he will pass all that and more on to his 5 year old daughter, Lacey. This seems exactly the way it is at our house and hundreds of others across the country. It sounds like it is just as it should be! Thank God for wonderful fathers, our families and the fantastic times we all spend together!

After thought: I told Ron I predict a win for him and the Dr. Pepper team very soon, possibly this season. I wonder...if Ron wins at Kentucky will he cook those mushrooms himself? Hhmm...guess we will have to wait to see.

Good luck, Ron. I hope we see you in the Winner's circle soon. Happy Father's Day to you and all fathers everywhere!