Garret Gray, "Dubba G" 9/15/64 - 2/9/07 "I was put here to make others happy. I believed in myself so others could" Did you ever meet someone for the first time and immediately take a liking to them? I'm sure you have. I first met Garret Gray "Dubba G", and just plum liked him from the get-go! His humor, personality, humility, ability to fit into any situation and his gentlemanliness were immediately apparent. Since I met him in 1999, I just plain liked him. When I first met Dubba G, I told him I'd make him a star of lawn mower racing - that he and his trusty steed, Geronimow, would be known across the land. And we did! TNN, The Dallas Morning News, Sports Illustrated, newspapers here and there - the names Dubba G and Geronimow are known from Mandan, North Dakota to Avon Park, Florida; from Duncanville, Texas to Wisborough Green, England. Cheese cake shaped like a lawn mower in Palm Coast, Florida...table surfing at a pizza joint in Marysville, Ohio...hoisting a huge trophy in Mendota, Illinois...enjoying a fine dinner in Irvine, California...wading in the fountain at the Hyatt Hotel lobby, Lisle, Illinois...drinking "pink things" with British lawn mower racers...reading his famous quote in Sports Illustrated....and meeting him for the first time in Decatur, Alabama. Dubba G was the perfect "Racer Liaison" and problem solver. He could talk to anyone; solve problems, so we made him a staff member. Dubba loved the gift of gab, so we made him a race announcer. Dubba loved to eat, so we had him cook the steaks after the races. Dubba G loved to socialize, so we made him Chief Gadfly. What a great guy. In the days before Dubba passed, he, along with his wife Karron and me, decided to create a lawnmower racing award in his honor. Today, I am proud to announce the creation of the DUBBA G EVERYMAN AWARD, for our Every Man, Garret Gray. Here are some of the criteria by which the annual award winner will be selected, as wished by Garrett himself. 1. We are looking for people with dedication, integrity and conviction to stand up for what they believe, even when unpopular. 2. The candidate will carry a positive disposition. Obviously, game face before the race doesn't count. 3. Actions on the track, including driving style, will show gentlemanly demeanor. Not necessarily always deferring to other drivers, but not creating unsafe situations. Their competitive spirit needs to be tempered with a "spirit of a sound mind". Intentionally running people off the track, running into or bumping and/or ignoring Safety Crew repeated will disqualify a candidate. 4. Candidates are willing to help others. When times of need arise, sacrifice is not uncommon, willing to volunteer, add a hand, step up to the plate. 5. Enthusiasm is key. They want to be here, at the race, in the paddock, at the driver's meeting, their excitement will help the group's positive energy grow and surge just by their presence. Similar to #2, but more encompassing. People just like being around the candidate. 6. General knowledge of what's going on race day, race track, in the paddock, in general. This would imply that first month rookies may not fully qualify, but depending on their learning curve, they could be in the running. This doesn't mean they have to know everything, but a good solid understanding of how things work is the basic idea. 7. Most important, at least to me, is their Sense of Fair Play. We have all seen racers over the years that possess some or a few of these qualities, but when bump comes to shove, this particular attribute gets left behind or thrown out the window, depending on the situation. This applies on the track, adherence to the rules, arguments about rules infractions and who gets the last beer after the race. 8. Comes prepared to help. Spare parts, rope to hang clothes, share knowledge, extra mower to run on race day in order to keep accumulating points for the season. Having made preparations to help others in advance, knowing someone will need something. #4 shows the willingness, #8 exhibits the forethought to add extra supplies, etc. 9. One of the traditions I enjoyed most was having a Steak and a beer (or mower) after the race. I know most people what to run home. But there is always a few that will stick around or meet you on the way to the airport. 10. I always preferred plaques. Trophies can be hard to store, but there's always room for a plaque. A lot less dusting along with less space used. This should give you an idea of what I have been thinking." Dubba G A Man Out Standing In His Field 1964-2007

The Dubba G Everyman Award will be presented to one USLMRA Member based on the above criteria. USLMRA members and staff can submit an essay, in writing, nominating a candidate who is deserving of this honor. Essays can be submitted in any written format, and must be submitted to Bruce Kaufman, USLMRA President. All entries submitted by the start of the annual USLMRA Awards Banquet on the Saturday night of Labor Day Weekend will be considered. The USLMRA President will select the Honoree. The Honoree will be announced at the Saturday Night Racer Banquet during STA-BIL Nationals Weekend. The winning essay will be read by the USLMRA President. The Nominator and/or the actual Honoree does not have to be present at STA-BIL Nationals Weekend May the spirits of Dave Hertel, Charles Powell...and Dubba G live on. Bruce Kaufman USLMRA President April Fool's Day 2007

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