Comparisons

07/02/03

Well, it finally happened, I cut it too close. I’ve been in the habit of keeping my hair pretty short for a couple years now, and it’s no secret that I have a very small thin spot on the top of my head (not bald, just thin). The other day after my most recent haircut, my son came in from work, looked at me, and said, "Got a haircut, huh? You look just like Geoffrey Bodine". My wife, on the other hand, hasn’t noticed one of my haircuts since 1996 and I love her for it.

I don’t want anyone to think I was insulted, but isn’t Geoffrey bald? I am not bald, I just like my hair short! I guess I could go back to my shoulder-length high school years or the early 80’s Afro look. But instead, I am just going to be happy to be used in a comparison to someone as talented as Bodine is and try to go on with my life.

The whole "Bodine incident" did give me a little food for thought and got me to thinking about comparisons of all different types. I was going to Oxford Plains Speedway that evening to help our esteemed publisher, George ‘Soup’ Campbell with his newest venture, an Outlaw stock car, sponsored by Irving Mainway. It’s pretty easy to start comparing the Outlaw Stock division to the Busch North Series. For instance, the Outlaws had their own version of Billy Penfold. It was Mike Penfold, Bill’s son. Mike’s a wise guy, just like Bill and has Bill’s smile and his intensity. Mike also runs hard like Bill does and doesn’t give way any more than Bill does. After running in the top 5 or 6 all through his race, Mike hit the backstretch wall real hard with only a few laps to go. He never let off the throttle, glanced off the wall and never looked back. He lost a few positions but kept right on going and finished the race. That, too, is a lot like Bill.

All of the comparisons lately, though, have been centered on Brad "Hollywood" Leighton and our own George "Soup" Campbell. What got the comparisons started was Irving Oil Co. sponsoring both Brad’s limited BNS effort this season and George’s Outlaw Stock at OPS. I haven’t heard Brad’s take on the situation lately but I know that George is doing nothing to stop the comparisons and is actually starting to think he can become Brad Leighton.

Brad has a contract to drive a few BNS races for Irving Oil. George also has an Irving contract, as part of his revolving fuel credit account.

Brad has often been referred to as "The Champ" in racing circles. Last week at OPS I heard an official call George "His Holiness".

Brad has a fancy pair of driving shoes that match his uniform. George bought a new pair of bright blue Keds sneakers to match his car.

With a little practice, Brad can find the handle on about any track. With a little help, George can find the door handles on most any car.

After Brad finds the handle he "really hauls the mail". After George finds the handle, he gets in the car and really delivers the mail.

Brad does donuts on the front stretch after a win. George does donuts on the couch after a nap.

When we go to NHIS Brad knows right where the groove is. When George goes to NHIS he knows right where the Irving Big Stop restaurant is.

Brad went recently to test at NHIS. George recently took a test after completing defensive driving school.

Brad has won most popular driver awards and has always been a fan favorite. George has won instant lottery scratch tickets and has always been a fan.

It’s fun to work with Soup because I know that someday he’s going to grow up to be just like Brad.

As always, send Questions, Comments, Hate Mail, and Indecent Proposals to, Fish c/o Busch North Scene or e-mail them to fishy@gwi.net