|
(August 5, 2006) Castile, NY: JC Stout’s #91 NASCAR® Craftsman Truck Series team will be without their rear tire carrier, Joe Szwaczkowski, Sr., for the August 11th Toyota Tundra 200 at Nashville Super Speedway due to emergency surgery performed Saturday. Intent on going over the wall in his place will be his sister Patricia "Tree" Stout, who also happens to be the #91 driver’s mother. This underfunded family operation is in no position to hire an outside tire carrier nor purchase anyone else a NASCAR® license for this impending event. So after evaluating the team’s economic situation and entertaining all options, Mrs. Stout volunteered to fill the position. She wasted no time in preparing for her new role during the team’s pit practice today. Patricia, commonly known as "Tree", has always been very supportive of her son’s dreams and NASCAR® career. Normally she’s the team’s mom away from home who makes sure the team is well fed and hydrated. "I’ll still make sure everyone has what they need this weekend. "There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for my son and this team. I’m no different than any other mother in that regard", she said. Team Manager Don Stout, "Tree’s" husband and JC’s father, respects her unusual decision. "In the face of adversity (which this team is no stranger to) you have to make lemons into lemonade. It’s not necessarily what we want to do, but at this point I see no other option that will allow us to compete at Nashville." "I’m not sure if there’s a female crew member in this series or any of the other top three NASCAR® divisions nor do I recall a driver’s mother going over the wall to pit for her son", team PR Director Michelle Maines said of the situation. Maines, JC’s sister and "Tree’s" step-daughter, understands "Tree’s" point of view. "As a mother you do whatever the situation calls for in the best interest of your children. It just so happens that this situation is highly unique in what it calls for. It doesn’t surprise me that she’d make this effort. She’s a very loving mother who will do whatever it takes to aid my brother’s career in racing." Driver, 23 year old JC Stout visited his Uncle Joe following his surgery and told him of the decision once making sure he was OK. Mr. Szwaczkowski was quoted as saying, "She’s what? Gotta love her!" Joe, Sr. is expected to make a full recovery from his surgery and be released from the hospital by mid-week, however, will be unable to do anything strenuous for at least three weeks. JC himself is a bit nervous over his 53 year old mother’s decision, but has confidence in her. "She can do whatever she puts her mind to and I love her for being willing to do this for me and our team", he commented. This small, family team is known for thinking out of the box to overcome adversity both on and off the race track. Mrs. Stout’s decision is very unusual but like she says, "I have to do whatever is needed to keep JC going." For more information about the team visit www.jcstout.com where you’ll find lots of photos in the Photo Gallery and all the contact information for the team.
|
