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A Letter from Alan Handy About Silver Cup in Tribute to John Padjen

March 9, 2022

Creating Memories

To all at SLC Promotions and Silver Dollar Speedway, a job well done!

 

All of us at John Padjen Motorsports and Handy Racing Promotions took great pride in trying to be the best in racing promotions. Producing a well-run show, in a timely fashion, with a good racing surface for the stars to shine and to create an experience to remember. What we witnessed last weekend at Silver Cup would have made John Padjen proud! A team pulling together to dig deep and do whatever it took to succeed.

 

Having been there a hundred times, what SLC promotions did to put that show off was nothing short of amazing. They handled themselves like professionals.

 

When I got in the track Saturday morning and saw the carnage from mother nature, I wanted to jump out there and help so bad. To watch what Lowell and his friend Mark Cooper put together for Saturday nights track was truly remarkable. Those racers were getting around the track so fast I’m sure even Kyle, Brad and Colby would have had to step up their game to get through that field.

 

To see Troy Hennig and Andy Forsberg cleaning grandstands brought a smile to my face, it also shows their dedication and passion for the sport.

 

Naturally, I watched everything from gate staff, security, concessions etc. do a great job. Jerry Devecchia, Ed Kinkle and Co provided a smooth well-timed show as always; showing the true professionals they are at what they do.

 

The public address system was mastered by two of the best in Troy Hennig and Gary Thomas. Others and I were curious on how Colby Copeland’s would do in his first shot at managing the show; I only have one word… SOLID. His down-home vibe, knowledge, and respect for the competitors and ability to communicate made me proud.

 

With over four decades in the business John Padjen Motorsports has done many tributes, memorials etc., to hopefully be a part of and help our racing family members thru the toughest of times.  But when it happens to you It’s phenomenal to put it mildly. Our family shed tears and gained memories, some tears were sad, but mostly they were of joy that so many people cared. We are so grateful and overwhelmed for the acknowledgment of our father, as he was and still is one of the greatest promoters of all time.

 

The recognition and honor of John Padjen and his accomplishments would not have been if it wasn’t for Troy Hennig!

 

I know Troy was a big part of why the race was titled after our father. Many people don’t realize what an ambassador of racing Troy is… He just doesn’t sit behind the microphone, he promotes for the speedway, he brings people and sponsors together and even maintains things around the speedway. Troy will tell you that if it wasn’t for John and Robbie Padjen giving him a chance, he wouldn’t be where he is; I don’t buy it! Troy has always been one of the best, with his dedication and passion for the sport any racetrack in the country and would love to have Troy Hennig. I for one respect Troy and have been grateful for his talent over the years. I had plenty to say when Troy, Colby, Rachel and Candice presented us with the plaque honoring our father. I was so overwhelmed, I basically choked when he handed me the mic.  I did my best but left out a lot of things I wanted to say.

 

It was so special to have our friends Frank and Janice Monroe present a lifetime award to Western States Hall of Fame, showing why we all are lucky to have them. In addition, my other great friends Scott and Kami from Placerville Speedway donate funds to help the show and the racer, demonstrating why they are one of the best in the business.

 

After being involved in 2,870 promoted shows between Placerville and Silver Dollar Speedway, not including five years at West Capital Speedway, numerous NARC shows at Dixon Fairgrounds, and a trio of shows at Bakersfield speedway and the four Silver Crown shows copromoted with the Tognotti family by a big fella—one would think I’ve had enough. Yes, I chose another path in life but after last weekend at Silver Dollar, I can’t wait for the next race.

 

After many years it was a blessing for us to reunite with friends and fans. Our family will be forever grateful for the John Padjen classic. All of us have experienced the loss of a loved one and it’s very painful; they say time does help heal, but our time of healing was majorly cut after all the condolences and support. We have the satisfaction knowing that “Slick� will rest in peace at the place he so loved.

 

Thank you, Troy Hennig, and SLC promotions for creating memories.

 

 

Sincerely,

Alan Handy-Padjen

 

 

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