Time to Remember John Blewett III

  I write about races and racers on almost a daily basis. While I enjoy what I do, most times the blog posts or articles are based on figures like average starting position, or career wins. However, as our beloved NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour heads to New Hampshire this weekend, I can't help but find myself thinking about one person, the late John Blewett III.
  John, was perhaps the greatest driver in the history of the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, in his shortened career. He had 20 starts at the track, and managed to win 4 of those. He was also the New Hampshire Motor Speedway Track Champion four times, in 2000, 2002, 2003, and 2006. There are those that will say these are not "real" championships, since they weren't the culmination of an entire season of races. To those people I say, you don't have any clue just how good John Blwett III was.
  He was a champion at four tracks, overall, including New Hampshire. The other's being New Egypt, Flemington, and his "home" track of Wall Stadium. He, also, won the Race of Champions, the NASCAR Northeast Regional Title in 1996, two Challenge of Champions, two North South Shootouts, three Garden State Classics, and four Turkey Derbys. He had 96 career wins at the time of his death.
  The statistics, however, don't even begin to tell the story of John Blewett III. He was not only an amazing driver, but also one of the best set-up men in racing. He was hands-on, spending countless hours preparing his cars for competition. Unlike some drivers, who remain in the seat during practice sessions, while the crew adjusts the car, John was usually the one making the changes himself.
  He was also among the first to give advice, or help, if you asked. John truly believed in beating you on the racetrack when you were running your best. I remember one time in particular when I was helping a driver at Flemington Speedway, who was quite accomplished in several of the other divisions, but was struggling with his move up to the NASCAR Modifieds. John was asked if he could turn a few laps in the car, and then share his thoughts. Sacrificing his own practice time, he gladly hopped in, ran some of the fastest laps ever run in the car, and suggested changes.
  John, at that moment, didn't see this team as a potential threat to his victory totals, but as a group of guys, much like himself, doing what they enjoy, and working hard at it. My respect for the man was taken to an even higher level, not just as a racer, but as a person.
  So as the Modified Tour heads to New Hampshire, this weekend, take a little time to remember John Blewett III. A champion in so many ways, whose career, and life, was way, way, too short.