We’ll Take the Rain

Some people might say, “It would have paid to stay home the weekend of August 18 & 19, 2007.” After all, Rochester, NY’s weekend was genuinely beautiful, with temperatures hovering in the low 70s, slight breezes, and virtually clear skies.

The bottom line was – no rain.

Meanwhile in Jackson, MI, home of the Michigan International Speedway and site of an anticipated NASCAR series race that Sunday, the weather was another story. “Yuk,” might be the operative word if you were looking forward to a day at the track.

Trackside spectators at the speedway included guests of Doosan Infracore America; several hailing from the Greater Rochester area, themselves guests of Rochester headquartered Monroe Tractor. More than an inch of rain and temperatures averaging only 58 degrees didn’t dampen their spirits however.

Kevin Ledgerwood, Tom Rizzo, and Mark Sandle, all members of the Monroe Tractor sales team, had driven by van from Henrietta. With them anticipating the race and sideline activities were three Monroe customers. Dave Allen, DC Allen Contracting of Palmyra, NY; John Pregitzer, B&B Blacktop of Buffalo, NY; and Stan Sutton, Sutton Enterprizes of Canandaigua, NY had all earned their way to the track as long time Monroe Tractor customers.

This wasn’t the first time Monroe Tractor was participating in a NASCAR weekend hosted by Doosan. “We weren’t about to let a little rain get us down,” said Sandle, looking back on what was really a whirlwind weekend. Doosan is a heavy equipment manufacturer that Monroe Tractor has represented at its Buffalo, Henrietta, and Syracuse dealerships for more than eight years.

For Doosan and Monroe Tractor the weekend is all about customer appreciation. “Though soggy for sure, it turned into one long, enjoyable party,” said Ledgerwood, “but more importantly a huge opportunity to get to know our customers better in a non-sales atmosphere and for them to really get some quality time with various Doosan people.”

Moving back and forth by bus between their Detroit hotel and the track, the Monroe crew began its weekend at a hospitality event at the Chalet Village and awaited weather reports with hopes they would include a break in the rain. Meanwhile, they joined other dealers from around the country and enjoyed stories of racing travels and travails offered up by Larry Camp, NASCAR events coordinator, and Stan Creekmore, NASCAR sportswriter. “It gave us some insight into racing that we might not have gotten otherwise,” said Rizzo.

“Still, the highlight for me,” recalled Rizzo, “was a visit by Joe Gibbs Racing driver Tony Stewart. It’s really inspiring just to be around this level of professionalism. After all, Tony has made it to the top of the racing world and the team he drives for is led by a real, world class winner in Joe Gibbs, the former Washington Redskins, Super Bowl winning coach.” All-in-all, it would have been nice had the rain held off, but those who joined the Monroe Tractor team wouldn’t have traded places for a little sun back home.