raceannouncerblog

UPDATE:  10/27/05: 

The opportunity came today (Thursday, October 27th) to sit down and visit with Dick Ransom.  He was in some severe pain controlled somewhat by painkillers but we talked for over 3 hours today.  He was in pretty good spirits but make no mistake, he is enduring quite a bit.  Between the chemo and radiation treatments and the painkillers he takes to combat the spinal issues, he is in a fight for his life. 

I also got my first chance to meet his wife, Mary Beth. She, along with her husband, are determined to handle anything that happens from now on.  If you know Dick and/or his wife, I would encourage you to take the time to call and chat.  Better yet, if you can arrange it so it is convenient for both of you, spend some time with him.  A smiling, familiar face can do wonders for the human spirit and Dick can use all he can get right now!  After visiting with him today, I am confident that he can beat this thing with time, medication and mostly, prayers!

Get well, my friend!

Mike Paz, Motorsports Announcer

http://www.thomasracingvideos.com/

PS:  Special thanks goes to Mel Thomas who put together a “care package” of several 2005 Oswego Speedway race videos to help Dick pass the time away while recovering at home.  Mel, you’re the best!

It is never good news whenever you hear about a friend who has health problems.  Such is the case with Dick Ransom, a great fan of local racing here in Western New York.  He is especially supportive of Oswego Speedway and its entire racing program. 

As previously blogged in this space earlier this year, it was Dick who strongly suggested that I make a return trip back up to Oswego Speedway this year when I met him for lunch.  We talked nothing but racing for over 2 1/2 hours!  After that conversation, I decided to attend the Budweiser Classic Labor Day weekend at the track.  Dick spoke with the Oswego Speedway staff and set up credentials for me that weekend!  I had a great time and met quite a few people in the process.  By visiting the track, it also set up an opportunity to announce there for Andy Harpell during his Sunoco Race of Champions pavement series race weekend a few weeks later.  No one was more surprised and happy for me than Dick Ransom!  That announcing gig allowed me to talk again with track owner Pat Furlong Sr. and I was able to advise him about replacing the track wireless microphone.  None of this would have happened without Dick’s enthusiasm and encouragement!

As a gesture of appreciation, I set Dick up with guest credentials for the IRL race at Watkins Glen International just a few weeks later at the end of September.  He was like a kid in a candy store just being there!  He also knows ESPN’s Marlo Klain through some friends and family and was delighted to finally catch up with her at the Glen media center.  I’m glad I was able to get this shot of him with her…

Now I have found out by reading the Race NY website (http://www.raceny.com/discus/) that my friend is suffering from some serious health problems.   On that internet board, he is known as “Oswegofan53″.  As I sit here typing this blog segment, I’m feeling pretty helpless and numb.  I really want to call him as I do have his phone number but I have decided it would be inappropriate at this time.  I have been in contact with another person who will be speaking with him soon and hopefully, I will get to sit down and talk with my friend again.

If you have ever had a friend or family member who was suddenly stricken with some serious health issue, you pretty much know how I feel right now.  With that in mind, I’m asking that if you are reading this, whether you are a race fan or not, please remember Dick Ransom in your prayers.  I don’t care what religion you are;  just pray for him that he gets through this situation and comes back 100%! 

For me, at this moment, there doesn’t seem to be too many important things in the world right now…

Mike Paz, Motorsports Announcer