Get well Mike

"Adversity doesn't build character. It reveals character." - Vince Lombardi

Last Saturday was particulary hard on me. To those who don't know, Eagle Raceway official Mike Cacak was struck by a modified as the car entered the pits. Mike suffered severe injuries to his legs and was airlifted out of the racetrack.

Fortunately, he exited surgery and it appears his legs will heal. But he's got a long road ahead of him with rehabilitation and likely will not walk the same again.

I couldn't stand to get close to the scene, and out of respect for the safety crew kept my distance. There was an understandably heavy mood in the air the whole night. I spent the evening taking pictures, but always looking over my shoulder and thinking about the family, all of them I've known for over 20 years.

Mike drove for my father, Dean Orth in the early 80's when my dad stepped out on his own as a car owner in the #30D Domino's Pizza car. They've been friends since, going to Knoxville together, and being part of the "New" Eagle Raceway when Craig Cormack and my father took control of the place in 1997. Mike's been a fixture at Eagle Raceway for many years. His wife Betty is the heart and soul of the kitchen operation and is a tireless worker at the track, often being the first employee to arrive and the last one to clock out. Daughter Christine has worked in the kitchen and now up in the scorer's tower, and son Justin mans the beer windows.

None of them needed the money, they're all successful outside of the racetrack. It's a testament to their love of the sport and their work ethic.

The Cacak's are the definition of "good people." They've always lent helping hands and are genuine folk. These are the kind of people who offered my wife and me shelter from the storm that produced the Hallam tornado in their home near the track instead of driving into the heart of the torrent going back to Lincoln. They work hard and they are generous.

So it pained me to see the grief on their faces as one by one they rushed to the scene. I was shellshocked. When people ask, "why do bad things happen to good people," this is what they mean.

They've all got a long road ahead of them but knowing their dedication to each other and their commitment to following through on the job makes me know that everything will be all right. And in tradition with their giving spirit, they'll provide inspiration on family strength and working through difficult times.

(Photo of Mike Cacak in 1983 by Bob Mays, found on Ryan Tunks' Midwest Speedway Preservation Society website)