NW Photography: These Friends of Mine

- These Friends of Mine -

In a day and age of technology and social media, it seems as if human to human communication is becoming rare. Fortunately, I am surrounded by an ever growing crowd of people who I love being around.

Years ago, long before I had picked up a camera or even been behind the wheel of a racecar for that matter, I was fortunate enough to meet a man by the name of Larry Higginbotham. At the age of 6 or so, I didn't think much of this. I spent my boyhood years at the race track wandering around, pestering drivers, and asking a ridiculous amount of questions. I got to know many racers, as well as their crew members. When I reached the age of 8 and began my driving career in a Junior Dragster, I could tell you almost every driver at my home track of Thompson Raceway Park. On occasion, a familiar supercharged purple Corvette would show up at TRP (Thompson Raceway Park). I first saw this car at Norwalk Raceway Park in Norwalk, Ohio.

At this time, I only knew the driver by the name of "HIG", which was lettered across the butterflies of his injector hat. After watching the Bad 'Vette for years, I noticed it had gone missing. I began seeing a candy red '57 Chevy Bel-Air with the oh so iconic "HIG", on the butterflies and doors. I had many conversations with the gentleman who drove this beautiful red promod type car, but until I was 15, we had never once exchanged names. I watched the car undergo changes, including a complete front half and new paint scheme after an unfortunate accident at Norwalk. In 2010, at Thompson Raceway Park's Quick 16 series, Asphalt Wars, I photographed the newly painted '57 Chevrolet for the first time. I decided it was time to learn more about the man behind the wheel. I approached this man in the staging lanes with a photo I took of the car earlier that day. I introduced myself and he shook my hand and said, "Nice to meet you young man. My name is Larry". I showed him the photo I took of his car, and he asked if it was for sale. I gladly sold him the picture, told him good luck, and went about my business.

A few months later I was at TRP shooting at the Steel Valley Super Nationals, and I saw the ratty '57 of none other than Larry Higginbotham sitting in the staging lanes. Larry and the team came out to make some exhibition passes over the course of the weekend. Early Sunday morning, there was a small amount of rain that required some track drying. I spent the down time talking to Larry, and meeting his crew. I had some photos of the car with me, so I thought I'd ask if they were interested in purchasing them as they had in the past. Larry's crew chief, Doug Baer asked me if I could send him the photos to be used on the teams new shirts. Being as I was only 15 years old, I thought that was the coolest thing ever and asked him for his card. He then informed me that he had a large format Epson printer for sale that he thought I could use. I called him first thing Monday morning to see if we could negotiate a deal. After some discussion, my Mom shot the idea down because I had nowhere to put a 5' wide printer in my room. To this day, 4 years later, I still regret not buying that printer.

In the past 4 years, I have come to know Larry and Doug, as well as Doug's wife, Kelly very well. When I first met Larry and the crew, I had no idea just how hard they worked. I have been fortunate enough to travel with, and crew on the 1957 Bel-Air campaigned by Larry Higginbotham. I have also worked closely on many projects with Doug and his company, DB Signs and Designs of New Springfield, Ohio.

Not only are they wonderful customers, but some of the friendliest and most down to earth people you could ever want to meet. In my travels over the past 2 years, I have seen the Higg Trucking team at many races, and every race, I notice the same thing. I never see them sitting down or relaxing. Despite bad outings, parts failure, or bad weather, Higg and the team always manage to keep good spirits and keep moving forward. Even at the age of 68 years old, hard work is one thing Larry does well.

Higg and his '57 named Wanda, currently compete in the PDRA's Pro Boost class sponsored by Precision Engine & Turbo. After 3 races in one of the most competitive classes in the newly formed organization, Larry and Wanda sit 4th in points. Though modest, the man from Warren, Ohio is competing with some of the best Promod drivers in the country, and he is doing very well.

Being on the road and at a different race every weekend is a wonderful thing. Getting to see so many things, and meeting so many people. I always leave a race knowing some new things as well as new people. Larry Higginbotham, Doug Baer, and Kelly Baer are 3 people that I have been blessed to meet. In a world of computers and anti-social beings it's nice to be able to talk to people for hours and know that they are genuine. The three of them are no longer just people I know from the race track. They are my friends. Members of my family, not by blood, but by the grace of God. Drag Racing is the reason I have done a lot of things in life, but it is most definitely the reason I have these friends of mine.

Enjoy a few images of Larry, Doug, Kelly, and Wanda!