Ricky Towery 11-19-04
- Updated: November 19, 2004
By Bonnie Hamrick
Spending a few minutes in the motor home of Ricky Towery, a good friend of mine, as well as the Grand National Cross Country Official Starter and Referee, we were able to discuss, just how he got into the job at hand.
ATV Scene: How did you get started in the GNCC Series?
Towery: I got started with this through your dad, Buren Hamrick. I started out punching in the woods (back when it was done with hole punches and not the scanners), and one day it came open for someone do be the official for the day after Captain Russ retired. So, I guess I did good at it that first day. They have kept me doing it ever since.
ATV Scene: Did you used to race?
Towery: First, I raced the local Mid East Series for about five years. Then I started racing the GNCCs. During that first half of the season, I broke my back.
ATV Scene: Do you ever get nervous standing in front of all those racers and fans on the starting line?
Towery: I have to admit that I do sometimes.
ATV Scene: What was you most embarrassing moment?
Towery: Probably the ’03 Sparta, KY round. It was during the morning race of the quads. We were about to start the third row, the Four Stroke Stock Class if I’m not mistaken. I dropped the green flag as I started running to get out of the way. I hurried up and went back to get it. Big mistake! I should have left it there. As soon as I picked up the flag the riders were there at the first turn and I about got run over! Many of them had to lock up the brakes to keep from running me over.
ATV Scene: Have you ever been hit by a bike or quad?
Towery: Well, like I said, I came close in Sparta, but no I have not. I score the Mid East Series and when you go to scan the quad riders, it’s common to step into them too close and get your toes ran over.
ATV Scene: Any nervous twitches you try to cover up while starting?
Towery: I try not to do any twitches because everyone is watching. Sometimes you may twitch your elbow right before you throw the green flag, but I try not to. I try to stay consistent.
ATV Scene: Do you always throw the flag at ten seconds?
Towery: Everyone says I do, but I try to get it anywhere between eight and twelve seconds. Usually on the pro riders it is a little bit earlier because I don’t want any of them to jump the gun off the start, but normally I start them between eight and ten seconds.
ATV Scene: What other sports besides GNCC are you involved in?
Towery: I help the Mid East Series at all of their events and the other sport I play is softball for my local church. Our team won the 2003 State Conference!
ATV Scene: Favorite Motocrosser?
Towery: Well, I guess Ricky Carmichael since I have met him a few times and I know his mechanic, Chad Watts, cause he is from our hometown.
ATV Scene: Favorite NASCAR driver?
Towery: I watch the races now, but really don’t have a favorite that I pull for. I’m old school, so I would have to say my favorite was Darrell Waltrip.
ATV Scene: What do you drive?
Towery: A Honda Civic
ATV Scene: Kids? Do they race?
Towery: I have two boys. Robby is 18 and Lucas is 14. They both race the GNCCs and Mid East. My wife, Lynn, works the gate at the GNCCs.
ATV Scene: How many bones have you broken?
Towery: My wrist when I was 25 then I broke my back racing the GNCCs when I was about 34. Other than that, nothing really serious.
ATV Scene: We look forward to seeing you at the track and starting the quad and bike riders for a few more years. Thanks for not twitching and thanks for all those two words we all love so much – “TEN SECONDS!”
Towery: Thanks for all you guys do as well.
