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Grices Hope for a Family Sweep in Southern Vintage Racing Association 20 Lapper Friday Night

By Chuck Corder

What do fathers want for their sons?

A thousand scholars and therapists could argue their opinions until they’re blue in the face.

But above most shrewd assumptions is the idea of becoming a father, lucky enough to have your son carry on the family legacy.

Twenty-one-year-old Nathaniel — “Thumper� to stranger or friend — Grice is making his life’s current mission to do just that for his father, Roger — “Scooter� to stranger or friend — Grice.

And come Friday night at Five Flags Speedway, the Grice men will have a shot at track history when their 1934 Ford sedans compete in the Southern Vintage Racing Association 20-lap feature.

Scooter has raced Modifieds off and on for the last 20 years at America’s Favorite Home Track.

“Nothing would make me happier than if me and my dad could finish first and second,� Thumper Grice said. “That’d be awesome. I don’t wanna run second to my dad, but if I can’t win, I sure would love to be right behind him.�

The Association shares the marquee with the Allen Turner Pro Late Models and their split-feature format (20-/30-lappers), Beef “O� Brady’s Sportsmen (25) and Butler U-Pull-It Bombers (20).

Practice begins at 5 p.m. Friday, qualifying at 6:30 with the green flag for the opening feature poised to drop at 8. Admissions is $15 for adults; $12 for seniors, students and military; $5 for children ages 6 to 11; and free for kids 5 and under.

Thumper made his old man proud earlier this summer on June 6 when he drove Scooter’s No. 83 to a runner’s-up finish during the Association’s first appearance of 2014 at Pensacola’s high banks.

An emotional Thumper won the hearts of many that Friday night in Victory Lane.

He was overcome with joy that the Grice name had once again earned a podium finish at the famed half-mile oval.

But the son also was overwhelmed by the generosity of the father. Thumper’s ’34 Ford wasn’t quite ready for the June race.

Without hesitation, Scooter offered up his ride. Son repaid him with a trophy and a memory of a lifetime.

“It meant the world to me,� Thumper said, still choking back tears Monday night. “My whole life, all I’ve wanted to do is make my daddy proud. Every time I think about that night, I get emotional.

“For the first time to stand with a trophy in my hand, just like my granddaddy, my great-granddaddy and my daddy. All have been winners, and I wanna be a winner like ’em.�

Powerful stuff from the former Tate High School quarterback from just a few years ago. Imagine that guy leading you in the huddle.

Scooter did his best to contain his goose bumps and throat lumps that Friday night.

“Anytime the boys do something like that, it’s a very prideful thing,� he said. “Seeing them do well, it’s a sense of accomplishment — just like if they score a touchdown. I wanted to be emotional, too, but I wanted to savor that moment with pride.�

He’s getting a lot of moments these days with three sons eager to dip their toes in the family business.

“I’m not nearly that old, but with three boys that all want to race, I guess I’m not going to be Red Farmer,� said 38-year-old Scooter Grice.

This week, each Ford will be ready.

For all of the racing success the Grice family has enjoyed in their many decades, none have won at Five Flags. They’ve always settled, begrudgingly, for second.

That fact is not lost on the 21 year old.

“This is a big race to me. I’ve been waiting a long time for this,� said Thumper Grice, who has been saving his car for Friday. “It’s basically its first time out. Five Flags is a top-notch track, one everybody wants to win at. I’ve been going through it for weeks, making sure it’s right for this race.�

So this week is different. This week is special. For both of the Grices.

Those nights, Monday through Thursday, when father and son gather to work on their racecars and swap stories about life — those days have gotten more anxious this week, as the final tweaks are made.

“It’s a new challenge,� Scooter said. “The car is definitely different to drive. It’s still a moving target. I’m learning a lot of stuff that I had forgotten.�

But it’s what they live for. Figuratively and literally.

“From the time I was born I was in the pits while my dad was racing,� Thumper Grice said. “From the time I was old enough to turn wrenches, I was right there with him. As I got older, I spotted for him.

“There’s no better hero I have than my daddy. He’s the man.�

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