By Scott McAllister
07/08/2012 – It has taken me a few days to come to grips with the fact I have lost another wonderful friend and companion. I initially met Terry Watson and his wife Mary when I was part of the S.A.R.A. racing series. We traveled many miles and to many tracks across the southeast, along with other dear friends Rick Day, Sheila & Ron Farris, Melanie & Rick Hall and of course Virginia Howell-Wright. As most racing fans and participants know, those type bonds grow extremely tight and no matter how long you go without seeing or chatting with them, they remain part of your “racing family.”
Terry and I did remain close and often saw each other at tracks long after the S.A.R.A. days were over. I will always remember Terry with a big smile on his face, no matter how bad he felt as he battled health issues for several years. We used to laugh and joke about the Snowball Derby races where he was the Technical Director for so many years. We talked about local, regional and national racing series, and even managed to solve many of the world’s problems while sitting in the tech area at whatever track we happened to be at.
I continue to shake my head in disbelief, as I often still do when remembering lost friends. I last saw Terry about 2 months ago looking as healthy and happy as ever. I remember my friend Jack Smith standing on the front straight at USA International Speedway with cameras and recorders in hand, long hair and that so very familiar smile. Now, both are gone and only memories remain. I like to think that now, both Terry and Jack are somewhere debating the good and bad of racing, drivers, track owners and racing series.
We all experience loss as we progress throughout our lives, so I strongly encourage everyone to reach out to your friends and family, no matter what differences or divisions that might have occurred over time, to say hello and tell them you love them and you care for them. Life is so very short, and good friends are hard to come by. Take advantage of the time you have now because, it can be over in an instant.
Terry and I had come to the conclusion that the sport of racing would “never be the same as what is used to be” and that “those days were over and long gone.” While those decisions can continue to be debated, I do know my life will never be the same knowing that I will never see my very good friend at the track again. I was so lucky to have Terry in my life. He was a true friend that I loved and respected and always will.
Mary & Mr. Jack remain in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. I love you both very much and you know I will always love Terry and the joy and comfort he brought to my life.