ODE TO JIMMY SPENCER
A Junkyard dog sits on the hood
Another sits inside.
He flaunts his redneck roots
With Rebel grin and Yankee pride.
An old time racers spirit
Wants to win each time he runs.
He races for a living
But he'd do it just for fun.
His rough and ready attitude
Gives Jim a special flare.
If he don't win the race,
At least you'll know that he was there.
From Riverhead to Charlotte,
From the Swamp pit to the Cup
He learned the art of racing
And his dues are all paid up.
BUT
Some people see the racer
And that's all they want to see.
They miss the part that worships God
And loves his family.
They don't see Jimmy's roses.
They don't see his kids and wife.
They never get to hear
How he lit up his brother's life.
Sometimes his eyes are full of sparks
And flash like shooting stars.
Sometimes they seem to mask a soul
That bears its share of scars.
Though Jimmy's seen adversity,
His faith will see him through.
He thanks the Lord and thanks the troops,
Gives credit to the crew.
Ask fans who stand beside him.
Ask the folks at MRO,
Ask kids from Race for SMILES
About the Jimmy that they know.
His ample girth is not by chance.
God knew right from the start
He'd need to have that extra space
For Jimmy Spencer's heart.
Betty Hennigar June 2003