Mr. Johnson joining the Champ Car World Series is great for the organization, but rest assured, as Champ Car president, he has some big shoes to fill. Dick Eidswick was the everyday president that Champ Car needed over the last couple of years to bounce back.

The results speak for themselves, but I’m not here to talk about numbers, figures and all that. You can read those just about anywhere, or heck, attend a race and see for yourself how far the series has come in 2 years.

Dick Eidswick has joined us at Fan Forums before. That says it all right there. Talk about a President who cares what the people have to say. If you know these fan forums, they are Q and A’s that are no holds barred. Any questions are permitted and the tough, controversial questions are usually asked. It’s a very fun environment, but champ car fans are passionate about their series and want answers to questions they may have. Dick was there to answer those questions.

The Edmonton fan club dinner where I had the privilege to speak was attended by Dick Eidswick. Before the speakers got going, during the dinner portion of the evening, I was sitting with two new friends talking racing when Dick sat with us for a few moments. He introduced himself (not as the president, but as Dick-wearing a grey shirt, he was obviously a champcar employee) and proceeded to join us in our conversation. He asked my two new friends questions about their likes and dislikes of the series, paying attention to what they had to say. He did this with several more people at the dinner. He didn’t need to show up to the dinner. He had already had a long day, and the race was the next day. But he did, sat down and listened.

Finally, for what its worth, Dick was at the track bright and early every morning. It always struck me as odd for some reason when I pulled in to the parking lot at 7am or whatever time in the morning and see Dick making his way to the track. Talk about a hands on president. But he was there bright and early not only because that’s the type of president he is, but also because he’s a fan of the sport and wanted to absorb the atmosphere as much as possible. He realized how special these events are and wanted to be part of them as much as possible, not only as an employee, but as a fan.

And let’s not forget the fact that Mr. Eidswick was kind enough to join me in a This or That. The very fact that I had felt comfortable enough to ask him shows you what type of person he is, but also the fact that he joined us really shows you what he’s willing to do for the series that he has grown to love as a fan, first and foremost.

When I read the headline about Mr. Johnson, I was in shock because I thought Dick had been replaced. A move that would have made little sense if any. Luckily, Mr. Eidswick becomes the CEO of Champ Car. And no matter what his title may be, I have a feeling I’ll still see him at 7am on race weekends anxiously making his way to the track to witness the sport he his fond of.

by the way my Jays are 4 back of the wild card and who do we play this weekend? Mr. Dick Eidswick's Tigers. Sorry sir, this is one time you and I are not going to agree!