October 13, 2002

Fighting traffic with a stack of road maps that would intimidate seasoned truck drivers, the life of the Winston series show car worker can be an exciting starting point in the sport.

I had the good fortune to run across a man the other day that set the tone for a great human interest story.

Chris Miko show car worker for the # 38 Ford Taurus driven by Mark Green was setting up shop from his Akin Ford supplied show car trailer. The scene was a parking lot on the West Coast that offered all the flavor of anywhere America.

Chris, a native from the Bronx, New York shared with me his story of will and determination to make it in this very demanding sport. On the road for months at a time Chris finds time to keep a degree of normalcy in his life with a fiancée in Concord, NC.

Upon approaching the display area I witnessed Chris waxing and cleaning the Ford Taurus show car. Mark Green, noted driver in the Busch series is sponsored by Great Clips Inc. a well known hair care business headquartered in Minneapolis.

Akins auto dealership in Winder Georgia owns the Ford Taurus that Chris deals with on a daily basis. This one man band of public relations rolls down the highways of America on a schedule that appeared as frightening.

As I interviewed Chris many fans of auto racing would approach and the burley New Yorker would spring into action with a cordial smile and a positive outlook as to what this whole gig was about. Chris shared with me his goal to be on the pit crew as a jack man or perhaps working in the fab shop at home for this team that shows much promise in the future with driver Mark Green. Chris realized that to get into the sport he may have to pay some dues. Putting his family life on hold this determined man is paying his dues on a daily basis.

A show car is an essential part of the sport of NASCAR racing. It gets the word out about a sport that we love and perhaps creates dreams within a child that one day may turn into a racing career. In the eyes of a child Chris Miko is a connection to the sport and a positive role model. With a professional look this man represents the Akins team well in the field.

Talking to Chris that day I could feel his excitement about this sport and his future therein. Paying his dues seemed to be a part of his plan for success with the Akin team. You have to start somewhere and this seems a fitting place. One on one with the fans, spreading the word from within the trenches I see great things coming from this burley New Yorker.

As the day grew long Chris was on his way to another location. Trailer in tow and, road map in hand I waved good bye to a NASCAR show car worker on his way to spread the gospel to the masses. Visible determination and the will to reach for his dreams Chris Miko gets my vote because when it comes to paying your dues this man is head and shoulders above most.

If you ever see Chris or other show car workers out there remember the sacrifices they make and the dreams they have to be a part of this sport.

You can contact Joe at: Insider Racing News