HOUSEHOLD OF PAYNE

National Dragster, May 13, 2005 by Littlefield, Brad

"When we get to the track, Madison usually asks to see [Top Fuel racer Larry Dixon's children] Alanna and Donovan," said Shelly. "We always bring her by Ashley Force's pit. Ashley, Mandie [Yorio, team public relations manager], and Debbie [Darien, team manager] are her heroes. At one race, Madison scribbled her name on one of the handouts and gave it to Ashley. Later, the girls made her a handout from scratch that they all drew on and signed. It's really cute; we keep it in our trailer."

With second-generation drivers like Shelly and Dixon taking their children to the races, one might ponder a future with third-generation drag racers.

"If the kids ever want to drag race, great; if they don't, that's fine, too," said Shelly. "So far, Madison seems to like all of the mechanical stuff. Dad wants to get her a quarter midget to race pretty soon. I think that's a good idea if we can find time to run it."

Jay and Shelly give Shelly's mother Carol a lot of credit for helping them maintain their busy lifestyle. Carol has helped by taking care of the children, both in general and in pinches, such as when Madison became sick before they left for Dallas last season. Thanks to such family support, Jay and SheEy can enjoy their time at the track with their children,

"My kids give me perspective," said Jay. "In Gainesville last year, I was in a pretty bad mood at the top end of the track. I lost to [Cy] Chesterman in the second round, and the chute wrapped up around the axle, tearing up the body.

"Then the tow car came up, and Madison said, 'Look, Daddy, I got a green one.' The people working the time-slip booth had given her a green sucker. just like that, I went from being mad to smiling and laughing. It's easy to get wrapped up in racing, but my kids let me know what's truly important."