We typed this in February, but can't find that we posted it.
In honor of Eric's new suit arriving we are posting this story again, if not for the first time. He won't be wearing it this weekend as we have to add a treatment to it:
Every sponsor is special to us. Each one has its own unique connection to Eric Blumer Racing. For a small team, we are always amazed at the amount of support we get. The newest sponsor to come onboard is no exception, but maybe the biggest surprise.
Greg Leatherberry, the “First Mate,” on EBR, told Eric late in the fall of 2021 that he found a sponsor that wanted to buy Eric a driving suit for 2022. Some may not have noticed, but Eric has borrowed a suit from Joe Wipperfurth for the last four years. That suit is a great example of how people have helped Eric out. Greg went on to say they would order the new suit at the Chili Bowl, when vendors would be available to get the right measurements.
Once in Tulsa, Eric, Dad, Greg and Eric’s buddy (Greg’s son) Owen hit the trade show to check out the various suit vendors. Eric and Greg had talked about which one he’d go with and K-1 was the choice. Some colors were talked about, to include the colors Eric wanted, based partly on the company he suspected would be sponsoring him with this new suit. Sizing was done, logistics were discussed with the K-1 rep and a deal was struck.
Greg then asked, “Do you want to know who your new sponsor is?”
Eric and Dad were pretty sure of the company in question, when Greg turned to Owen and said, “Meet your new sponsor.”
Dad had to basically walk away so his friends didn’t see him well up. Eric and Owen shared a big grin, along with Greg and the young men had a long handshake. “I’m happy to do this,” said Owen.
The “boys” have a long history together. Eric’s about a year older. Owen’s first day in a kart was with Eric at about 5 years old. They traveled a bit together in karting, but Owen toured more. He won the Kid Kart Nationals in St. Louis. When Greg drove a Midget, the boys were together in the stands. They raced their toy cars together, pretty much every weekend on the bleachers at Angell Park, during their summers as kids. While Eric kept racing, Owen moved on from it, but was always a fan. They also played hockey together, enjoying a trip to the State Tournament when they were in high school.
Today, Owen is in the US Navy and keeps up on EBR from Greg and Eric, He watches Eric’s racing when he can on FloRacing. Owen, having watched race Eric for all these years, knew he was due for a new suit. He wanted to help out and buying Eric the suit seemed like the perfect idea. “He’s always been there for me. He’s the brother I never had,” noted Owen. He went on to say that Eric mentioned a couple of years ago he’d like to get a custom driving suit one day. Eric had gone so far as to show Owen the mockup of the suit he envisioned.
When Owen got his first bonus check from the Navy, he treated his sister, Tessa and his folks and then he decided a suit was a great way to help Eric.
“It was how I could give back to the people who got me where I am today,” Owen concluded.
Eric said, “I was shocked, but I wasn’t surprised I was getting a new suit from my best friend. It’s the kind of person Owen is and it shows what we mean to each other.”
For the next four years, it may be a little more difficult for Owen to follow the team, as he’ll be 12 hours and a half a world away, where he will be stationed in Guam. While he might get behind on the team’s ventures, no doubt he’ll do whatever he can to see how Eric and the new suit are doing.
About the photos: Owen and Eric, day-one in karting. The boys with family and friends hanging on Jon LeJeune's midget. Owen and Eric with the 6E. Eric moments after opening the package!