Dad loves cars because granddad loved cars. I love cars because dad loves cars. My son loves cars because I love cars. We may have a Father's Day theme here

My dad and my son at Lakeside

Of course, Father's Day is Sunday, and it makes me think about a couple of my favorite people: my dad and my son.

The only reason I bother doing this silly blog is that I love cars. I place the blame for that affliction squarely on the shoulders of my dad. He forced me to do car stuff constantly. Against my will. He ruined me.

In fact, I am so screwed up, I am doing the same thing to my son. He’s only eight, but he is getting an extensive early automotive education. He has been to races, car shows, auctions, demolition derbies, monster truck shows; I make him help me wash my car. I feel sorry for him.

My dad and me at KCIR

But in all seriousness, I love it when he wants to do this stuff with me. I’d love him and be close no matter what, but it is nice to share something that I am really passionate about with my son.

Actually, I think it goes beyond just cars, though. Having a common interest means that he seems to enjoy my company, and wants to learn and ask questions. He knows and cares about the other cars on the road, which makes him more aware of his surroundings. I honestly believe that his “car brain” has made him a better, more critical thinker in general.

My son and me taking a ride

Of everyone I’ve ever met, I have more respect and admiration for my dad. And yeah, cars was sort of the excuse for us to have such a great friendship, but it wasn’t the reason.

I hope someday my son can think half as much of me as I do of my dad. And as long as we have this car thing going, we’ll always have a great common interest. It’s not the most important part of our relationship by any means, but it is still a great way for us to spend time together.

Granddad and dad with Sportsman

So I guess the point I’m trying to make is that if you like car stuff, I recommend enjoying it with your kids. It has worked for four generations of my family (my granddad was a car dealer), and countless other people I know. Car events and involvement can be a great social and learning tool. And it can be a strong bond between you and your kids.

Of course, I end up buying him way too many toy cars and things, but that’s another story …

I didn't really have a slideshow for this story, so I'm reposting the family photo album.  I'm sure you've seen it before, but sometimes you just have to make due.