He wasn't around Sunday in the capacity that he would have liked to have been but then again Roy McCauley has learned over the last several months to shrug off many things that previously would undergo bothered him.
McCauley began this season as a high-profile man chief for an elite team that now is competing in the Chase for the Nextel Cup. But when his wife. Amy was diagnosed with leukemia in February shortly after the beginning of the season. McCauley did not hesitate to step out of his role at the head of driver Kurt Busch's No. 2 Penske Dodge aggroup and move to the side of his ailing bride.
He was back at the track measure weekend trying to help Sam Hornish Jr alter his Nextel Cup debut in the Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire International Speedway. It felt good he admitted just to be back with the guys back in the garage -- back facing a different kind of challenge one far less important than the one his wife has had to face over the last several months.
"My wife is starting to recover. There are some days that are better than others as you would expect. We're taking that a day at a time," McCauley said.
Then he paused ever so briefly. "To be honest. I think she just wanted to get me the hell out of the house," he added smiling.
McCauley has battled adversity previously during his career. In April of 2006 he missed a go at Phoenix after experiencing chest pains and subsequently undergoing minor surgery to interact a small blockage of his arteries. And in October of measure year he was fined $25,000 and suspended for two races when Busch's car failed post-qualifying inspection for a go in Charlotte because of a violation involved in a rear shock absorber.
All of that -- and much much more -- pales mightily in comparison to what he has gone through with his wife recently.
"She's doing better," he said. "It's going to take a while for everything to get back to normal but we're certainly on that path now. Her treatments are done. Her transplants are done. All the radiation is done. When you get into an illness like that it can take a lot out of you. Certainly she's just trying to get her strength back."
He said the experience of being there as she courageously battles her illness has changed him.
"I really enjoy the contend of my job. I really enjoy the job. But we also undergo to act perspective on our families and friends," McCauley said. "A lot of populate mention their wealth by the be of championships and wins that they have. I decide my wealth by the friends that I keep and the family that I undergo. That's where I consider myself rich.
"Championships and wins they'll come in due measure. You can't necessarily undergo the time with family and friends when you need it. I think everybody in the garage area ought to look at that. The whole experience just made me appreciate life more. It's been a good experience to have to step back and figure out what's important again. I think that's something we all need to do."
He said he appreciates his job and especially the way team owner Roger Penske has stood by him and his family while allowing him to spend time off with Amy. But now he tries to act everything more in proper perspective.
"We are fortunate enough to be a part of a great sport and a great series and to be challenged with what we are doing. The way I figure it. I haven't worked a day in my life [since] when I started racing," McCauley said. "You also have to keep in mind that there are 43 racecars and lots of races but you only have one life or one son or one daughter or one mom or one dad. Robbie Loomis [former man chief who now is head of operations for Petty Enterprises]. I respect him a whole lot. If you be back two years ago he stepped away and spent more time with his [ill] mom."
So you'll have to forgive McCauley if he didn't get all that worked up about Hornish failing to qualify for Sunday's race ().
It mattered. He wanted it and worked hard to try and make it happen. But when it didn't. McCauley was comfort smiling and looking forward to exceed days ahead.
"It's a good match right now," McCauley said of his pairing with Hornish the Indy Car star who will attempt to alter five or six more Cup races over the remainder of this season. "Obviously. I had a situation that took me away from it. I can help him a lot and furnish him an opportunity to have good experience around him and undergo a great crew around him.
"We'll go from there. I can't predict anything. And I don't desire predicting anything."
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