REMEMBERING TOMI SCHAEFER

Saying goodbye to someone is never easy. For all of us in the New family, we lost a dear, dear lady that has touched the lives of many throughout the years. Tomi Schaefer passed away after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Tomi was an extraordinary person, unquestionably one of the most giving people we’ve ever crossed paths with.

Our relationship started when her son Shayne and husband Nick initially became involved with Firebird’s High School Drag Racing Championships in the 1980’s. And it didn’t take long before they were hooked, as Shayne garnered prep track championships running for Meridian High School.

Before long, not only did both Shayne and Nick race a variety of cars, but quite often you could find Tomi racing in an eliminator, too. This was the beginning of the Tri-S Racing Team. She was very passionate about all things revolving around and about Firebird through the span of a quarter-century.

One of her grand missions early on was to help further enhance Firebird’s Safety Operation. Through the initial auspices of the Idaho Independent Drag Racers and shortly thereafter—the Firebird Booster Club, she along with a number of other volunteers spearheaded a fund raising drive that was amazing. Their efforts over an extended period of time helped Firebird procure the Jaws of Life extrication tools and generator. It was through her original drive and fortitude that helped Firebird to provide a first-rate safety operation that is considered amongst the best of its kind.

In the early years, Tomi was at the forefront of the computer-age. Little did any of us realize at the time what a powerful medium this would become. She had an uncanny way with the world of computers. She was quite helpful no matter what time of the day it may have been, teaching all of us how to operate computers. Amongst a fleet of creations you might say, she helped develop an entire database for Firebird’s extensive mailing list to reside. During this same time frame and right up to present, she was instrumental in establishing the track’s entire point’s program. From Gold Cup to High School, Street Legal to Junior Dragsters, she managed all aspects of points for the raceway for well over two decades. In addition, she was the one who moved the Nightfire point’s system to a computerized spreadsheet, making life considerably easier every August when the Nationals rolled into town. It didn’t stop their either, she loved gathering up jokes from all her friends throughout the land of the internet, many of which were grateful to choreograph during Token Joke Day at every Classic.

Speaking of the Classic, it was hands down her favorite event. From the day it first started nearly fifteen years ago to present, she would work feverishly to pull off a unique pit area decorated with all kinds of ghoulish characters and props. She helped to build the entire monster population that we proudly display throughout the facility at each and every Halloween event. She loved kids, especially all the kids decked out in creative costumes. One of the highlights of every Classic was the trick or treating, and she just loved passing out candy to all the youngsters, both young and old.

And she didn’t just enjoy decorating her pit area up at the Classic, but she was a real motivator when it came to adding some spice and flair to the annual Firebird Award’s Banquet. We’ll never forget one year, nearly two decades ago, when she took the Elk’s Ballroom and turned it into a sea of color and fun. From table decorations to full wall-to-wall custom-made backdrop signage that just brought incredible life to the entire room and festivities. That was just her way. Guess you could say, why bring a smile to just one person when you can make an entire room and hundreds of people have a memorable experience. That was Tomi.

Speaking of decorations, we’ll never forget the year Firebird turned twenty-five. It was a huge milestone for Firebird, and we selected the Roadster Show as the place to celebrate the occasion in grand style. Tomi, along with several contributors (which included her husband and son), not only built a fabulous display with four race cars appearing, but the true salute came one evening when the NHRA Division Director flew in and a cake with 25 candles were lit to toast the achievement. We took the moment to celebrate Team Firebird’s first E.T. Finals track championship, an accomplishment that is still very memorable to this day.

If there was one item that was definitely her pride and joy, it was her website. We’re talking about www.firebirdonline.com. She helped to create, manage and change this entire realm of our operation. She loved helping showcase all the highlights of each and every event that took place at Firebird. An entire chapter of her life could easily revolve around all the efforts she made in presenting a first-class website that is enjoyed by everyone in the racing world. We are indebted beyond words to what she helped create and nuture.

Like many of us, Tomi loved dogs. It wasn’t very often that you would find her without her kids, as she often called them. She enjoyed cats, too, but more often than not you’d find Tomi and her dogs spending the weekends together at our major events.

Tri-S Racing has been very successful at the Drag Racing throughout the years. Her son Shayne was a High School Drag Racing Champion several times over, plus a multiple season-end Gold Cup point’s victor, too. In addition, Shayne has won nearly all the major event titles at Firebird, including the Nightfire Nationals and the NHRA National Event in Seattle. Racing continues to run throughout the Schaefer family, which includes her husband Nick. Nick’s Dad was an old-time racer and evolutionary builder himself, spending many a days and nights tearing around Meridian Speedway. Nick garnered significant drag racing success, too, winning a night of the Nightfire Nationals, one of the very few father and son combos to pull off the Bracketeer feat. Furthermore, the father and son pair have been talented race car fabricators and engine builders as well.

Looking back, we acknowledged Tomi as the 9th Racemaster recipient in 1994. As Firebird's highest honor, this award recognizes an individual who has lent unequaled support and dedication to drag racing at Firebird and beyond. No question, she epitomizes and represents the true spirit behind this special Hall of Fame-type award.

Every member of the New family, staff and racing community are deeply saddened by the loss of an icon of Drag Racing in Idaho. She touched many people in this sport. For all that she gave, we are indebted to her “commitment”, “enthusiasm” and “care” throughout all her years directed towards our sport and life in general.

With that said, we are all going to miss our ol’ pal Tomi Schaefer. Our deepest condolences are extended to her husband Nick, son Shayne and other family members, close friends and acquaintances.

God speed.