Never has a pair of North Melbourne socks brought so much success abroad.
But they proved the ultimate good luck charm for passionate Kangaroo supporter James Small this past weekend in Miami.
The Melbourne engineer helped his Denver-based team win one of motorsport’s biggest prizes – America’s NASCAR championship.
He did so wearing a pair of blue and white footy socks direct from the Roo Shop in Arden Street.
“My good buddy sent a care package over with my mum at the start of the year,” James told NMFC.com.au.
“It was a bunch of North gear because I was missing home and was hating not being in Melbourne for the footy season, so it helped keep me sane for the year.”
Amongst the playing jumper, scarf and signed Brent Harvey book, was the pair of socks that took on a special meaning as the stock car season continued.
“I wore the socks to Kentucky for the first time and the #78 [Small’s team car] finished first, so it was perfect,” Small said.
“I brought them out again at Watkins Glen in New York, and we went and won again!
“So, I’m like, ‘I’m gonna put these away until Homestead for the final race of the year’.”
That led to Miami on Monday morning (Australian time) when his team’s driver, Martin Truex Jr, was in a four-way fight the NASCAR championship.
Cue the North influence.
“It’s the biggest day of the season, everything was on the line, and there I was on Sunday morning dragging out the North socks to put on under our race gear.
“Amazingly they went three for three and we won the race and the title and it turned out to be great night for everybody!"
The title was significant because Small’s team is one of the smallest in pit lane. He’s hoping their success might now rub off on his beloved Roos.
“There are so many similarities between the Kangaroos back home and our team here, so hopefully Scotty [Brad Scott] and the boys can punch above their weight next year and surprise a few like we have.”
North supporter James Small (middle) celebrates with the team.
One of motorsport’s biggest prizes – America’s NASCAR championship.
