Time to "hang em up"
 

As hard as it is for me to say, I am done. I have been nothing more than a kid that grew up in the 60's when it was important to have the fastest car in town.
After returning to "the world" following my draft obligation I bought a Roadrunner, and still have it. I put my kids thru braces and college.
Health issues, including a stroke has made my family deside for me that I should not race even though racing blood runs through me.
Most people will remember me for our 1968 Dart..with Steve Wann engine and Pro trans. I will probably regret never putting ithe on "kill", but I didn't have finances to blow an engine for my ego. It went 9.60 in Stevie car. We still went 9.85 at SS/FA Weight.

So to all of my brothers and sisters in the racing world. Go fast, enjoy life, win. And always remember that it is better to be a "has been" than someone that was nothing at all.

See ya at the races.

Re: Time to "hang em up"
 

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who if he wins knows the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."Teddy Roosevelt

Re: Time to "hang em up"
 

It's got to be a tough decision, Gary, but just like many things in life, when it stops being fun and becomes work, it's time to stop. Sounds like you had a wonderful racing career and will have great memories and loyal friends, who will be with you as you move into another phase of your life. There is life after drag racing, though sadly, many of us never allow ourselves to be successful in making the transition. Motorcycling, street cars, boats, travel, a small business, woodworking, golf, and numerous other pastimes await, but drag racing is like a drug you just can't quit. Good luck with finding your next endeavor; many of us are right behind you.

Re: Time to "hang em up"
 

On a lighter side of this disappointing news, always remember the "Has Been" creed: "The older I get the better I was."

Don't forget to share the stories.

Re: Time to "hang em up"
 

Don Kennedy,

Thanks for the quote, it's great.

Re: Time to "hang em up"
 

Indeed, Teddy Roosevelt faced all of life's challenges with amazing tenacity. Quite the example for all of us as we age. Good luck Gary as the next chapter opens and remember it's an endless book.

Re: Time to "hang em up"
 

"its better to be a has been, than a never was"

Jerry Stein used to use that line and I love that one....

Jerry was great....he had a lot of good sayings....

Re: Time to "hang em up"
 

I quit last year for health reasons also. Sold my big trailer and was going to sell the race car but my boy said no. Took the year off and now going to get back at it but on a smaller scale and fewer races. I really missed being out there with friends.

Re: Time to "hang em up"
 

I feel forbyou, Gary. My wife says I'm done as well. I'm still thinking it over.

Re: Time to "hang em up"
 

Enjoy your leisure time, sounds like you plan to stay in touch with the racers.

In the late 90's I decided to give up after running stock class cars/ brackets for about 30 years and for a while I had withdrawals but as time passed it got pretty OK not racing. I don't go to many races any more but look in on sites such as this.
Took my 57 to the strip a few times just to play with it.