[Dave Turner]

I am extremely proud to own a Stock Eliminator car, and consider myself fortunate to have numerous competition options. The group offering exceptional value for Stock, Super Stock and NSS racers in my neighbourhood, the Can Am Series, is about to enter its 16th year of action in the region surrounding the Eastern Great Lakes. Without the local schedule, my budget would restrict me to 2 or 3 races each season under IHRA or NHRA sanctioning, for which both driver and car would be ill prepared. Call these combo series the minor leagues, if you choose, but I credit the members of this group with providng the means to hone my driving and preparation skills in advance of National or Divisional entry. These guys are tough, and challenge me to be at my best. The track record of our membership is exemplary! There are no heads-up runs, but I know where my stuff ranks against national standards - we have Nitro Joe to thank for that.

The example I offer is similar to the successful history of many of the associations represented on this forum. I think it's exciting to think that some basic groundwork could result in an annual BIG event comprised of 3 or 4 series with numbers to rival car counts of the past.

In retirement, I plan, God willing, to travel further afield and chase along the trail - if it still exists. Until then, I will enthusiastically support any grassroots organization within my reach.