[Ven302]

Have done this once or twice now, memorable ones were in Kentucky first outing with the Mustang ever! Eighth was a minimum, so why not try? We did and had a fabulous time. Two weeks later went to Indy Fall Classic and set the 1/4 Records, made a bunch of friends in the "barn" even though I really didn't have as much work to do as the others I hung around and chatted with them all. It was like the coolest place on earth. Everybody was happy and we were all there for a common goal confirmation that our stuff was fast and right! Met Ernie Neal, didn't understand his fascination until he told me of his years in SS/CS have been good friends ever since. To say that setting a record is intoxicating is an understatement, I have since encouraged many who thought they "should" to "do it" if you don't try you will never know! My absolute best was driving to Atco for one reason, drove all night alone, slept at the gate. Got in unloaded the car, teched and prepped the car, waited for some cars to make some passes. I think I made a pass at 1:30 and 3:30 to that end the fastest I had ever been, best sixty foot and on and on. Dave sealed the car and said come back in the morning to pump. I passed the tech/inspection, handshakes and a quick scribble map and I was on my way home. The nine hour drive home felt like ninety minutes, the phone calls and banter with all the friends who could not come with me. At the border I was asked if I had anything to declare and of course I said " I am an NHRA record holder!" Guard looked at me with the "what on earth are you talking about" stare and said have a nice day he probably thought I was the loon. Got home late friday night, and decided to take the car to a local Dragstrip Memories car show Saturday, still dirty still had the R on the window I was wiped out but you could not take the smile off my face! Records matter, and I rue the day that they no longer matter!