Time to "hang em up"

[SStockDart]

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.

[Don Kennedy]

Originally Posted by SStockDart

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.

"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

[nhramnl]

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.

[Larry Hill]

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.

[Woodfin]

Don Kennedy,

Thanks for the quote, it's great.

[jmcarter]

Originally Posted by Woodfin

Don Kennedy,

Thanks for the quote, it's great.

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.