RtthIV

[PARKERRS]

It took me a while to pull my thoughts together and post since there is so much to say about this event.

First and foremost thanks to Bill, Malinda, Larry, Yancey, and all the others behind the scenes for putting on such a wonderful event with such a down home pull up a chair and stay a while atmosphere. Everyone was welcome at Bill's toybox for everything from tire kicking and bsing to repairs and the use of the shop. What a great host and a great place to hang out and have a beer. Thanks to Frank for the beer and his never ending willingness to help out those who needed it in a pinch.

For those who haven't attended this event before you should really make the time and effort next year. This was the third one that I've attended and they just keep getting better every year. Don't worry about your car making the grade (because there isn't one) or not being fast enough. These guys and gals bring everything from primered unfinished projects to SEMA stars and everyone runs and beats on them equally hard all weekend.

Although it is a competition for times and a few trophies thats not what it's all about. It never feels like a competition or race, it's all about the people first and foremost. No body looks down their nose at anyone elses car or times, it's like a big group of good friends. We all compare each others modifications and equipment both on and off the track to see what works best for each type or style of car, give encouragement or suggestions to one another on driving style to help better one anothers times and the like. Just a big ole good time for all with a couple of prizes for those who really deserve them. So don't be intimmedated by some of the cars you see on the board, come on out to this event and have a good time, that's what it's all about.

As I said the people are the greatest thing about it all. I met friends I've made there the year before and renewed the aqauntance along with making many new friends. Darrin it was nice seeing you again and I really enjoyed meeting Matt, although I thought we were going to have to wash Vinnie's car when he got through LOL. I had the pleasure of meeting Jason and his Dad from G-Force customs and all I can say is his Dad was above and beyond, rescueing several members from breakdowns with their rollback and never asking for a thing in return. Just a big smile and "Thats what I do, hope you get it fixed".

I had always heard that people from New York were rude and short tempered, but let me tell you the crew from New York will make you feel like one of the family. You couldn't ask for any nicer guys than Steevo, Vinnie, Jake and the new member this year Jimmy. These guys are as cordial as it gets and car guys through and through, always willing to help out and Vinnie with that mile wide grin and always a funny upbeat comment. It's always a pleasure to hang with this group, thanks guys for being who you are.

You don't even need your car to enjoy this event, Just ask Jay (Bucks69). He was in there all weekend having a good time and really came through the entire weekend helping the New York crew out. Met a few guys from Texas who's name I didn't catch but had a good time hanging out with at the toybox. I can't mention everyone but you get the idea, it's just a wonderful group of people having a spectacular weekend.

The vendors and their crews are just as down to earth as the rest of us. Always nice down to earth and ready to talk cars or help out, even give a few rides or test drives. And customer service from these companies is top notch as I witnessed all weekend. Bret's crew changing out the air springs on a members car to straighten out a problem on the newly installed set up at Bill's, Kyle and Stacey Tucker helping with advice on cars with their set ups to tune them in, and all with nice comments about the other cars there. Wonderful people with great products that they stand behind 100% and deserving of the patronage they have.

So if you haven't made plans to attend next year or felt a little intimmidated by some of the higher end cars, quit worrying and show up. You'll be greeted like family and shown a good time and some beautiful country along with a lot of really hot cars.

Thanks again to everyone for making it such a great weekend and for all the new friends, I met Allen (ZBugger) and contrary to all the harassment we gave each other all weekend he truly is a nice guy (just doesn't want anyone to know it) and whether he knows it or not a picture of his old black second gen, Camaro on this sight was the inspiration for my car 3 years ago.

Tommy
Dang that was long-sorry