Firstly, thanks again Jason Debler for a great event! We certainly appreciate it! And, Happy Birthday too. You don't look a day over 38 (j/k, j/k)!!

My car has been a POS for the last year. I cannot even begin to list the things I've done this year in order to keep it on the road. Basically, St. Louis emissions are VERY stringent. As a result though, the car runs much better than it has in a long time.

Unfortunately, it ate an O2 sensor sometime just before the event (hours before) and I learned of this after making a very bad first pass. The O2 sensor was replaced on Wednesday night last week, so I was pretty upset. I dared not make any further runs on it after that.

In order to get home, I decided to program it for open loop and in the process trashed my PCM in the hotel parking lot. Had I not purchased a set of backup flash chips, I might still be there. Fortunately, the PCM got a clue and put it into open loop for me anyway, and we made it back to St. Louis by 4:15pm local time on Sunday.

I shall return next year to run some 11's.

And now I'd like to forget about myself:

a) Thanks to Al Fox AND his wife who generously got down on the wet ground to check my rear end gear oil for me. His wife was a superstar, and I wish ALL women were like her!

b) Very sorry that you were not there, Frez. I always look forward to seeing you. Same with you, Patman, Wallyman, and Hitman. Where were you guys??

c) The maniacs that make me laugh so much, Kevin Hinkley, Randy Bell, Dave Deel and everyone else - the event would not be the same without you. It was nice to finally discuss politics in person with Randy for the first time. Damn, we miss you on the F-Body NC List. Kevin, thanks for wrestling me from behind at the restaurant, and making my homophobia flare up!!

d) My cousin and best friend, Michael Mester who was racing for the second time ever, at M8. He was the guy who took the second place bracket eliminations trophy.

It was great to see you guys - all of you are a great bunch, and it makes the 1100 mile round trip worthwhile. See you next year.

Darren.

 

We always ask where you are when we dont see your car! I have so much from at the M events i cant even put it into words.

Patman didnt know if he could make it, with the kid and all. So looks like im going to have to make sure he comes next time!

Where was Wally? anyone know?

Hitman was there last year i think with no Z.


Cant wait to see you next year! GO WINGS!

 

Darren, you are a loyal friend of the MI f-body clan. I'm amazed that you make the sacrifices to do the M-events as often as you do.

At the risk of pissing somebody off, I doubt there are many Michigan guys who would make the round trip to St. Louis over a weekend just to renew old friendships and get in a couple of blasts down the track. Yet, you do, year after year. You da man!!


I remember the first time I saw the blue beast blast down the track. It gave me chills. It was nice to see it still in the hunt..... but the EPA is going to track you down and kill you for all that black smoke.

Glad to hear your laptop meltdown was averted and you got home safely. It was most excellent seeing you again.

RRRR

PS: All your sweet talking won't get me back on the "nc" list, but it was a good try!!!!

 

Awww shucks, guys. Thanks for the kind words.

I cannot believe that we've been doing this for seven years now. I've been to every one except M5 & M7. Do you remember 1996 & 1997? That's when:

a) Paula & Doug Bousely, JimD, and crazy Ed Treijs would attend.
b) Patman had long hair, an LT1 Trans Am, and was single
c) Frezza, Hitman, and I had normally aspirated cars
d) JasonD's Camaro SS was new
e) We held it in Milan, and the track crew were ignorant

Anyone else care to add to the list?

As for YOU, Randy, you're just too skeered to face the conservative wrath of the NC List :-) Seriously though, wish you were there. It's not the same, even if we don't have the same political views!

Oh yeah, SCREW THE EPA!!!!! :-)

Darren.

 

Man, this is the FIRST M event I missed! It was just a bad weekend for me to get out to the M event. My Fiance's grandfather is in the Hospital not doing well and I couldn't afford to be 3 hours away from home in case something happened.

Darren, buddy - sorry I missed ya!!!!!

Yup, I remember that I think M3 my car was Supercharged.

 

Chris, I hope your Fiance's Grandfather pulls through. Sorry you weren't there, but it's understandable. DE.

 

Oh yeah, and GO BLUES!!!!!! 6-5 at the Joe.

Those of you that know me will know that I think the Wings are a fantastic team, and that the above is (mostly) in jest :-)

Darren.

 

Season aint over yet blues boy

 

I knew I could count on you for a response :-)

For now, we're 3 points ahead of you. Let me gloat while I can!

Darren.