I'm still not sure. I remember drinking heavily one night and the next day I was a member. Or was that how I ended up married. Oh, I don't know. Anyway, I am a believer in what Grand Am is trying to do, although not one to accept all they do as correct. These opinions afforded me the chance to join this fine group of like-minded people, and I'm grateful for my acceptance.

Racing Background

As stated previously, I saw my first race at Mid-Ohio in the late 70's, probably '78 or '79. Downing was running Mazda RX-2's in IMSA's RS class at the time, much like the GA Cup today. My cousin stayed with Downing as crew chief until '82 or '83 and moved on to become a fabricator and raceday gas man for Bill Elliot. I started watching Nascar at that time and then ARCA in the 90's when my cousin moved to that series as crew chief for Mark Thompson. One year, I went "over-the-wall" as an actual crew member in Michigan for the Thompson team and that was a thrill I'll never forget. Through all the stock car racing however, my true love remained in road racing. I rarely miss an event at Mid-Ohio and have also seen races at Mosport, Summit Point and Nelson Ledges. To me, racing is racing, no matter the speed or type of car. Actually, I'd stop to watch two kids sliding down the hill in cardboard boxes if it was a close race.