Hello Freud - -
I agree with and echo all the ovations already expressed about the reunion. In addition, there was an important component to me.
I am teaching my 11 year old daughter about my love for racecars and my 50 year dream to run on the salt. This reunion with speakers Tom, Betty, and Marlo on Friday night and all in attendance from near and far, helped my daughter understand why I crave for the competition and camaraderie that Bonneville provides. More specific, the reunion showed her the caliber of friends you make in this sport. It helps her to better understand who her only parent is and why I'm willing to spend the time and money on a future racecar. I have already taught her that people judge YOU, by the friends that you associate with. This reunion helped to make that point, I'm proud to say.
In the same light, thanks to Tom and Betty for showing the importance of making racing a family activity, one in which many "life" lessons can be learned. They sure hit the nail on the head for me on that one. Rizzy was honored to obtain the autographs of both Tom and Betty on a picture of the 411 streamliner. I also want to note, while am still new to this sport as a spectator, it was so easy to talk with Tom and Betty in the breakfast room on the morning after the Banquet, just before they left to get on the train home. We talked as though we were friends and co-racers for years.
I can't wait to pull together all my loose ends to build a racer for the salt and finally have my first timing slip in hand. Then, the N.W. Bonneville Reunion will be even more meaningful to Rizzy and me.
One last thing. I now have the confidence that when I draw the final design for my future racer, I could pass it by Tom Burkland for his go ahead approval or for suggestions of modifications. This is most meaningful to me since I haven't raced for 45 years. I really like this Reunion concept. Thanks Freud for pulling everyone together. See you next year on February 22.
Bill
