Received My 2009 ECTA Membership Pack !!

[wolcottjl]

I was told that Al once kicked the air out of a tire at the starting line.

I heard that a car bumped him at the starting line.  Bumper had a dent, AL was fine.

[White Monster]

I was told that Al once kicked the air out of a tire at the starting line.

LOL !!
He didn't quite kick the air out of the tire, but we do check all tires by giving them a solid kick.
He has actually found several flats in staging before they got to the starting line though
(which is what you probably heard about).
See you all in a couple of weeks !!
 

[t russell]

naw that was a dumb Butt racer he kicked the air out of

[LSR Mike]

I use the old Horse Trick, just before Al cinches me down, I take a BIG DEEP BREATH, and hold it. I only hope he doesn't punch me in the stomach like I did to Ol' Paint when I caught him doing it when I cinched up the saddle......Terry, bring your Fire Suit, you need to make a run at the B/BMMP record again.....my treat

[LSR Mike]

This whole discussion reminds me of a story about Bob Higbee, the long time Chief Starter at Bonneville(R.I.P). Seems there is this upstart LSR guy named Bobby Unser, he comes up for his run and Bob comes over to check his belts.... like he does to everybody....Bobby is all uppity and tells Bob he has people that have checked it all out and strapped him in leave me alone.....Well, Bob grabs his straps and pulls, and it all comes apart! The crew put's it all back together and Bob comes over again, give's the straps a good tug and snugs Bobby in and sends him on his way.....after the day's racing is done, Mr. Unser seeks out Mr. Higbee out and personally thanks him for ignoring his protests and doing his job to keep him safe......Moral of the story....the Starter is the last guy you see before the run, he want's to see you again.....heed his advice...
I wouldn't want to be the crew member that did Mr. Unser's belts that day....

[relaxedfit]

I totally agree, Al is the best! But Dan--I haven't warned Al about Leslie...

[White Monster]

I use the old Horse Trick, just before Al cinches me down, I take a BIG DEEP BREATH, and hold it. I only hope he doesn't punch me in the stomach like I did to Ol' Paint when I caught him doing it when I cinched up the saddle......

Yeah, we know about that trick ...
 

[relaxedfit]

While we're talking about great people, I don't know if Eric-racer x- got a reply to his question about the wonderful lady at the "gate" with the release forms, big smile and hug (if you're lucky). She's Kim Beall, occasional racer and all around wonderful person--Just ask Bill Murphy!

[racer x]

Thanks Ken . She is wonderful .Seeing her standing in the rain with a clip board so I can play .Is a sight I will never forget.

I look forward to seeing her and you next week.Got any more barbecue?

[Dan Stokes]

Kim's one of the best of the good ones.  She and Bill redefine "racing on a budget".  But they get it done and have a blast doing it.  She kind of took over the gate after the older couple who used to do it decided to do other things.  Kim enjoys meeting the folks and starting their day off with a smile.

Dan

[Seldom Seen Slim]

Two years ago as nancy and I approached the gate -- I teased Kim that I would sign as soon as I kissed Nancy -- but the kiss had priority.  Ever since then - when we drive in she reminds me to kiss first, sign later.  Thanks for the help, Kim -- not that I need an excuse, but that's another story.

And as for Bill -- he was kind enough to let me make a few runs in the old Mustang a few years ago.  Fun ride, great guy.  Better still was his reaction after my first run:  "That looked so good to me -- that I'd like you to make another run, just so I can watch again."  Yes, I did oblige him.

[Rchop]

This whole discussion reminds me of a story about Bob Higbee

I'm glad you brought up Bob, Mike, I haven't thought of him for a while. Bob and I used to spend many hours together installing generators in boats and he could tell stories about El Mirage and Bonneville that I never got tired of listening to. He was one of the main reasons for my interest in LSR.

RIP Bob