Thank You!

I can't list you all but I would like to take time to thank those who allowed me to use their photos and give them proper credit for their awesome shots. Without them events that take place would be difficult to describe.

Thank you very much to fellow writer, artist, photographer and co-piloto, Coop. Be sure and visit COOPSTUFF.COM and buy something dammit!

I would also like to thank Tach'O from GO FAST ENERGY DRINK not only for his awesome photos but for his above and beyond the call of duty as well as his friendship. THANK YOU!

A very special thank you to my good friends Hershel and Sherrie McGriff for helping make this years La Carrera a very special one for may of us.

Thank you to Mary Murrel and the rest of the directors of CONCURSO MOTOR SPORTS SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE that made us feel so welcome and whom went so far out of her way to ensure our visit to their beautiful city such a wonderful one. And don't forget all that you do to help those who need it. It is a pleasure to be a small part of what it is you dedicate so much love and hard work too.

Again this year I can't begin to thank Gerie Bledsoe enough for all he does to promote an event that is so amazing that there are not enough adjectives to do the job. His tireless efforts and dedication to La Carrera Panamericana and racing in general is a tribute to to racing all by it's self. His unselfishness in helping others obtain their dream should never go without the praise it deserves. Thank You Gerie.

Last but not least, I want to thank Jerry Churchill. Gerie, I know you're listening... Thanks for the memories and the example of what a fine gentleman racer is all about. I really missed seeing you this year and your presence was sorely missed.

We Live Vicariously Thru Them

Since Jon and I will not be attending this years La Carrera Panamericana it does not mean that we are not dreaming about it. At times family and business must come first but in either event there will be a tomorrow. In the mean time we live vicariously through other's stories all of which are exciting and filled with anticipation.

Today while I was talking with none other than Hershel McGriff we both agreed that having been involved in La Carrera Panamericana there will never be an end to the dream of returning again someday. The cars, the cheering and waving spectators, the danger, excitement, the ups, the downs and more. Yes, it is in fact a disease and I am happy to report there in no cure in sight. The only way we will ever be satisfied is to return and do it all over again. There is a remote possibility that Hershel and I might fly down to take part in CONCURSO MOTOR SPORTS SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE to be held in October 2008 in the beautiful Mexican city of San Miguel de Allende, the site of the first Concurso de Motor Sports Panamericana. The event will be a weekend of classic cars, vintage motorcycles, and motor sports entertainment. The Concurso will raise funds for groups providing assistance to the children of San Miguel de Allende and the area. Last year this is the village where we spent two days and nights with the Coyote Convoy and it is simply one of the most beautiful places in the world.















Gerie Bledsoe and his kids

Speaking of living vicariously... Last weekend at Ron Lee's fiesta I met a couple of guys who are getting prepared to compete in this year's La Carrera Panamericana. One of them was John McKain (Don't even ask) and his buddy Brent who will be filling part of the service team. John and his father, Jeff McKain, will be sharing the chores in one of my all-time favorite cars, a 65 GT350. I wonder why I like their choice so much? Hmmm. (Big Tool Man grunt!)

Having spoke to John and Jeff I couldn't help but feel a familiar bond as I hear their excitement of sharing this adventure as a father & son team. How cool is that. John has a fair amount of seat time and he wrote, "I've raced the car since the mid 90's in Tacoma then thru calif , Az and all up and down the east coast until Road Atlanta last year when a suspension failure put old 77 in the wall. We rebuilt it and decided that after a couple more races in 2007, we would retire her and make the Carerra the car's swan song, and then park it." For too many reasons to list Team California's Best would like to wish them well as they prepare for an adventure that us veterans know is to be life changing. I hope we will be able to keep up to speed with reports from them not only to wish them well but so we too can live through them vicariously.


John and Jeff's GT350



John and Jeff's GT350 at Daytona