I had a great time! All the events went off without any real hitches (OK, a CV joint or two and a fuel pump failure aside) and seems like everyone had a blast. Kenny saved the day with a new fuel pump.
I still say the old one woulda worked if someone had whacked it with a BFH.
It really is all about the folks that go. I had a great opportunity to meet a lot of the Floridians that I don't get a chance to see at the events nearer my home (as in, sub-12-hr drives
our states are just too damn big out here).
Some of my favorite highlights:
Boating and grilling (sans utinsils - O'Brien doesn't believe in them for some reason, so there was some extra "ginger" on some of the hot dogs). I'm not gonna say what "SWAG" stands for, or at least what TC thinks it does ... something to do with our conversation. Think you had to be there.
The utterly gorgeous drives to and from Snack Jack's out at Flagler Beach. Thanks to TC for the ride out and thanks to James (ellisor3) for the ride back. By the way, congrats on winning Best in Show James! "Sexy" deserved it!
There were some really gorgeous cars there, let's be clear. It was a very beautiful collection of 914s, one of the best I've seen. The race cars that Paul (URY914) and John (FourBlades) brought were pieces of engineering art - total function over form, especially Paul's - which I voted for for "Best Interior" - it sounds like it is, a real racer. I was too scared to ask to drive it.
Bill's (WLD914) 2.8L water-injected /4 is a screaming monster ... he was keeping up with the RS and James' car without really seeming to care about torturing a poor lil' 901 transmission! He's a really cool guy to hang with too.
John also deserves a special note for actually bringing up his (as in, he MADE it) archtop guitar for me and George (PaintedMan) to bang around on a little bit after dropping off his wife back at home. It's rare to see someone who can not only work on cars but also build guitars, let alone the Hold Grail that is an archtop. Well done sir!
George took his "Worst 914" award (a total
award and really his car was by far the best car I've ever seen to win such an award) with good grace and humor - though he tried to "forget" it at one of the beer parlors we visited but I intervened in time. Seriously George, your car was just up against some stiff competition. If Bobby's had still been there it would've taken that award I think.
As the duly-appointed representative of Team NARP, I have to say TC reminded me a lot of Joe Sharp. It's too bad the two of you guys couldn't meet, but that might have precipitated the end of the world to have that much coolness in one place. TC took his plunge out of a perfectly good airplane with grace and aplomb, if not a big side of queasiness. I know exactly how you felt TC, believe me!
Bob (BIGKAT) and Greg (d914) were super-cool to meet and talk to about racing and the benefits of having no qualms about modifying the hell out of your 914. I think Bob was the first one there and he had the furthest to go with a 914. Sorry that CV from my New Mexico yard didn't quite do the trick, but I'm gratified that it helped ... or something.
The "other" Jon, Brian, and your wives I very much enjoyed meeting and talking to. I'm very glad you took lots of pics Brian - I had forgotten my camera back here in NM, and I always "check my brain at the door" of these events, making some memories a little hazier than others ...
Speaking of that, I have to give my friend Sean a little grief here and there for close-talking and, well, just being a riot - that's Sean. I know our mutual NM friends are gonna definitely give him some serious grief for the drunk-dialing he did around 2am FL time. THAT was priceless, and even if I was the only one who witnessed it in FL, I nominate him for the honorary "That Guy" award that we out here in the west know and love from the Red Rocks events.
Well, I've used up my whole lunch break typing this marathon post. It was really great to meet you folks and I
hope know this won't be the last time. TR1 was a blast and looks to be a very good event for all Southeastern US 914s to be at.
Last but not least, a big Thanks Joe! It worked out very well! And Megan too for helping (somewhat reluctantly) with the awards announcements, and Kim and Bobby deserve thanks for helping with logistics.
Bob
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to miss it.