Well, after 5 years in Las Vegas, It became necessary to move the car & my equipment here from Sunny Florida. It was not a decision I came to lightly. The idea of racing without my guys is nearly unthinkable, but not having the car with me was just as bad.
So, on October 13th I boarded a plane for Orlando armed with reservation to a U-Haul 26ft truck, a handful of cash and a digital camera. I met with Jim at the shop, picked up my truck and headed off to Home Depot for some lumber & hardware. Jim & I had devised a plan to secure the car in the truck by building a plywood pallet to strap the car to, while using the weight of the car & my tools to hold it down. It all came together flawlessly and upon Jim & Joe Holifields insistence I hired a rollback to put the car into the track (Smart Move !!).
Bruce arrived and the 3 of us finished loading the truck and securing everything down. Jim had me store it at his work parking lot (who would dare break into it...Jim is Police Officer..)
After a hot shower, 8 hours of sleep and a hearty breakfast I hit the road @ 10:45am Saturday. Did I mention that U-Haul only gives you 1/4 of a tank of gas?...It cost me 170 bucks to fill it at the 7-11....
I decided to make a stop at the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing on way way out ..I figured, it could only bring me good karma. I then stopped in Gainesville to have lunch with my friend Bee. We had never met in person and since I was passing thru it was a natural. We had a great time and had a lot of laughs.
The rest of the trip was marvelously uneventful and a lot of great fun...well, except after having breakfast at a Golden Corral in Beaumont Texas...It became necessary to make an unplanned, but extremely critical roadside "pit stop"..Thank You Winn Dixie plastic trash bags.....
At every gas stop, I would open the back door to find the car had not moved 1 inch!! Our plan had worked flawlessly. I had a adjust a couple boxes and tie up my floorjack but that was all.
I would stop every 100 -150 miles and nap when I felt like it. Late Sunday I had the oddest thing happen. I had been napping in the truck when I woke up and smelled what I thought was a dead animal in or near my truck. After searching around I made a horrifying discovery. That acrid smell was me. I got myself cleaned up and into some fresh clothes. Much better.
I arrived in Las Vegas Monday night @ 8:30pm. After a good night sleep at home (and 30 minute shower) I got everything unloaded. I smartly hired another rollback to unload the car and it fit the garage better than I had hoped.
Since getting everything here, I have had time to start updates on the car, install some new parts like my new windscreen, remote starter switch & steering wheel. I also have to change my oil pan gasket & update my safety equipment.
I am hoping to get the car certified soon and to the races before long. Thanks for reading along !!
dave
No comments:
Post a Comment