Thank You
Well, you’ve found this site, so I’d like to thank you, but the real reason for this page is to acknowledge some folks that have had a hand in helping me get to this point.
First “thank you” would be to my parents who introduced me to dirt bikes at the age of 8. If they only knew that would lead me down the path of sneaking cars out at age 12- manuals at that! LOL And while my dad isn’t alive for me to share these times with, I hope to foster the same love and respect of cars in my two awesome children.
I’d like to thank the United States Marine Corps for allowing me (more like ordering me!) to drive 5-ton trucks towing our radars and missiles. Little did I know those skills would be used towing the 28-footer to tracks… and repair shops.
I’d like to thank my wife, Janet, for her patience and quiet support. I am positive that there aren’t too many like her and consider myself exceptionally lucky. :hello:
Next, I’d have to thank the folks that enticed/goaded/pressured me into trying autocross on a blustery February afternoon many years ago: Tony, Dave, Alex, Mark, and the rest of the SoVA S2000 owners that were out there. It was a really great experience being able to throw the car around- literally- without fear of hurting someone else.This was the beginning of my addiction.
May of that same year, I joined the Fall Colors ‘04 (a very large S2000-only gathering) recon group at BeaveRun in Pennsylvania. Oh… my… goodness… I had found a new love! Rick, Jeff, Joe, Bryan, Pete, Keith, and a patient instructor made my first track day one to never forget, much like the experience of your “first time.” It wasn’t perfect, but it was something never felt before. Addiction in full swing!
Since that first event, I have muddled through engines, tires, and suspensions. I’ve wrecked on the track. I’ve won on the track. Highs. Lows. Still addicted. I’m hooked on the adrenaline that is driving smoothly, which in turn makes one faster. I’m just as attached to the folks that share those weekends doing the same things. Events are so much more fun when experienced with friends. My learning curve has been greatly accelerated by the likes of George, Pete, Keith and instructors brave enough to stay in the car with me! LOL
While the N.E.R.D. name is my creation, I’d like to thank Jeff of Traction Tuning (1AP12NV on S2KI) for the design of the NERD/R logo. Jeff joined us at the track last year. Let’s hope his newfound love doesn’t spoil his recent marriage!
None of my babbling would be visible without the efforts of Bill (bighead on S2KI) of Evil Gecko. For that you can either thank him or hate him!!! Bill is responsible for the site design and implementation. Poor guy had to try and work with me- a fate worse than death. Bill is also a N.E.R.D., being a fairly smooth/quick autox’er and budding track-goer.
Lastly, I want to thank every one of you. Your interest in safely exploring the limits of your current talent and car is the reason for this site. Whether it be autocrossing, tracking, and even taking your car to the dragstrip, we can all learn more about cars, driving, and enriching our lives through shared experiences.