DUMPSTERThis is where threads go to die. Old threads are moved here (and displayed in reverse order) before they're forever deleted. While they'll most likely not be moved out out of the dumpster -- those posted to will gain a short reprieve of a month or two. Obviously no threads are to be started in this forum.
Donations of any size will help to defray the enormous legal costs from a lawsuit filed against the administrator of OldHippie.com, by what many refer to as a "Copyright Troll" law firm, for the posting of a TSA "Pat Down" photo they had bought the copyright rights to, after the photo was posted on this site, and then removed.
Tuesday I interviewed a couple of young local racers (one 21 (the kid that crashed the dragster at the Lonestar Shootout on 2006 right after Doug and I ran. They changed the Semis and Finals to 1/8 mile because water was seeping up the track) and the other is 23, who I hired) to be my Crew Chief / Shop Rat.
The Crew Chief is a pretty good deal for both me and him. Sort of an adopted son arrangement. I provide him a race car (the 12-second Aspen in NMC); all of the parts and race gas to keep it running; transportation to all of the NMCA races, the Monster, Greybeard's Dallas races, and possible one more; to a couple T&Ts; a bunk in the Motor Coach; and his meals & beer while we're away. He pays for his annual NMCA membership and entry fees; keeps both cars cleaned and maintained at the shop and between rounds; loads and unloads the trailer; keeps the inside of the trailer clean; and washes the exterior of the rig before we leave for an event. He does all of this on his time (evenings and Friday through Sunday).
As a Shop Rat, he maintains my collection of cars, trucks, and trailers (everything but the two race cars and rig mentioned above) Monday through Thursday (32 hours week), from oil changes, to washing, to repairs, to engine swaps, to keeping the shop clean, to running errands. If our racing falls on his work day (which it will often) -- it his lucky day as he'll be paid for sitting in the coach on the drive there or back.
This works out great for me -- as my back and shoulder are hosed from exiting a car through the windshield during a rollover in 1974 -- and I can't even bend over a fender for more than 5 minutes anymore. I need some young buck to handle my heavy work at the track. I'm also terribly out of shape -- which I'm trying to work on fixing. It works out good for him -- as we all know how much is would cost to maintain a car and show up to 10 National events -- especially when the closest is 650 miles away.
As a shop rat -- my time is better spent earning an income doing what I do best rather spending all of my time maintaining 25+ cars, trucks, trailers, and motorcycles.
I'll hopefully have him with me (he's a Chevy boy, races a Nova -- and has a lot to learn about 4-links, Mopars, and stick shift/clutches) a week from this Saturday when I come up to pick up my Coronet from Texas Thunder -- and we take it to the track in Denton to see the differences the new modifications Mark made changed the car. I want to run the 9.25 class for 2009.
mmmmmmmmmmmmm. going hunting for the last week of hunting season. Or driving 5 hours to Dallas too watch my dad test his car for the first time this year in the 35 degree weather. mmmmmmmmmmmm well since i missed the first Dallas run and i heard it was entertaining to say the least i guess i will have to miss hunting next week and bring my camera this video will be priceless
Official photographer.......better than "HeyBoy"...........just sit back and watch. Yes Dallas, this just may be 'verrrryyyyinteresting"............hoping for better weather than we have here now. Should be warming a bit by Saturday week.......
M.
..but I am sure that the Old Hippie can handle it. New suspension setup, new trans/shifter, fresh clutch setup, new "kissyerass" seats and a host of small things..doors that don't sag and will actually close without slamming and last but not least, .......air brakes.
mmmmmmmmmmmmm. going hunting for the last week of hunting season. Or driving 5 hours to Dallas too watch my dad test his car for the first time this year in the 35 degree weather. mmmmmmmmmmmm well since i missed the first Dallas run and i heard it was entertaining to say the least i guess i will have to miss hunting next week and bring my camera this video will be priceless
Well chit...........will dig something out of storage for that...but I doubt if anything will be necessary...that thing is gonna go right down the pike.
Hired Crew Chief / Shop Rat 
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