hey Mr.... I know that you know what I know!

:headscratch:

New brakes Dan. I know, not real exciting to most, but I'm excited.

Cool. 6R's?

http://www2.brembo.com/it/News/Documents/collage2.jpg

Haha, and im driving a vette next year. Oh wait....

Lol. You gonna be at PRI? You can tell me all about it there.

What are you going to do with the Kore3 setup your currently running ?

I'll most likely hang on to it. My oldest son is getting a '70 El Camino that is 4 wheel drums. I'll have to make rear mounts as mine has a 9" now, no big deal.

Lucky Kid !

Wow nice work and great accomplishments !!

Brakes just slow you down.

You should be installing some 007 smoke screen system for when Grandma wants a pull around the track.

Thank you. I've had a lot of fun with it.

I like the way you think Donny..since I actually drive on the track, I could use a smoke screen...Grandma just has two wheels off throwing dust screens all the time :lol:

lol...

Who has the faster lap times?

Wow, time flies...now time to blow the dust of this thread.

Been enjoying the car, that's why I built it after all. Those in the jackstand army, you need to go awol. It is so much fun actually getting to use them!

I did just that last weekend and the Midwest Musclecar Challenge. I've commented time after time on how great of an event this is and I think a few first timers on here would most likely agree.
We are about 7 hours (366 miles) from Putnam Park and this year, I decided to drive the Chevelle instead of trailer. We only have a single place car trailer that hauled the wife's Vette. I was a little anxious about it, but worst case we could swap cars if something happened..turned out it wasn't necessary.

Drove there in on and off rain and managed to get just over 20mpg. Not bad as is makes around 620 at the crank right? One Friday we ran the roadcourse and due to the timing system not working, we didn't get any transponder times. I went our every session. Not sure time wise, but I was hauling. 139mph for two sessions, 137 and 136 the others. Considering my brakes are adequate at best, I was breaking early so I'm sure there was more. I can't say enought about the power that the Mast 416 makes. Feels like somebody is bump drafting behind you :)

So after what I consider a very successful road course day, we headed to Raymond's Performance in Indy (Plainfield). What an awesome facility Bruce has now! They had a nice spread for us an put on a car show with a lot of the locals showing up. Then the skies opened up on our way back.

After rain most of the night, it was on to Terre Haute in the am for autox. The first few hours the course had water on it, then it dried up and was very nice.

Special thanks to everyone for the ride alongs and the wheel time! I like that I'm getting asked to drive others cars for and opinion on this or that...not sure my advice is even worth the amount I charge (free!). But, thanks to Jeff Cleary (sweet Thug Nova), BuddyP, Kerry K, and Gordie. Got one shot of me in Jeff's Nova, this car is sweet! Photo by Dave Dean of Burnt Bridge Images!
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7xjcuwhn.jpg
Me driving BuddyP's Camaro: Photo by Dave Dean of Burnt Bridge Images!
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...psejzjompq.jpg
Jill getting it done in the G-Vette! she did great, and is getting a ton more confidence in the car Photo by Dave Dean of Burnt Bridge Images!
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...ps26ul2tkr.jpg
Kerry's 66 Chevelle, very similar setup to mine, it wasn't hard to get comfortable in it: Photo by Dave Dean of Burnt Bridge Images!
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...psqayzzncv.jpg
Gordies very cool 66 Impala, this thing is fun! Everyone said I was lifting the front tire...still looking for a picture of that :) Photo by Ridetech
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3rs47xsn.jpg
And, my junk: Photo by Dave Dean of Burnt Bridge Images!
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...psvdjzskzz.jpg
And hooking on the concrete! Photo by Dave Dean of Burnt Bridge Images!
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...pscvchmtqr.jpg

And the only video I got all weekend, grr. I was running from car to car there for awhile and didn't even get the GoPro out..


All in all, superb weekend with awesome friends old and new. 917 miles on the car including over 50 at speed on the roadcourse. Not one hiccup. A win. :flag2:

Aaron,
Looks like you are having fun. Yes, I still remember my first ride in the G-Velle. What an awesome experience for me. Wish mine was off the stands, but still kicking my tail.

Keep having fun, and maybe I can catch another ride one day. The Vette looks really good out there too.

Had a blast hanging out with you and others last weekend Aaron, was honored that you wanted to go out and ride with me on the road course on Friday. You helped me figure out how to get through at least two turns faster than I was prior. Sorry about the "Oh crap" moments... ;)

I'll second that the Midwest MuscleCar Challenge is a great event, I'm ready to sign up for next year right now. Putnam Park is an absolute jewel of a facility, if I lived anywhere close to there, I'd have a membership for sure.

Thanks for the ride around the autocross in the G-Velle, that thing scoots for sure. Given your testimony above, it is exactly what Pro-Touring is all about. Well done...

Can't wait til we do this again.

So many cool cars in that post! ^^

I still remember giving you the ride! Nashville 2014. On our way to Daytona.
If the time ever presents itself, you're welcome for another ride. It has a little different attitude than it did last time ;)
Thanks Bill.

I'm not a track expert by any means, but I've done a few laps there. Glad I could help out a little..too bad timing wasn't working. I'm bummed you didn't get to go for a ride in mine on the big track. Of course, I never went out alone...the seat was always taken.
And for the record: I wasn't scurred! :lol:

I get a kick out of the "what is pro-touring" debates...this is the answer.

So, to do it again...Motorstate Challenge. Can't say enough good things about it. Gingerman is VERY similar to Putnam. Do not come with the RV and no car. You will be bummed. Seriously bummed.
Next, there's Northeast Musclecar Challenge (formerly known as Ohio Musclecar Challenge) August 18-20 at Pittsburgh (Beaver Run). Great course, well run, lots of seat time! Just sayin.

We'll see... I want too, but I want to make improvements to the car as well plus fix a few things around the house that have been pushed to the back burner over the years.

Kind of like racing, it's all about balance. I will say this, the Missus is much more inclined to come along to facilities like Putnam. :D Not sure she cared that much for dry camping in the dusty\muddy parking lot at the Super 8 though.

Dang your ride sounds mean!

yeah, yeah happy wife=happy life...I get it.

Thank you, I do get a lot of questions on the exhaust..Ultimate mid-length headers and a 3" Magnaflow exhaust Chevelle kit, dumped at the axle :EmoteClueless:

John from Forgeline got some great pics of me on what was, my best run up til this point, a cone at the finish. That may have been my only cone for the day too, well I got it with style! Oh, and I totally was in control the whole time :drive:
Here are the pics in order that John took them:
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...psu464znm0.jpg
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...psfcihvqmd.jpg
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...psud8g0bex.jpg
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...psdngmw2za.jpg
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...pssonoqbyg.jpg
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...psjppxou9d.jpg
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...psuofqkqwp.jpg
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/...psrjd4tfvh.jpg

Nice! :thumbsup:

Aaron: "I had it all the way..." :)

I sooooo got this!

Hold my beer!!

Long time, way overdue for updates!
 

Hey guys, its been a year since I've updated this thread. Had a lot of things going on, especially since December of '16. I sold my half of my business of 17 years to my partner...so technically, I'm retired now!! Yes :)

Bigger than that, is that in April, I was diagnosed with leukemia, CLL/SLL more specifically since there are so many different types. Rather that retype it all, I'm pasting a post from my FB page that I know some of you have seen.

Also, I'm in process (mostly on hold now..) of making huge changes to the G-Velle. Epic is probably more accurate! I promise to get some pics posted soon of the progress. But right now, getting my health back is number one priority!

Copied from FB:
Funny how things have a way of being put in perspective: Five months ago, I was dealing with what at the time, was the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to deal with, the sale of our business of 17 years. One month ago, today, I realized that was nothing.
On April 3rd, I was diagnosed with leukemia. More specifically, CLL/SLL which is Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma. On the wide scale of possible types of leukemia, if there’s such a thing as the good side, that’s what I have. Although it’s typically found in people 65 and older (I’m 45 now) the Dr’s were a bit surprised to see it, but it’s not unheard of.
Before I get to the details, the plan and the future, I wanted to let you all know what was going on and why you may not see us at many (or any) events this year. I’ve told a few close friends (that are closer to family really) and of course my family. I feel like it’s best to hear it from me than from another friend as stories tend to change along the way! Ha-ha. What I’m NOT asking for is for anyone to feel sorry for me, or my family. I’m past all that! I got this. What we need is your experiences, encouragement, thoughts and prayers! I will accept anything positive to move forward to beat this. As hard as it is to stay positive, I must say from the few friends and family that already know, you have been AMAZING. Especially Jill, she has been my everything so far, can't imagine doing this without her... and I am humbled daily by the incredible people I call friends. The texts, messages, offers to help, and the phone calls just to chat…I hope you all know I would do the same for you!
OK, so how did I get here: So, after we got back from our cruise to the Caribbean area in February, a week later, I had a swollen tongue and 5 or 6 large canker sores on it. My lymph glands were also pretty swollen in my neck, but nothing I haven’t had before. I had others on the inside of my cheeks and gums. A trip to the Urgent Care, got a script for antibiotics and steroids…surprise. Well 10 days later, a bit better, but sores came back. Went back to Urgent Care, guess what? Yep, stronger antibiotics…10 days later same. Since I hadn’t been to a real doctor in four years, we’d dropped off our primary Dr’s list… best they could do was 6 weeks to get in as a new patient! Ughh. Luckily a friend of Jill’s got us in to her doctor. Blood work was done immediately and there we go, leukemia was suspected. That Dr. sent us to a Hematologist/Oncologist. More blood work, more tests and then the suspicion was confirmed. Once confirmed, it was on to more test to see how far along I was. CLL can take years and years to develop into something that’s even treatable. They don’t treat it typically until later stages, it’s a watch and wait up until then.
The first big test was a PET nuclear test where radioactive sugars are injected into the blood to show highlights on the scan. Any tumorous type anomalies will use the sugar first and show “hot spots”. Well turns out the most of the lymph glands in my entire body were “warm spots”, no particular place worse than the other, but it was everywhere somewhat. Two days after the PET scan, I was admitted to the hospital because the sores in my mouth and swollen tongue were keeping me from eating and swallowing anything, even water hurt. Food and pills would get stuck halfway down my throat, not cool. After four days in the hospital, getting bag after bag of fluid, getting poked and prodded multiple times per day/night, I finally started feeling better and was able to eat. Turned out I had the “Corona” virus (simple cold virus), lol doesn’t sound bad, especially with a lime 😊…and the mouth sores were just something that my non-existent immune system couldn’t fight off. While I was in the hospital, I had a few lymph nodes removed from my neck for testing. Both pathology and FISH test I believe. The important part of the FISH test is to find out if a gene, labeled 17P is not there (or damaged). If it’s not there, well treatment is easy, a very expensive pill every day for the rest of your life, but one day the pill may stop working…that day is unpredictable. My 17P is present, so I am a candidate for chemo, yay! Not like chemo is an awesome option, but at least I have one. The chemo they’d most likely use is FCR and has been used for a long time with good results.
After I got over having a mild fever in the hospital, they let me go home feeling way better than when I went in. Two weeks later found me back at the hospital getting a bone marrow biopsy, yeah yuck. The results of that just came yesterday and showed that my marrow is 80-90% saturated with the leukemia cells…not good, but does show that I’m a candidate for treatment sooner than later, like real soon.
Which brings me to today. Our next move is to get a second opinion, not of the diagnosis as much as the treatment plan. From what my Dr. says, I pretty much have textbook test results and symptoms, so hoping it’s something simple and not cancer is a real long shot. After the second opinion, due to the stage (3 or 4) I’m in, most likely we’ll get started with treatment very soon. The standard is 6 months; 3 days in a row each month with checkup visits in between to monitor all of the numbers of course. Not looking forward to it, but I am looking forward to being done with it! The future looks great, just got to get thru the next 8-10 months.
Again, I’m trying to keep a very positive attitude about this, I’d appreciate you all do the same! My family deserves it, my friends deserve it, heck I deserve it! I have so much to do still, this is just a little bump in the road. I will miss seeing you all at the car events and hanging out in the parking lots. Of course, if I’m able, I’ll come just to come!
Please, fire away if you have questions. Thank you all in advance for the well wishes and prayers!



Hope everyone is well, and, hopefully there are less and less jack stands being used too! Due to me most likely starting treatment very soon, I won't be able to drive much this year, and I'm having a harder time with that than thinking about stupid chemo treatments! I miss hanging out with friends and driving old cars fast...

Obviously not the post I was expecting after following along on your Instagram page with the changes to G-Velle and I can only imagine what a tough time this is for you and your family. I will definitely be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers as I can only imagine the challenges that lie ahead for you. As with anything a positive attitude and loads of moral support certainly help the final outcome and I am sure those of us in the PT world will do everything we can to make sure your'e are supported in every way imaginable.

Prayers out buddy!

Positivity & humor will serve you & your family well during this time.

Sounds odd, but it got me & my family through my bout with a medical diagnosis I received about 10 years ago.

Thoughts & prayers!
:cheers:

Yeah, I know, not the best thing to happen but I'll get thru it. I'll be sure and post the good stuff soon! Thank you for the support and prayers!

Doesn't sound odd at all actually. I've had several tell me the same and have already experienced it first hand. It would be real hard without awesome friends and family behind you all the way. And, thank you!

Aaron, brother...I'm speechless. I know you didn't ask for sorrow or pity, but it's human nature. Being a firefighter/paramedic and working in the ER of a hospital part time, it's only befitting that I feel sorrow as a person in the healthcare field. I will continue to pray for you and your family. I'm 44 and we're the same age. So, yes, things like this aren't supposed to happen, but when they do we feel empathy/sympathy for one another. I've never met you, but feel like I know you as well as several others on this board. I wouldn't know any of y'all if I walked past you in Wal-Mart. But, we here, at Lat-G are a close knit, unofficial family. Take care brother and I know you're a fighter...so stay strong. GOD bless.

Still works today as well, a year later. :)

Have your phone handy and charged up Friday during the day...just in case I need any pointers...or just want to talk.

Thanks Marcus! I appreciate your sympathy. It does hit close to home when it's someone you know and they are about your age. I'm sure you see and hear about stuff all the time in your field. Speaking of, thank you for what you do! When I was in the hospital for 4 days, I constantly thanked the nurses for doing what they do...there's no way I could do that! I'll work on your car, fix something around the house or build you something from a block of material, but no way am I working on another human!

I totally agree about the family thing. I've met more nice people in this hobby/industry/circle than any other place before. Some of what I call my best friends, I've only known 3-4 yrs in total, and only see them 2-4 times a year. The amount of support has been mind blowing to say the least. Humbling for sure!

You know what's crazy? Been so long since I updated here, I flipped thru the whole post to see where I was at. I ran across that and had EXACTLY the same thought!
I will be more than happy, if I can, give any relevant pointers. Like you mentioned, the track surface is new and may change a few things. Should be 2-3 secs faster I'd say....so, no excuses! Good luck, so bummed I can't be there this year. Sticky side down! Oh, and I soooo got this!

Aaron, This popped up on my email notification, had to backtrack a couple of posts to get to the first update, and WOW, didn't expect to read that.

I'll never forget the ride you gave me in Nashville. Really brought the whole thing together for me of building my car. What was really great, you didn't know me at all, and then allowed me the ride. This is what I love about this community.

Then to be able to walk through things like this with someone, knowing that this person needs a prayer today, and we are here to do just that. I like the fact that you end your posts with "I sooooo got this", it just shows the tenacity that I had seen when building your cars. Having your family support, and then close friends at your side means a lot. I'll be saying a prayer today for you, and let me know if there is any other time, you might need a pick me up.

So now, since you have retired, I guess we will see more posts about the cars, as I know for me, that is a true stress and mind relief for me.

Have a great day today.

Thanks for the nice reply Bill! Yeah that was 2014 in Nashville, we were headed to USCA Daytona...man what a trip! It was my pleasure to give you a ride. 9/10 times, the passenger seat has someone in it :) Matter of fact, I'm usually faster with someone there.

Although it's been tough to be diagnosed and deal with it, I think it's one of those things that when I'm thru with it I'll be a better person/man/husband/dad/friend etc. It really does change you're outlook on things and makes you appreciate the things that we have in our life.

We'll see how long the retired life lasts. Just before being diagnosed, I was on a mission to buy a building and equipment and get back started with a shop. Honestly, I miss it. Things have just been delayed a bit for now as I need to focus on getting better first.

Thanks again it was good to hear from you again. And thank you for the prayers, I'll take them all!
Oh, and yes, I soooo got this! ;)

Best of luck to you, Aaron!

Aaron my friend ... holy crap! Shocked to hear this but I love your attitude! I have not been following as much here and on FB due to a number of things in my life but will be on the look out for good news from you. :)

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Call if I can ever be of help?

Stay strong and God Bless you and your family,

RM
:cheers:

Aaron,
I got an email update on your thread, got really excited to see something after almost a year........................

I wish you all the best for you and your family. You can beat this. I will be waiting for some more donuts when you get done doing your massive update on the G-Velle!! :thumbsup:

Take care:cheers: