A car is metal, plastic and rubber. Its not alive. It shows no emotion. It is a machine. It is built to do a job, to make our human existence more pleasurable. Somehow though, as this machine made its way onto another man’s trailer, I couldn’t help becoming a bit emotional, almost feeling like I was somehow abandoning this trusty steed, the business end of the transaction so final. Never once did it let me down. The only time it even came close was in August of 2010 when the shifter rod broke, partially, leaving me with only 3rd and 4th gear at VIR full course. I had to baby each shift on my way to a second place finish with Franz and Robert Allen heavy on my 6. I pulled into tech at the end of the race, weighed and was able to get it into first, barely. I moved fifty feet and went to put it into neutral when the shifter rod broke completely with it stuck in first gear. Not only had he waited until the end of the race to break but when he did he was kind enough to be in the right gear for loading up.
I know every crease, scratch, sticker, part. I remember the emotions when it took me across the finish line for our first national championship. I remember the disappointment when I watched Skeen take the lead because of a flood of gas pouring from my tank. Say what one will about these being just machines but they are more than that, they have to be. Too much blood, sweat, tears and champagne have been soaked up by that metal. This is not just a car that got bread and milk. We went to battle together and survived, albeit with a few dings and both came out a bit more experienced.
I’ll miss that great car. Now the question is how long can one go without an E30 before they absolutely HAVE to have another?
All my best to Matt, the new owner. Enjoy!
Chris