When you get knocked down, get up again. SYCO GT'S NFGT APPLICATION VIDEO


SYCO GT

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Sep 9, 2006
4,974
California
It was the last week of July 2016. Three weeks earlier, my son had fractured his wrist rollerblading with us. I saw the tears well up in his eye when the attending emergency physician said, "Uh, I think it's safe to say that he won't be competing at the Junior Olympics based on what I am seeing and the timeline."

During those 3 weeks, we pulled a waterproof wrap over his cast and swam practices and then swam in a local competition, his qualifying time so that he could compete at the Junior Olympics. He could have asked for a medical exemption, but that wasn't how he wanted to do it. A specialist agreed in his opinion it would be okay to cut the cast a week early, as a cast would not be permitted in the Finals. So, the day before the competition, his cast was cut. His arm was much weaker than expected, and he did not feel he would be strong enough to compete, but he decided to swim the night before and see how it felt.

It was the early morning of the competition. An email from Ford came in for me, informing me that I would not be selected as a recipient of an allocation for the NFGT, nor would I be placed on the formal waiting list. It was a sad email to receive. I think that we're all successful and we're used to focusing on and achieving our goals. I was disappointed.

But life marches on. My son ended that very same day a Jr. Olympic medalist. If I could have picked either for me to get the NFGT allocation or for him to get his medal, every time, I would pick for him to get the medal, that he earned through pure determination.

A couple years later, he is on the verge of another big meet tomorrow, and he is fully healed and currently nationally ranked in his favorite swim stroke for his age group. I have just completed my NFGT application video today, with my wife and other son helping out, as my older son, was at swim practice in the rain, with flash flood warnings in our area (did someone forget this is supposed to be Southern Cal?), while we hobbled the video together the best we could.

I was fortunate to attend Rally 11 in Austin, Texas, one of several rallies that I have been lucky to attend since Rally 2. And you know what? No one came up to me and asked me if I got an allocation or not. It didn't matter. It wasn't the main focus. I myself couldn't remember exactly who got an allocation or not either. I got to see the race pit of the new Ford GT. No one said, hey, new owners only. I mean, it's amazing, and well deserved, and I am so happy for my forum and GT brothers and sisters that are having their GT dreams fulfilled. And I still definitely hope to be one of those. But the camaraderie, the good will, the history, the friendships, the relationships, are as strong as ever.

My ownership and enjoyment of my '06 Ford GT have gone well beyond the material possession of a car. When we all bought our first Ford GT's more than a decade ago, and those that have bought them since, I'd speculate that more than a few of us were doing it because we felt it was simply an incredible tribute to the spirit and history of muscle cars, racing competition, and the American competitive spirit. It simply felt right. But what a bonus we received in the life long friendships.

For me, and I'm sure for others, it's a big decision to re-apply. To risk the financial cost, the sacrifice, the emotional roller coaster. But knowing that the Forum members will be here in support regardless of the outcome, makes it much less of a risk. In 90 days, the hearts of a selected few will be overjoyed. Some hearts will be broken. But all hearts will be supported.

Here is the video my family and I came up with. It's crude. We had a consumer video camera on a tripod. Some have made their videos with just a cell phone. Hopefully a portion of my love, respect, and desire come through for the New Ford GT.

I know it's a bit longer than what I thought was supposed to be 2 minutes. But it's hard to pour 12 years of thoughts and feelings and friendships into such a short space.

https://youtu.be/rWkNDarZO48
 

SteveA

GT Owner/B.O.D
Mark IV Lifetime
Dec 13, 2005
3,694
Sandpoint Id
Good luck Randy, pulling hard for you!:thumbsup
 

Roadtrip

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Dec 28, 2006
418
Great video!!! Looks like we're both on the adoption waiting list. :) Your right, it's hard to put 12 years of great memories into 60 seconds let alone 10 minutes. Nice work! I was looking at pics of my little girls growing up while I was trying to decide how to compile my video and its amazing how quickly 12 years goes by and how quickly they grow. Good luck!!!
 

MJSFRX

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Jul 26, 2010
813
Carlsbad, CA
Nice job. Good luck. I share a very similar story. Hope March / April will bring good news.
 

STORMCAT

GT
Mark IV Lifetime
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
May 25, 2006
7,549
Ft. Lauderdale
Good luck Randy !!!
 

Vince H

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Jul 23, 2012
2,417
Southern California
Randy,

Great video. Really dig how you incorporated your family. Spot on perspective regarding the process but just know Susan and I are really hoping you get the nod. Pulling for you my friend.

Vince H
 

Ed Sims

GT Owner
Mark IV Lifetime
Apr 7, 2006
7,850
NorCal
Hey, driving a GT in SoCal rain? That deserves a NGT allocation for sure! I have a prayer & a wish for you Syco! You deserve one!

Ed
 

Apollo

GT Owner
Mark IV Lifetime
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
Aug 5, 2006
2,499
Pahrump, NV
Good stuff, I think Monica deserves best supporting Oscar for her role! Good luck to you Randy!
 

pe2unia

GT
Mark IV Lifetime
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
Good luck Randy!! Well done
 

Special K

GT Owner
Mark IV Lifetime
Aug 23, 2016
1,775
Franklinton, LA
Great video! Very original and genuine. I give it [emoji1303] [emoji1303]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 

BtwoG

GT Owner
Dec 8, 2013
1,039
Atlanta, GA
I love seeing all these different approaches. Good luck Randy!
 

SYCO GT

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Sep 9, 2006
4,974
California
Good luck Randy, pulling hard for you!:thumbsup

Thank you SteveA! Always enjoy our conversations. I've always felt you are a Sage with a gift of wisdom (and humility) well beyond your years. And hey, anyone who has owned a Pontiac GTO is top of my list.
 

SYCO GT

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Sep 9, 2006
4,974
California
I was looking at pics of my little girls growing up while I was trying to decide how to compile my video and its amazing how quickly 12 years goes by and how quickly they grow. Good luck!!!

I couldn't agree more. It's like a nice trip down memory lane. I wish we could slow down the days. It's a joy to see them grow up, but also, I want to savor the moments with them. Good luck to you as well!
 

SYCO GT

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Sep 9, 2006
4,974
California
Nice job. Good luck. I share a very similar story. Hope March / April will bring good news.

Isn't it funny how life works? I probably exaggerated a little. I mean, maybe for a split second, I wondered what if I had focused all my spiritual energy and emotions toward my 2016 application. Haha. Cheers to end of Q1 blessings!
 

SYCO GT

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Sep 9, 2006
4,974
California
Good luck Randy !!!

Stormy! I wish I had your strength of character to endure the countless barbs that Dr. Frank hurls your way on a regular basis. The banter between you two is pure hilarity. I think we need a post sub counter that measures burns...

I know for an absolute fact, that a lesser man such as I, cannot withstand the force of his borderline libelous comments.

Thank you for the wishes! Thanks to you and Dr. Frank for keeping us all entertained, at the expense of one other.
 

SYCO GT

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Sep 9, 2006
4,974
California
Randy,

Great video. Really dig how you incorporated your family. Spot on perspective regarding the process but just know Susan and I are really hoping you get the nod. Pulling for you my friend.

Vince H

I am thrilled living vicariously through you and Susan and Ed. It warms my heart to feel your excitement and see your gorgeous builds come to life. The friendships are treasured. Don't be surprised if I show up at your doorstep, or garage driveway, with camera in hand and boys in tow...Just waiting for a Kip Ewing unofficial Motors escort...
 

SYCO GT

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Sep 9, 2006
4,974
California
Hey, driving a GT in SoCal rain? That deserves a NGT allocation for sure! I have a prayer & a wish for you Syco! You deserve one!

Ed

You know I was born and raised not too far from your neck of the woods. All those years riding motorcycles in the rain, and getting fully soaked. A healthy respect for the traction pie. You'd be absolutely astonished how the native So Cal'er is terrified of the rain.

And to a true class act, I'm so excited for what lies in store for you tomorrow!!! The very best holiday season! Cheers and Enjoy! When I grow up, I want to be Ed Sims! My favorite part at any rally or GTG is how you genuinely introduce me to others simply as Syco, as if it's my actual and only name.
 

Ed Sims

GT Owner
Mark IV Lifetime
Apr 7, 2006
7,850
NorCal
... My favorite part at any rally or GTG is how you genuinely introduce me to others simply as Syco, as if it's my actual and only name.

You mean you would like a formal introduction as Syco GT? Ha! I feel after all these years I can comfortably call you Syco.

Ed
 

SYCO GT

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Sep 9, 2006
4,974
California
You mean you would like a formal introduction as Syco GT? Ha! I feel after all these years I can comfortably call you Syco.

Ed

...and I will always call you by your forum name too!
 

Ed Sims

GT Owner
Mark IV Lifetime
Apr 7, 2006
7,850
NorCal
Ha! At my first Rally in Newport Beach I met DBK, AwsumGT, Syco GT, BlackIce, etc. All cool names. Everyone asked me what my real name was. I said Ed Sims & they said "LOL! You used your real name?" I wanted to change it but DBK said everyone knew me so to keep it. They all said Ed Sims sounds like some old fat guy!

Ed