I've been in Lake Havasu for a few weeks and a few good reasons to head over to So Cal came up, one being a chance to stop by Dan's AAR and express my condolences in person.
As luck would have it on my way over Thursday a good GT buddy called and was going to be in So Cal as well so we met up for lunch. Just as we were starting to eat my phone rang and it caller ID'ed as Michigan....told him and he agreed I needed to take it. Well, it was Lindsey and Michael telling me that in fact it was time to place my order and it would in fact also be for a Red 18 Heritage! Getting a car was a dream come true, however for me, a red Heritage is truly a blessing.
Friday as I was headed to AAR Michael called again and we discussed the options (not many) but I did go with the TT exhaust, 5 point and a cover. I only planned a few minutes at AAR as I believed appropriate but they did make a personal item of Dan's available to me but picking it up would require a return trip on Monday morning.
As I arrived Monday my emailed "dinged" and it was my final build order. Really? Signing my request for a '18 Gurney/Foyt Heritage in Mr Gurney's office? A Very stirring moment for me for sure.
At this time Justin, one of Dan's sons and AAR CEO came out to chat. It's warming to see how he, as well as others at AAR are carrying on their fathers tradition of making people feel welcome at AAR even during this time of great sorrow. They do understand and are even a bit blown away at how much Dan meant to the public and that we are mourning as well.
This is when Justin offered to show me some of his father's treasures that had been stored away for years, some even for decades and said it would be good to share them with us on the Forum.
1. An '18 Heritage (duh)
2. The coil cover that Dan so graciously signed a few months back and again thanks to DBK who was so instrumental in me securing by taking one off his own car!
3. One of Dan's Rolex 24 watches
4. One of several Indy 500 constructors rings
5. Edison-Ford Award for Innovation
6. The successor to the winning Spa '67 car + motor
This car was to be truly special as it was monocot TT and skinned in magnesium. The skin was so strong that it wasn't just a skin but structural as well. The car was going to be a F1 game changer but sadly wasn't finished. It was discovered in storage nearly 50 years later. It is now going to be finished by his sons as a loving tribute.
7. As many already know, Dan was one of the worlds most versatile drivers and Nascar's first and original "ringer".
8. A car his son's surprised their dad with last year and is now in the AAR collection
9. CART!
10. A pin to proudly ride in my car
11. V8 Eagle motor
Thanks Ford Motor Corp, Raj, Henry, Chris and all for making this car! DBK for putting up with all my sniveling and everyone at AAR for making me feel welcome and part of the team over the years.
I am truly Blessed.
As luck would have it on my way over Thursday a good GT buddy called and was going to be in So Cal as well so we met up for lunch. Just as we were starting to eat my phone rang and it caller ID'ed as Michigan....told him and he agreed I needed to take it. Well, it was Lindsey and Michael telling me that in fact it was time to place my order and it would in fact also be for a Red 18 Heritage! Getting a car was a dream come true, however for me, a red Heritage is truly a blessing.
Friday as I was headed to AAR Michael called again and we discussed the options (not many) but I did go with the TT exhaust, 5 point and a cover. I only planned a few minutes at AAR as I believed appropriate but they did make a personal item of Dan's available to me but picking it up would require a return trip on Monday morning.
As I arrived Monday my emailed "dinged" and it was my final build order. Really? Signing my request for a '18 Gurney/Foyt Heritage in Mr Gurney's office? A Very stirring moment for me for sure.
At this time Justin, one of Dan's sons and AAR CEO came out to chat. It's warming to see how he, as well as others at AAR are carrying on their fathers tradition of making people feel welcome at AAR even during this time of great sorrow. They do understand and are even a bit blown away at how much Dan meant to the public and that we are mourning as well.
This is when Justin offered to show me some of his father's treasures that had been stored away for years, some even for decades and said it would be good to share them with us on the Forum.
1. An '18 Heritage (duh)
2. The coil cover that Dan so graciously signed a few months back and again thanks to DBK who was so instrumental in me securing by taking one off his own car!
3. One of Dan's Rolex 24 watches
4. One of several Indy 500 constructors rings
5. Edison-Ford Award for Innovation
6. The successor to the winning Spa '67 car + motor
This car was to be truly special as it was monocot TT and skinned in magnesium. The skin was so strong that it wasn't just a skin but structural as well. The car was going to be a F1 game changer but sadly wasn't finished. It was discovered in storage nearly 50 years later. It is now going to be finished by his sons as a loving tribute.
7. As many already know, Dan was one of the worlds most versatile drivers and Nascar's first and original "ringer".
8. A car his son's surprised their dad with last year and is now in the AAR collection
9. CART!
10. A pin to proudly ride in my car
11. V8 Eagle motor
Thanks Ford Motor Corp, Raj, Henry, Chris and all for making this car! DBK for putting up with all my sniveling and everyone at AAR for making me feel welcome and part of the team over the years.
I am truly Blessed.
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