It is safe to say that most of us here read this site because some masculine presence in our life who is Actually into the car. Certainly yes, more and more women and moms are doing amazing jobs in the auto industry and are sticklers for enthusiasts (hello). But, most of us story and inspiration likely start with a specific person: Dad.
My father, pictured above, covers his eyes as we sit freeze in a Corvette C5 for some photos at I believe many GM’s Milford Proving Grounds decades ago, of course my main road to this eccentric place. Signs that his only daughter might be more interested in cars than his two sons started with me breaking into his basement office (quite often) in the last few days. our summer vacation, to steal the keys to his 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442, just so I could sit in it. The Olds was my father’s favorite for many years – the steed would take me and my brothers on some of the first excursions on Woodward Avenue.
It’s really hard to pick out a very special moment with my dad. But, his work with Roush and PPG Pace Car Program in the early 90s would get us free tickets to early CART races, take us for a ride with Wally Dallenbach Sr. around the Michigan International Speedway and instilled permanent racing error in me. I tried to repay him years later by winning him tickets to the 100th Indy 500 run and making it an annual tradition. We also try to do another hobby race every year, where I sometimes take him with me for rides and behind-the-scenes stuff when I can – monetize the one-of-a-kind experiences instead. for the holiday stuff.
He might be my number one fan, which I’m not too proud to admit. But I am also his. And although I don’t usually answer our questions of the day, I won this one, as a small nod. to my dad, who after all these years in the auto industry, 26 of which was at GM, has finally retired. Of course, that doesn’t mean he stopped working. No, he was sending me pictures of the cars waiting to hit the road again – at the restoration shop he also used to work (for fun and to feed his three kids) since I was a kid. So far, this week’s images include a Cadillac L’Etoile and above all a Reliant Robin.
So this Father’s Day, tell us about special moments with your dad (please include photos!) and we’ll share your collection of memories after your last vacation. week.
And to all the fathers, fathers and parents out there who spread this Jalopy disease, especially my father, more than you for turning us all into a bunch of idiots. weird.
