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DKWEST
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« on: January 23, 2008, 04:10:39 pm » |
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My Uncle, Who has been going to Sebring since the early 60's, and hadn't missed a year, will not be with us this year.
He had fallen ill with Alzheimers a few years ago. Last year he made it, but he has taken a turn for the worse, so won't make the trip.
He was a Trooper, and a true Sebring Party Animal. He took me to my first race when I was 8, in 1969. Through the years we always partied together at the guys weekend out, and annual rite of Spring. Started going with him full time at his front straight spot in 1983. There were years when I couldn't afford to go, but he always bought me a ticket,... Times when I was so drunk I couldn't stand up, and he helped me to a flat dry place,.. lol. So many stories over the years.
Him not making it this year has put his disease into perspective and it has really hit home. I'm crying as I write this, and will shed a tear or two at the track this year,... But I will also raise a drink in his honor and enjoy the memories of a great Sebring Patron.
I Love You Bobby,... Your a Sebring legend in my eyes and heart!
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« Last Edit: January 23, 2008, 04:19:18 pm by TDDWEST »
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"Gentlemen,...Start Your Party"
.....................WFO.....................
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Pieter
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« Reply #1 on: January 23, 2008, 04:21:09 pm » |
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I'm sorry to hear this. I can only imagine how many Sebring adventures you have shared and for such a long time as well. It also proves you have to live your life to the fullest while you can. Let's not only raise a glass in his honor, but party 'till we drop.
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DKWEST
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« Reply #2 on: January 23, 2008, 04:26:59 pm » |
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Many of you have met him at the front straight spot,.. He was always the first to offer a cocktail to those who stopped by,.. or just let friends chill out in the motorhome and get some AC on those hot days.
I want to think of some way to show him some love this year,.. a tribute,... a rememberance of a fallen comrade.
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"Gentlemen,...Start Your Party"
.....................WFO.....................
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Misplaced Floridian
No Ferrari douche bag here.
SF Moderator
Friend of Don Panoz
Posts: 1508
Unfair. Unbalanced. Unmedicated.
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« Reply #3 on: January 23, 2008, 07:59:07 pm » |
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A sad story, I truly feel the loss. As Pieter said, it shows that we have to get the most out of life while we can, because you never know...
I hope to meet you (finally!) this year and hear a story or two about the Legend.
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I used to be bitter and angry. But I've turned my life around. Now I'm angry and bitter.
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JPChenet
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« Reply #4 on: January 23, 2008, 08:18:45 pm » |
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Many of you have met him at the front straight spot,.. He was always the first to offer a cocktail to those who stopped by,.. or just let friends chill out in the motorhome and get some AC on those hot days.
I want to think of some way to show him some love this year,.. a tribute,... a rememberance of a fallen comrade.
Quite right too!!!!! My thoughts are with you both! I am currently going through a time where my step father, Gary (who has effectively been my dad since I was 10, 30 years ago) who is well known to the DfH guys and other Le Mans regulars has been diagnosed with Hepatitus C. He has been undergoing treatment for the past six months and we are hoping that it will have been effective. Anxiously awaiting the results at the end of this month. He has been to Le Mans with me for the last six years and I was hoping to bring him over the pond with me for his first Sebring this year but circumstances have made that impossible. I'm sure I am not alone when I say that I will happily join you at a pre-arranged time to toast him (and maybe all absent frineds/relatives) at a tiem during the weekend and to listen to some of the fantastic stories you must be able to share of your times at Sebring together! I don't know if it's too late, but how about trying to get everyone on Sebring fans to nominate him for fan of the year?? If it's too late this year then I certainly think we shopuld put him forward for next year! Let's hope that maybe next year your uncle and my step father can share a beer together at the old bomber base? |
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The LIVER Is Evil And Must Be PUNISHED!!!!
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Pieter
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« Reply #5 on: January 24, 2008, 03:52:00 am » |
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That's a great plan Mark!  |
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Misplaced Floridian
No Ferrari douche bag here.
SF Moderator
Friend of Don Panoz
Posts: 1508
Unfair. Unbalanced. Unmedicated.
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« Reply #6 on: January 24, 2008, 04:56:57 am » |
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How is one nominated for Fan of the Year? I'd second that nomination!
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I used to be bitter and angry. But I've turned my life around. Now I'm angry and bitter.
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Pieter
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« Reply #7 on: January 24, 2008, 05:39:47 am » |
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Maybe somebody should enquire about the procedure at the Sebring marketing department.
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gab
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« Reply #8 on: January 24, 2008, 09:27:48 am » |
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...I think Chris 24 is aware of the process, he started things rolling for Pidge when he was awarded Fan of the Year at Sebring. Calling Chris 24...please respond...
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F-Troop Mom
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« Reply #9 on: January 25, 2008, 10:11:43 am » |
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What was your Uncle's name?
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"F-Troop!!! Yeah! Always blurry, sometimes wet. Like so many monkeys." as quoted from Tripp 2009
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bro_ken_flush
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Toon Town? Ya turn left and right then left again
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« Reply #10 on: January 25, 2008, 11:44:42 am » |
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Any chance of getting a picture of him at Sebring posted? We could start a campain to get him elected to the position.
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You never know how good you look,
Until you have your picture took.
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DKWEST
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« Reply #11 on: January 25, 2008, 04:34:12 pm » |
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What was your Uncle's name?
Bobby Westphal |
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"Gentlemen,...Start Your Party"
.....................WFO.....................
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DKWEST
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« Reply #12 on: January 25, 2008, 04:34:54 pm » |
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Any chance of getting a picture of him at Sebring posted? We could start a campain to get him elected to the position.
I'm trying to find some,.. was going to post one on here |
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"Gentlemen,...Start Your Party"
.....................WFO.....................
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Penny
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« Reply #13 on: January 27, 2008, 03:15:26 pm » |
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Hello Everyone, I have enjoyed reading all of your post. In response to a question about "Fan of the Year". McGruff's Bar & Grill nominated me last year. They just wrote a letter and sent it in to Sebring Raceway. I believe it needs to be sent in early February . You may want to call the track and make sure of the date. 1- 800- 626-7223. The really cool thing is that I was the first female to be picked for "Fan of the Year"! Once they pick the Fans- Usually there are two winners. You will need to get a picture to them ASAP, as they will be printing the race program shortly after that. I hope that this will help you as your friend certainly sounds deserving of it. Looking forward to seeing all of you in March. Please feel free to stop by McGruff's camp and have a Lemon Drop with us. It would be great to meet all of you!
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Chris24
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« Reply #14 on: January 27, 2008, 06:54:01 pm » |
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Yes, basically send your nominations and a write up about the nominee to Sebring raceway ASAP including a picture or two taken at Sebring. That what I did to nominate Pidge a few years ago.
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