[snakeeyes]

Hahaha, use that soap box any time you like! It’s not mine—I’m pretty sure it belongs to my wife.

Big Bob is one of a kind. 7’2” tall and living proof that anyone can fit into a Cobra if they play with the seat and footboxes enough. He is a great guy who I’ve unfortunately lost touch with over the last decade. You’re right—he is as generous as they come. He bought an ‘02 Z06 ‘Vette and starting tracking it; when he heard I’d never been on track he invited me to fly to Utah and share his car for a two-day event at Spring Mountain. He paid for everything and would accept no compensation; all I had to do was fly out there. He’s a talented driver and a natural instructor who didn’t just turn me loose; we spent most of the first day with him riding shotgun and giving me instructions. By the last session of the weekend I had been moved from Novice to Intermediate and turned a few laps that were competitive with some of the Advanced drivers. More importantly he had not only taught me how to drive reasonably quickly but in a very safe manner. I had an absolute blast and have been doing track days ever since.

Only problem was that he’s so tall that he removed the driver’s seat and literally drove sitting on the floor of the car! He brought some foam pads thinking we could fashion a “seat” for my 6’ tall frame but they didn’t really work and I ended up driving from the floor, too. It worked but I spent the weekend peering over the top of the steering wheel. I bought some pics taken at the event from a professional photographer and in them I look like a little kid driving daddy’s car, LOL.

I didn’t make the Knott’s thing but I remember when he did that. Around that same time he arranged for me, Cal Metal, and Jeff Karnitz to fly out to his place in San Diego for a BBQ and meeting with Rem. It was my first time meeting him and I was gobsmacked. But he was such a nice guy and seemed so amused that anyone thought he was someone special. So humble. His wartime service in a B-24 Liberator would have been enough for him to reach idol status in my eyes, but that was literally the tip of the iceberg with Phil. A couple of years later thanks to him and Bob Evans, I found myself standing outside the Ford tent at Monterey. Just a little chat circle comprised of Dan and Evi Gurney, Sir John Whitmore, Bob Bondurant, Rem—and me. I’m a nobody and I swear it was the most surreal thing I’d ever experienced.

Some good people are into Cobras.