[CRZN427]

Roscoe,

That feeling can also be captured by taking part in things like the Braille Rallye, held in Southern California each summer.

I attended a couple when I had my LAE, and plan on doing it again with my FFR when I get it done.

It is a trip where "sight challenged" and "blind" kids get to go out and interact with strangers in an automotive situation.

The drivers always include CHP, local Sheriff, City Police, several local celebrities, quite a few of the local rallye club members and a few odd folks like me (that heard about it and went to have fun in my Cobra).

Beginning drivers are usually given a sight challenged kid, boys and girls, with the rallye insrtuctions in large print so the driver has a chance of getting to the finish line some time during the day.

Experienced drivers are given a blind kid, boys and girls, and the rallye instructions are in braille.

In either event the kids have to learn to communicate with the drivers to be able to get through the event and find the picnic area at the end of the course.

There are trophys for the four or five top winners, kids only, that turn in the best time in completing the course.

During the drivers meeting the kids are introduced to the drivers and are given a chance to "see" the cars before the start. Some of their comments are precious.

I had a bind kid once that knew all about Cobras. It seems that the organizers made sure he got assigned to me since I had the only Cobra there that time. You have to pre register with proof of insurance so they knew what I was bringing.

The cars are started a few minutes apart, and although it is not encouraged, there is uaually a tire smoking start out of the parking lot. Several of them put on a show with a little smoke and noise, but I got the only standing ovation.

Not only was there a burnout start but the local ABC affiliate was on hand to film the beginning. The TV crew actually got there a little late and were not set up until it was my turn to leave the staging area.

My wife got a call from an old friend who was watching the 6: o'clock news, she found out about my smokin' start before I got home to relate the story to her.

There were a bunch of very greatful and happy kids that day. I had the same experience each time and look forward to the next one with my FFR, when I finally get it done.