[jeffko]

Big thanks to Mark Weseman & Russ Gelberg for taking the time for what I thought was just getting my feet wet. What wound up happening is that I got drenched in venom. I showed up at Mark's house at about 10:30 after he offered to take some time out of his morning to show me his Cobra and his build album. As if that were not enough, he suggested we go for a spin. Now here is a gent for ya. It was mid 30's at best....but who could tell? Well probably Mark, but certainly not me. Boy is that car sweet. Then I thought the excitement was over as he abruptly turns into a parking lot...I was thinking we were turning around to head back or something was loose in the trunk. Well we were heading back alright, but with a very excited admirer of this car at the wheel. If he had second thoughts after I almost ran into him, trying to get to the driver's seat, as I was telling him that I had not drove a stick for at least 20 years.....I could not tell. Mark is cool under pressure! I mean I took off like the car was mine (did not burn any clutch though), took a little time getting used to manual brakes..in traffic no less...and then missed the turn that would have taken us on a much safer path back his garage. Took his car right up Dundee in noon traffic and sadly made all the right turns to his garage. I am not sure I should be telling all this, but if you have ever dreamed and planned on something for literally years and then to have someone unselfishly afford you the experience of driving your dream. Well....hats off to you Mark! Thank you! Thanks also to Russ for taking the time away from his business to show me his in progress build. I do not know how Russ can keep from locking the doors. I would not let anybody, but the UPS man inside. Since meeting Marty, then Mark, Russ and all the helpful posts I have come to understand that this is much more than a car. I am looking forward to meeting the rest of you guys, sharing stories, playing some low bass exhaust tunes and helping the next newbie.