Roundup Recap:
Before I get started I think it is best to thank all those people who helped me with this event.
First and foremost, Reg Dodd of Backdraft Racing. We need more manufacturers like Backdraft Racing. Reg goes above and beyond what is expected of a manufacturer and the DSCC is truly grateful. I only wish we could have raised enough money to award one of his cars.
Second on my list is my wife Renee and son Cameron. All the hours I spent on organizing the Roundup could have been is go used to spend time with my family.
I foresee an expensive Christmas as repayment…
Ruble Moore – I cannot afford to lose you as our treasurer. Your management of our finances is flawless. I know pre-registration created a bunch of work, but overall, allowed us to make this event better. An early headcount makes our jobs so much easier.
Thankfully his wife works at a bank!
Terry Lee – his ideas really made this years event awesome. Terry, I need you as an officer. North Carolina is about to get a super Cobra guy moving into that area.
Southern Automotive Engines: Not only did you send a raffle prize, you also helped us with expenses… I’m sorry you couldn’t join us. Bill will more than likely be providing next years raffle grand prize.
Cobra Accessories… Every year you always seem to amaze me. What wonderful raffle prizes you sent us, this year and every year. Folks, these are truly wonderful people who are first on my list when it comes to Cobra parts and accessories. They should be yours too.
Big Daddy Don Garlits. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! I hope you welcome us back every year. What a great place to have our event.
There are so many other people and vendors that deserve recognition, but I know you are tired of me rambling on… let’s get to the recap….
Cobras began descending on Gainesville on Wednesday afternoon. A group of 15 of us had dinner at a local restaurant and talked about the activities that were approaching.
Of course, beer drinking went on until late and we welcomed in some old and new friends.
Thursday’s driver’s school was all it was hoped to be. Great instruction from Don Robertson and his crew of talented instructors that led us on a day full of valuable driver education. “You ran out of talent before you ran out of pavement”. Well said!
15 students are needed if we are to schedule a school for next year. Believe me when I say, “It is well worth it”. Don is also offering an “Advanced” school for those interested.
Thursday night was a pizza party in the parking lot. Again, the beer was flowing as we welcomed in the next batch of drivers for Fridays open track event.
Friday started off early as we headed to the track at 6:30am. 41 Cobra’s converged on Gainesville Raceway and enjoyed a day full of racing fuel, squealing tires, smoking brakes and delighted drivers. Mother nature decided to end our day early so we packed it in around 2:30. Lots of track time was still had and everyone is looking forward to next year to do it all again.
Following the track event, the Cobra convoy headed south to Don Garlits museum in Ocala. More Cobra owners joined the party as our Meet and Greet party kicked off. A keg of beer was killed as we enjoyed an evening of new friends, great food, and cool slide show as we watched the number of Cobras increase.
Saturday’s events started at 9:00am as we got ready for the largest Cobra show in the South East. A total of 89 Cobras outshined the overcast weather and DSCC members, old and new spent the day remembering why we own these cars…. GREAT TIMES!
The only sad part of the day was knowing that we fell short of our needed goal to award the Backdraft Cobra. At 2:30pm, we awarded a $5,000.00 check to Rob Sapsford of Acworth, GA. Congratulations to Rob for winning the grand Prize of the 50/50 raffle.
Boggy Creek also wanted to say thank you to the Cobra community for their generous donations. Many wonderful children will certainly benefit from you generosity.
48 Cobra’s embarked on a 3-hour poker run following the car show.
If you have never been a part of a huge Cobra convoy, you have not lived.
Ocala’s collective heart stopped as 48 venom filled snakes slithered around the numerous horse farms and twisty country roads. I cant think of a better way to spend three hours…. Can you?
Daisy Jones deserves more credit that I gave her for arranging a truly delicious banquet dinner. What a great way to end a spectacular day for the remaining 83 guests.
Following dinner the DSCC conducted it’s annual meeting. Old and new business was discussed, as were new ideas to make next year’s event even better.
2005 officers were elected as we welcomed in a new Vice President, Paul Liparoto.
Ruble and I was entrusted to again lead the DSCC in 2005. With the assistance of Paul and Ruble, I know we can make this an exciting and eventful year for the DSCC.
Saturday night was a final night of power beer drinking as a few hard-core members gathered in the parking lot until almost 2am. Friends smiled and said goodbye as we concluded a whirlwind weekend of snakes and good times. We are already looking towards next year, as it’s hard to believe it all ended so quickly.
Thank you to all who helped make this event happen. I am truly blesses to have so many good friends with a passion to enjoy our cars and who are willing to travel numerous miles to visit with us. Wow, you guys are awesome!
My fingers are tired of typing so I’ll conclude this thread for now.
OK, looking forward to next year….
November 10th-13th… mark your calendars.
Ed