[Hillard]

Pontiac people are the best. I finally got to race at Norwalk again after selling the GTO several years ago. I decided this year I just couldn't spectate another year. I only wish I would have decided sooner and been more prepared. I slapped together a variety of different parts I had laying around, borrowed parts, stuff that really should not be used together but it created an engine I could stuff in my 69 GP and get it out of the garage after 10 years. I was in a huge hurry to get packed up and went very unprepared. On Friday at Norwalk, I didn't get to make a pass. Had carb issues and electrical issues. Finally got to run on Saturday till I went .011" red in the 2nd, and race Sunday (breaking out in the 1st). But the best and overwhelming part of the weekend, is the kindness and generosity of the Pontiac community. So many people saw I needed help and didn't hesitate to jump in. I need to thank several people. First, my wife Cindy for supporting me in doing this. Ed Page for letting me use his battery charger and floor jack. Ed and his crew (Steve, Mike, Ed's son...sorry I forget...is it also Ed?) are top notch people. And also thanks for sending Tom over to help with trying to tune the Demon. Unfortunately I didn't get his last name. Also thanks to Vince Lasher for loaning parts to try, a scooter to get more parts, and willingness to help. I still have your alternator cable and I'll get it back to you. Thanks to Tom Moon for loaning me a battery. He stopped by just as they called my class and the car wouldn't start. Without hesitation he went back to his trailer and came back with an Optima battery and let me use it the remainder of the weekend. John and Stephanie Hugentober for giving me a ride on their golf cart from the swap meet back to the pits when they called my class. Actually it was Stephanie, but I think it was John's idea. Mike Messer for loaning me parts to get the car together and ready to go. Thanks Joe Taylor and Bryan Dunaway for helping me put the motor in the car. And Joe for always being there and willing to help. Thanks to the family that was 2 spaces down. Very sorry I didn't get their names but they let my dad who is 77 years old w/ bad knees use a scooter to get around, tried to help me fix my alternator, and then sold me the alternator that turned out to be my ultimate fix. I know I'm probably forgetting someone and I apologize to those people. I actually have a lot more to say but this post is too long already. Even with the issues I encountered with my car, and not doing very well in eliminations, it was the best weekend I've had in years.