My moms been involved with my "speed" habit since 1968,in fact she used to flat tow my 69 GS 400 with her 69 wildcat to the track for me when we raced in NHRA G/S class.By the way,her wildcat ran 15.20's bone stock back then.Had to race it a couple times when we went out early. Shes attended many races over the years as the cars changed and got faster.Well,2 years ago at the age of 80 she asked for a ride in "Great Scat" on one of the test and tune days. We strapped her in the passenger seat and away we went. A smokey burnout,stage,flip off the throttle stop(give mom a good ride),launch with the wheels 2 feet in the air...and 10.3 seconds later let off in the shut down area. Check on mom,her eyes looked like the front of a volkswagon,but there was a huge smile on her face.She said,"now I know why you guys do this" Thanks mom,shes always been a big supporter of this addiction with me and now it continues with her grandson. It was definately the ride of her life at 80 years young. gary
That's awesome Gary. When do we start racing against mom, another Paine to look out for in the staging lanes. I wanted to take my dad for a ride in my Regal back when it was a nitrous car, track oficials would have none of that and made him get out. I am glad your track allowed this. He didn't want his first drive to be in a car that misbehaved like my regal did so I had to pay for a class in the Wix dragster driving experience so he could see what it was like, he did enjoy his fathers day gift though. I want to put him in the new car sometime next year and let him drive for awhile.
Gary, what a fantastic story! I hope she (and you!) will be around in 20 years for her 100th birthday scream down the 1320, or whatever it is! :jd: :laugh:
If the passenger has all the safety equipment of the driver, I don't see why tehy can't drive it. That is cool as heck, though.
your mom Gary, you what's next..... Take mom for a ride in the Hawk!!! I have a spare seat & belts if you need it. Randy
