A recent post really irritated me and I took a time out. My end in this sport in quite near. I can't keep up with business, getting old and grumpy, rally is changing as are some of the competitors. Brent is going to close on a house in a week or so. Road racing is on hold this year. We decided to foolishly buy another boat. I miss Ray terribly and still have trouble dealing with that. So rally will fade again into my memories. I've made some new good friends and I'll check in from time to time but that'll be the extent of it I believe.

Give 'em hell you guys, and be careful.

Dammit. Cuz it seems like your'e the sort that we need to have stick around, but best wishes and all that.


but ya you crazy, buying another boat...

Lame, we (new rally generation) need the experienced folk to help guide us, give us stories and history .

But at times things that used to add joy and happiness into our lives turn sour. sorry if that happened to you.

Sucks for the rally community as a whole, but you do what is right for you. I will keep in touch Gene.

Good luck with the new hole in the water

Oh yeah? Whaddya do if we don't let ya?

---

John Vanlandingham
Sleezattle, WA, USA

Vive le Prole-le-ralliat

www.rallyrace.net/jvab
CALL +1 206 431-9696
Remember! Pacific Standard Time
is 3 hours behind Eastern Standard Time.

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john vanlandingham
Oh yeah? Whaddya do if we don't let ya?

Agreed. I'm gonna show up at Gene's place at random and demand to use his tools to fab awesome particle board door panels. He can't leave if we don't let him!

Sorry to hear that Gene.

You have really mentored some of us new guys and your efforts show. Good luck with everything that you do. You will be missed.

---

-Jason

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Slowwpoke

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john vanlandingham
Oh yeah? Whaddya do if we don't let ya?

Agreed. I'm gonna show up at Gene's place at random and demand to use his tools to fab awesome particle board door panels. He can't leave if we don't let him!

Great, will you make me some? I'd like peg-board so I could hang some tools in easy reach.

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alkun

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Slowwpoke

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john vanlandingham
Oh yeah? Whaddya do if we don't let ya?

Agreed. I'm gonna show up at Gene's place at random and demand to use his tools to fab awesome particle board door panels. He can't leave if we don't let him!

Great, will you make me some? I'd like peg-board so I could hang some tools in easy reach.

PEGBOARD! Its genius! I could hang a hammer, screwdrivers, maybe a jar of random screws...
See Gene? This is why we need you. If for no other reason than to tell us "NO!" from time to time.

Gene. You are not allowed to go anywhere. We just got Mark back online and you decide to think about pulling a disappearing act? If you do that, before we know it we'll have a bunch of Dodge Caravan turbo rally cars in the PNW because there is no voice of reason!
But really, you are a way valued member of this community. I know it's people like you, Mark, John, OG Dave Clark, and many others that really make this a valuable information source. Just think of how many young ones you've personally helped steer in the right direction that are now valuable members of the rally family. Think of the contributions those people have made that may not have occurred without your involvement.
Think of all the people that Ray helped and influenced in his rally life. That's the legacy that we'll never forget. One of my favorite pictures ever was an in the windshield picture of him and Lane at DooWops. It's also one of my favorite rally stories. I can only hope to still be involved with the sport I love in 50 years.
There's always going to be people, ideas, sanctioning bodies, etc. that seem to be ridiculous and doing things that we don't agree with. Stepping away only lets them win.
See you at Mount Hood hopefully.

Grant's right. That's how we keep the account books balanced in the First International Karmic Bank of Rally. That's how those that lived---and gave us part of their spirit---live onward---not just in memories but in what we do with what they shared with us.

Looking back at a number of crossroads (sweetie pies, jobs-relocation, career) I can tell you that often I should have done things not just a little bit different but closer to 180 degrees differently.

With that in mind----I think Gene instead of saying goodbye should slam together a 240 Volvo turd-boat (since even though parts are ceaper and the Xratty is better I know Gene thinks that Xartties look like a turd).

It make perfect sense for a guy who spent so much time in a Ratsoon.

Then rather than just politics and frustration---he can have some fun---and show a pile of all these metro-sexual hipsters how cars are driven sideways.
Nothing like a little YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! HAW! to perk you up.

---

John Vanlandingham
Sleezattle, WA, USA

Vive le Prole-le-ralliat

www.rallyrace.net/jvab
CALL +1 206 431-9696
Remember! Pacific Standard Time
is 3 hours behind Eastern Standard Time.

Gene, you can't leave. Then I'll be one of the old guys! Oh wait, too late, I guess. Seriously though, you'll be back. They always come back. Right? It's in your blood. Go blow off some steam and come back and visit us. Rehab is for quitters. (I'm running out of material here...)

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Doivi Clarkinen
Gene, you can't leave. Then I'll be one of the old guys! Oh wait, too late, I guess. Seriously though, you'll be back. They always come back. Right? It's in your blood. Go blow off some steam and come back and visit us. Rehab is for quitters. (I'm running out of material here...)

How about "reality is just a crutch for them that can't handle drugs!" ?
May not be an exact fit but it was always funny.

---

John Vanlandingham
Sleezattle, WA, USA

Vive le Prole-le-ralliat

www.rallyrace.net/jvab
CALL +1 206 431-9696
Remember! Pacific Standard Time
is 3 hours behind Eastern Standard Time.

But I need my Gene hugs!

Hopefully we'll get to see you here and there even if you just show up to visit.

I totally understand Gene, thanks for all of your help and support. I have the feeling you'll be around in some capacity on occasion when you get rid of all the BS.

Thanks!

---

-Tom
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