And this year a high profile
guest "driver" had the seat in the Magicar. This is
how it came about according to Dan Kaplan. -- We arrived at In-N-Out
soon after the final round of eliminations at Fomosa. The Magicar
was still on the trailer and the Vagabond hadn't arrived yet.
George "The Bushmaster" Schreiber comes up to me and
asked, "Who's in charge tonight?" I said no one, but
Bill Pitts over there owns the Magicar.
George said, "Let's go talk
to him". After introductions, this is pretty much how the
conversation went...... George asked, "Do you have anyone
to sit in your car yet?" Bill replied, "No, I usually
wait to decide". "How about the 'Old Man"? suggested
Schreiber. Bill, with a puzzled look, didn't catch on.... so
George repeats himself. "You know, the Old Man!" It
still wasn't sinking in to Bill , so George comes back with "Big"............
I can tell Bill's brain is comprehending
now and Bill goes something to the effect of REALLY? George explained,
"Yeh, I talked him into coming here with Pat and TC Lemons.
If he wants to, would you like him to sit in the car during the
cackle?" OK, now this totally unexpected turn of events
is really sinking in. I think it would have taken at least two
men to hold Bill on the ground at this moment.
The rest is history....... I
have to tip the old hat to Don Garlits, he's a real trooper as
he wasn't feeling his best. He was in the hospital shortly before
the reunion and understandably could have, and maybe should have
stayed home. But Don stayed around afterwards talking and signing
autographs for people. So the 'stand up and toast' goes to George
"Bushmaster" Schreiber for arraigning "Big"
to come help us celebrate the end of CHRR 2006. For those few
who do know George (kinda hard not to) he's the colorful character
on the left (below).