Mark's Page

My name is Mark A. and I am a caraholic. Whew it feels good to finally get it out. There were many signs that lead to this realization. Small one like the Ford racing flag hanging in my familly room, or the picture frames with photos of my Mustang in them scattered around the house. The time slips hung on the refrigerator like a proud parent displaying his childs report card. I'm a very sick man, that is why I am here, to be around others with the same affliction.
This is my story, i hope you find it helpful in dealing with your own Demons, or Darts or Camaros. You see I never had a chance in life. I was always surrounded by gearheads and fast toys. It all started with my father, who before I was born raced boats and cars. We will call him "Neil" (cause that was his name.) Neil also had a good friend named Jim, who became my Uncle because they married sisters.My father,Neil was a Ford guy and Jim a Chevy guy. They hit the local tracks together like Dragway 42 and Thompson. They also managed to be the first two racers to race at Norwalk when it opened, my father raced a 1961 Ford Starliner Hardtop with a 390 and a 4 gear, my Uncle ran a 63 chevy with a 283. They also campaigned together a AA gas altered at first with a blown small block and then later with a blown 427 BB chevy. This car held the NHRA ET and MPH record for I think 1 1/2 years and they made it to the finals at Indy but broke and got runner up. The car also made the cover of National Dragster. (I dont know the issue or have a copy, I wish I did). My Uncle continued to race including a 56 chevy and an awsome high winding small block 69 camaro. My father raced some but also got into flying, racing snowmobiles and other fun stuff. My father along with a couple of other gentlemen started a flight school and air cargo service in Lorain Oh. I can remeber as a kid flying with my father and playing around the airport thinking this is what all kids got to do. By ten I had over 100 hours logged in flying, some of which while sitting on my fathers lap so I could see out the window. I have owned some quick cars myself and get to race too. The coolest thing is that my Uncle had a son too and we now race together like our fathers did. Jim Jr. is a chevy man like his father and runs a 56 that his father started and he finished after his passing. I run a Ford like my father who also passed. One of the biggest highlights was whe Jim and myself got invited to Norwalks opening day in 2007 to run the first race at the new Summit Motorsports Park when they went. NHRA. The whole family was there and it was a moment I'll never forget. So you see..I never had a chance