Saturday February 1st was finally here. My wife and I went to Buzz & Jackie's (the rally masters) house at 8:30 for my Birthday Breakfast. Jackie being the great hostess she always is, made us eggs, sausage and banana bread (not on the diet program, but, what the heck, it was my birthday.)
We left the Nielsen's at 9:00, right on schedule. We then headed east out of their development. Where were we going? Buzz lead the two-car caravan though roads you would think were made just for Corvettes. The speedometer kind of sneaked over the speed limit just a little a few times. Thank God Mary decided to take a little nap to get ready for the big day. After a while we started to head south on 17. I thought the road kind of looked familiar. We were headed toward Sebring I thought, but then Buzz headed east, I think. At that point I had no clue where we were. I could not imagine where we were going. Sebring? No way. I thought we were headed toward Justin Bell's or maybe to Daytona a way I had never gone. I kept on radioing Buzz & Jackie to get some clues, but they weren't talking. I had no idea where I was, so I just figured that I should enjoy the ride. After driving on some great back roads, we came to Rte 27 and I saw the signs to Sebring Race Track. I thought it can't be and if it were, what would we be doing at Sebring on a Saturday in February. There is nothing going on at Sebring this time of year. I radioed Buzz and told him I hope he is not teasing me and hoped we are going, to where I think we were going, but once again no response. As we approached the sign, (Sebring Race Track) the road split, the left being the road to the track. We were going a little too fast to turn left so I figured it was just a tease. All of a sudden without slowing down Buzz took the left toward the track, so I followed getting just a little sideways. The fun was just beginning.
We enter the gate and by now I was so excited I couldn't even think. I thought we were going to the Château Élan for Lunch. Being a big racing fan, lunch at the Château is a thrill in itself (the hotel is decorated up in racing memorabilia). Instead of entering the hotel we entered the track entrance. Buzz approached the guard at the gate and signed in, then we approached the gate and the guard had us sign a liability waiver, which made me wonder. I said, "no way." Off in the distance I could hear that unmistakable sound of the roar of the C5R race car. Could it be? Yes it was. I saw it, (the yellow C5R) exit from under the bridge onto the straightaway. The C5R Corvette racing team was at Sebring practicing! All I could say with tears in my eyes on the radio to Buzz & Jackie was "WOW." The response I got back was "HAPPY BIRTHDAY."
We proceeded to the infield over the bridge and saw the two Corvette transporters with just a few cars surrounding it. I could hardly believe there wasn't anybody there other than the race team and, of course, us. As soon as we pulled up with the two Corvettes, Kelly Collins (drives # 4 car) and Oliver Gavin (# 3 car) came running up to see Buzz & Jackie. Buzz introduces them to Mary and me and both guys wished me a "Happy Birthday." Buzz had this all planned. WOW, Kelly and Oliver. After some conversation, both guys signed the hoods of our cars. Then, who came walking over - Andy Pilgrim. I have been in his company in the past. He came over, gave me a big hug and wished me a "Happy Birthday." The day could not have been better, but it was just getting started. I was in all my glory. I got to meet all the drivers and each one signed the inside of my hood.
I never opened my hood at any car shows I went to in the past because there was nothing special under it. Now there is. Chrome and engine work other people have under their hoods is one thing, but not everybody has what I have under mine. I also got to meet Gary Pratt, the boss, Doug Fehan and Robin Pratt who could not have been any nicer. Robin kept apologizing for not having a Birthday cake for me. I explained that this was one of the best birthdays I ever had. I also told her how Buzz & Jackie kept the whole thing from me. She was really sweet and made Mary and I feel right at home and like we were a part of the C5R race team family.
As I said before, I am a big Corvette and racing fan so being in the middle of all this and getting to spend time with Andy and the guys, well it just doesn't get any better than that. I must say that everyone, Gary Pratt, Robin, Doug Fehan, Jennifer Miller and especially Andy, Kelly, Oliver, Johnnie O, Franck and Ron Fellows made us feel so welcomed. They made me feel like I was a part of the team. It was just great how everyone wished me a Happy Birthday, spent time with me talking and explaining what was going on. They all had hoped that they made my day special and were all very sincere.
After spending the day with the team the four of us headed home for dinner with the rest of the family. Before heading home we stopped for a quick bite. If you weren't there before you might have passed right by it. You might have been afraid to go in this place called the Wild Turkey on Rt 27. Buzz & Jackie were there before and felt we had to stop in to complete the day. The food and company was great. Jackie took a few pictures of me out front by the big turkey. She wanted me to kiss the big turkey inside but I just couldn't bring myself to do it.
Buzz and Jackie came over to my house to celebrate the rest of Tommy Day with my family for dinner. Dinner was served around 7:00. Mary made Rigatone Pasta with Vodka sauce (not on the diet either, but oh well) and filet mignon. During the day I could not understand why Buzz was so concerned where his sharpie pen was and before dinner I found out why. Buzz, un-known to me, had something else special for me. He presented me with a birthday card signed by all the race drivers and Gary Pratt, Doug Fehan, Robin Pratt, Jennifer Miller and of course my rally masters Buzz & Jackie. Not only did they take the time to sign the card, but they took the time to write something special in it.
I cannot explain what an unbelievable day I had. I would like to thank my wife Mary for being there and sharing in this day with me. I like to thank my daughters Jackie and Lauren for decorating the house for our arrival home. I also cannot even begin to thank Buzz & Jackie for being such good friends and making Tommy Day very special and sharing the day with my family and me.