Been into cars as long as I can remember. They are a important part of my life and my identity. That may sound ridiculous to someone not interested in them but like any hobby or skill people identify you by it. I've had performance vehicles all my life and it's part of who I am. I didn't make a career out of the industry because I love it. Too often I find I take something I love and turn it into work. Sucks the fun right out of it.

My first car was a 1970 Plymouth Duster 340 that I bought for $800. I didn't care much for it when I first saw it. I had been looking at other cars around town that were pretty cool such as a 67' GTO, 70' Chevelle, and a '70 Olds 442. But then the guy said, "I'll start it up." The car was running straight headers with glass packs and when it came to life it made me jump! It was complete and total love after that. My Dad was with me. He wasn't a "car guy" and instantly hated it. He said if I bought that thing I'd end up killing myself which made me want it more. I mean, what's cooler than going out in a high speed car crash? On the way home we noticed it had several electrical issues. My father took that opportunity to ban me from driving it until these issues were fixed. Man, did that suck! It took several weeks to get my uncle to come out and help me sort out the trouble. At one point I remember he asked me to hit the brake lights and the horn honked. Eventually it all got sorted out and I was on the road knowing nothing about the Plymouth 340 engine and barely able to drive a stick.

The first Saturday night I took it out I was really just learning how to drive it. I pulled up to the 4-way stoplight and a group of kids from school were standing outside the Quick Mart. They were kinda pointing and laughing at my yellow car and a couple yelled, "Get on it." Hmmm, get on it, I thought. Let's see. I guess I would just stomp the gas and let out the clutch to do that. So I did. Suddenly the yellow monster was unleashed for me and everyone else to see. The Duster roared to life clawing at the pavement for traction! The tires were screaming as they burned and the smoke rolled out from under them! I was scared to death, but I followed through and kept it together as I grabbed for second. Letting out the clutch the tires screamed again but it died down and then could hear the four-barrel as it sucked in huge amounts of air. Shifting to third the engine was in a smooth rumble and I was literally out of town. I pulled the car off onto the side of the road and shut it off. I got out and screamed WHOOOHOO!!! YEAH!! as I danced around the car. That was the biggest adrenaline rush I had ever had and I was hooked. The kids at the Quick Mart didn't laugh when I got back either. They knew this was a man's car in the hands of a kid, and so did I.