Evil95GT
05-10-2008, 01:38 AM
Having anticipated the day that One Lap of America participants would find themselves in Avon Lake, Ohio, for more than two weeks, I started getting anxious as Jerry and I traveled down I-90. As I watched the stickered cars filing down the highway in the opposite direction, I feared that we had missed our opportunity to see the 2008 Challenger SRT driven by the Kowalski/Super Soul team. I insisted that Jerry mash the pedal in our Deathscort ZX2, with my hope fading with each Viper and Porsche we passed.
When we finally reached DEI headquarters, I told Jerry to let me out of the car while he worried about finding a parking spot. No way in the world was I going to miss my chance (if I hadn't already). I walked across the street, and began perusing the parking lot for the Hemi Orange SRT. I passed a number of Mustangs, a couple of Corvette Z06s, and even a Viper ACR. No sign of Kowalski (Erich Heuschele) or Super Soul (Ralph Gilles), and the car was nowhere in sight.
Just as I finished walking the parking lot, I looked up and noticed the car as it was approaching the event check in. I stopped in my tracks, waited until the Challenger was parked about 15 feet from me, then walked towards the car as I tried (unsuccessfully) to hide my glee.
http://a305.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/48/l_52dc9908d3ed9027710c7ebf14307028.jpg
Having met with "Kowalski" in September 2007, seeing him again was much like encountering a friend who happens to live a state away. We greeted one another, and moments later, it happened. I was introduced to Super Soul. He shook my hand, and I expressed that I felt that he was a legendary figure. He laughed it off, and stated that he's "just a normal guy". Little did I know that I was mere seconds away from finding out just how "normal" he really is.
Erich suggested that we join the two of them for some eats. DEI had set up a few "stations" to feed the hungry drivers. Then he said the words........words I'll never forget in this lifetime.
"On second thought, go take it for a ride".
:do what:
Because this was so monumental to me, the words that followed that are only a vague part of my memory. I remember telling them that I'd fall over dead if driving it, and that I said no more than once, but I don't think they were listening to me at that point. Erich was walking away with Ralph, and all I heard is "be back in 20-25 minutes".
I was in the car for no more than 7 seconds when someone approached and asked me how I liked it. I explained that the car was not mine as I buckled my seat belt, and told the man that so far I really liked the seats.
With the key in my right pocket, I pushed the ignition. Yes! A pushbutton ignition! In a $40,000 car! Last time I saw something this cool, it was in a Ford GT with a sticker 4x that of the Challenger. As the exhaust growled at me, I carefully tried to navigate between the rows of parallel parked supercars. I thought to myself, "Please let me NOT wreck this car! Any other car, fine. Just not this one".
http://a718.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/43/l_051cda2f843708fec7e57658850a85e5.jpg
As Jerry and I exited DEI, people were fighting to jump in the path of the Challenger and take pics. Random onlookers shouted "Love that car!", and "That car is a total bad ass!". I felt like a celebrity for a minute, and wished that I owned the car. Not just for the attention, but because of how great it made me feel to drive it all of 20 feet.
Trying to make the most of our 25 minutes, Jerry and I decided to take the car to Lake Road. It's a pretty decent cruising area, and being right on the lakeshore, there are small parks scattered about. We figured we'd stop for a quick photo-op. I believe there was a bit of adrenaline involved, as my unborn baby kicked with glee during the ride. He seemed to love it every bit as much as I did! As I continued driving towards Lake Erie, my jaw actually began throbbing from the smile that was plastered across my face.
http://a615.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/18/l_ee8549fbaf3c6ea6aa0f7161f8d68586.jpg
I joked that surely Erich and Ralph had a camera somewhere in that car, recording my crazy reaction to driving the car. I only wanted to SIT in the Challenger, but never would have dreamed of asking. And here I was DRIVING it! The statement we made over and over was "You know nobody is going to believe this. Not in a million years". Jerry had the bright idea that taking pictures that would provide unmistakable proof. He took the first pic by stretching his arm into the back seat. It worked.
http://a45.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/51/l_a776ea8c38788d68b6e7d55234086524.jpg
When we arrived at the lake, We were disppointed to find a parking lot full of cars, and no real scenery. Figures, doesn't it. Afterall, this is Ohio. Nonetheless, we snapped pictures quickly, so we could get back on the road.
http://a840.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/9/l_20ac1661bedda85c1717418c2d300517.jpg
http://a314.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/41/l_78bde30f55763b4a3cba1dcaeb2448d1.jpg
http://a188.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/53/l_77ef76ff3dd01153a1bc6b0535dd122b.jpg
http://a287.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/10/l_2acdf90bbc78de86ff0e972d43b3ba4e.jpg
http://a279.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/16/l_4d7d31b35689f5b856cf0e56b4ec2e8e.jpg
I'm not saying it's the FIRST time in my life in which I've had an illegal thought, but as I returned to the car, I thought of making a run for it! I looked in the back seat and noticed that it was full of luggage..........likely some threads Jerry and I could use in disguise mode. We had a GPS. We had a Valentine 1. And we had one half of a pack of Stride Peppermint gum. I stole a piece of the SRT gum, and began chewing it as I considered my options.
(I saved the gum wrapper to prove it)
http://a336.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/59/l_10bf2b41cf323e3a8385b98b626aa84f.jpg
I thought we could build a treehouse, and just kick it there for a few years. And the children? Perhaps we could just send a postcard, requesting that my parents ship them to us overnight via FedEx. For about 2 minutes, it didn't sound like a bad idea. Then reality kicked in, and I realized I just liked these guys TOO much. They trusted me to be back in 25 minutes, and the least I could do is return their car promptly.
As much as I loved the car, I decided that it was only fair to let Jerry drive it back to DEI. Not only was it something I knew he'd enjoy, but also it could serve as my trump card when we have that talk about "Do we really need another toy?" if he liked it enough. Smart move on my part..........he's now convinced without a doubt.
Jerry decided he needed photographic evidence that he drove the car as well. He planned his move very carefully, so that the sleeve of his now famous (yet worn out) fire coat can be seen clearly in the pic. Notice the tachometer/speedometer:
http://a225.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/6/l_568130fe9e90d6822db86a85d743bab8.jpg
I also snapped a pic on his behalf:
http://a195.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/13/l_d3e8632a35dc8e44db54b1ca50fe2b2a.jpg
As our joyride came to a close, Jerry and I talked about how amazingly fast the car was. Of course we didn't beat on the car.........that's disrespectful. I mashed the gas once in first gear, and Jerry did the same. The car was loaded down with luggage in the back seat as well as the trunk, and to be honest, I'm certain it would blow the doors off our modified '89 Mustang LX 5.0. That's with TWO of us in it, an automatic tranny, and a 3.06 gear ratio. The brakes were stellar, and the ride itself was amazing. We attribute this to the suspension and wheelbase longer than what we're accustomed to. After reading article after article in which the Challenger is referred to as a "pig", all I can say is that these folks have ALOT to learn about this car and what it is capable of. My best advice: Be afraid.........be VERY afraid!
We returned to DEI, and Jerry parked the Challenger. I stood there for a few minutes admiring the beauty, telling Erich how much I loved the car.
http://a271.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/27/l_ea3ad7bee99a2e94aa2935d43aad4bb6.jpg
It was only AFTER we returned that we were informed that the Challenger is Ralph's PERSONAL car! This car wasn't a pre-production mule. It belonged to the VP of design. That little tidbit of information made driving that car even MORE of an honor. Then came the moment that was the hardest part of the experience. Handing the keys BACK to Ralph. I confessed that I thought about making a run for it in the car. I failed to mention the stolen gum, but hopefully they'll see it here and just put it on my gum tab. Ralph was smiling as I handed back the keys. I'm not sure if it was a "glad you liked the car" smile or a "thank God she didn't flee" smile.
http://a122.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/28/l_e4baab00c2b1cb2e1af69d9ee08c7d51.jpg
We hung around and talked with the guys for a little while before they had to hit the road for South Bend, Indiana. I've said this before about Erich, but now that I've had the chance to talk with Ralph, I'll say the same thing. These guys are anything BUT typical. If you can imagine hanging around with your car buddies, discussing the hobby that connects you as a group, you have a perfect idea of what Ralph and Erich are like. They're very down-to- earth, they have an awesome sense of humor, and they really know their stuff when it comes to building cars, and building them right.
Before leaving, I explained to Ralph that I had seen him at the Chicago Auto Show, but couldn't work my nerve up to approach him. He laughed at the notion, once again insisting that he is "normal". To prove it, he gave me a hug. RALPH GILLES HUGGED ME!
A bystander offered to take a group photo for us before Erich and Ralph got back on the road. I asked for two pics, in case one turned out crappy. Luckily both turned out great!
http://a114.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/5/l_0d5ed7fdcf8ef6338ef4c6f0bc47b969.jpg
http://a276.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/50/l_9b73b4647c6e632c479afb6e1eecca2b.jpg
So Erich and Ralph, if you get the chance to read this, thank you SO much for the experience! It's something I'll never forget. I'll also chalk those up as 90 of the best minutes of my life. Oh, thanks for the gum, too! :thumbsup:
When we finally reached DEI headquarters, I told Jerry to let me out of the car while he worried about finding a parking spot. No way in the world was I going to miss my chance (if I hadn't already). I walked across the street, and began perusing the parking lot for the Hemi Orange SRT. I passed a number of Mustangs, a couple of Corvette Z06s, and even a Viper ACR. No sign of Kowalski (Erich Heuschele) or Super Soul (Ralph Gilles), and the car was nowhere in sight.
Just as I finished walking the parking lot, I looked up and noticed the car as it was approaching the event check in. I stopped in my tracks, waited until the Challenger was parked about 15 feet from me, then walked towards the car as I tried (unsuccessfully) to hide my glee.
http://a305.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/48/l_52dc9908d3ed9027710c7ebf14307028.jpg
Having met with "Kowalski" in September 2007, seeing him again was much like encountering a friend who happens to live a state away. We greeted one another, and moments later, it happened. I was introduced to Super Soul. He shook my hand, and I expressed that I felt that he was a legendary figure. He laughed it off, and stated that he's "just a normal guy". Little did I know that I was mere seconds away from finding out just how "normal" he really is.
Erich suggested that we join the two of them for some eats. DEI had set up a few "stations" to feed the hungry drivers. Then he said the words........words I'll never forget in this lifetime.
"On second thought, go take it for a ride".
:do what:
Because this was so monumental to me, the words that followed that are only a vague part of my memory. I remember telling them that I'd fall over dead if driving it, and that I said no more than once, but I don't think they were listening to me at that point. Erich was walking away with Ralph, and all I heard is "be back in 20-25 minutes".
I was in the car for no more than 7 seconds when someone approached and asked me how I liked it. I explained that the car was not mine as I buckled my seat belt, and told the man that so far I really liked the seats.
With the key in my right pocket, I pushed the ignition. Yes! A pushbutton ignition! In a $40,000 car! Last time I saw something this cool, it was in a Ford GT with a sticker 4x that of the Challenger. As the exhaust growled at me, I carefully tried to navigate between the rows of parallel parked supercars. I thought to myself, "Please let me NOT wreck this car! Any other car, fine. Just not this one".
http://a718.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/43/l_051cda2f843708fec7e57658850a85e5.jpg
As Jerry and I exited DEI, people were fighting to jump in the path of the Challenger and take pics. Random onlookers shouted "Love that car!", and "That car is a total bad ass!". I felt like a celebrity for a minute, and wished that I owned the car. Not just for the attention, but because of how great it made me feel to drive it all of 20 feet.
Trying to make the most of our 25 minutes, Jerry and I decided to take the car to Lake Road. It's a pretty decent cruising area, and being right on the lakeshore, there are small parks scattered about. We figured we'd stop for a quick photo-op. I believe there was a bit of adrenaline involved, as my unborn baby kicked with glee during the ride. He seemed to love it every bit as much as I did! As I continued driving towards Lake Erie, my jaw actually began throbbing from the smile that was plastered across my face.
http://a615.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/18/l_ee8549fbaf3c6ea6aa0f7161f8d68586.jpg
I joked that surely Erich and Ralph had a camera somewhere in that car, recording my crazy reaction to driving the car. I only wanted to SIT in the Challenger, but never would have dreamed of asking. And here I was DRIVING it! The statement we made over and over was "You know nobody is going to believe this. Not in a million years". Jerry had the bright idea that taking pictures that would provide unmistakable proof. He took the first pic by stretching his arm into the back seat. It worked.
http://a45.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/51/l_a776ea8c38788d68b6e7d55234086524.jpg
When we arrived at the lake, We were disppointed to find a parking lot full of cars, and no real scenery. Figures, doesn't it. Afterall, this is Ohio. Nonetheless, we snapped pictures quickly, so we could get back on the road.
http://a840.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/9/l_20ac1661bedda85c1717418c2d300517.jpg
http://a314.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/41/l_78bde30f55763b4a3cba1dcaeb2448d1.jpg
http://a188.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/53/l_77ef76ff3dd01153a1bc6b0535dd122b.jpg
http://a287.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/10/l_2acdf90bbc78de86ff0e972d43b3ba4e.jpg
http://a279.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/16/l_4d7d31b35689f5b856cf0e56b4ec2e8e.jpg
I'm not saying it's the FIRST time in my life in which I've had an illegal thought, but as I returned to the car, I thought of making a run for it! I looked in the back seat and noticed that it was full of luggage..........likely some threads Jerry and I could use in disguise mode. We had a GPS. We had a Valentine 1. And we had one half of a pack of Stride Peppermint gum. I stole a piece of the SRT gum, and began chewing it as I considered my options.
(I saved the gum wrapper to prove it)
http://a336.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/59/l_10bf2b41cf323e3a8385b98b626aa84f.jpg
I thought we could build a treehouse, and just kick it there for a few years. And the children? Perhaps we could just send a postcard, requesting that my parents ship them to us overnight via FedEx. For about 2 minutes, it didn't sound like a bad idea. Then reality kicked in, and I realized I just liked these guys TOO much. They trusted me to be back in 25 minutes, and the least I could do is return their car promptly.
As much as I loved the car, I decided that it was only fair to let Jerry drive it back to DEI. Not only was it something I knew he'd enjoy, but also it could serve as my trump card when we have that talk about "Do we really need another toy?" if he liked it enough. Smart move on my part..........he's now convinced without a doubt.
Jerry decided he needed photographic evidence that he drove the car as well. He planned his move very carefully, so that the sleeve of his now famous (yet worn out) fire coat can be seen clearly in the pic. Notice the tachometer/speedometer:
http://a225.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/6/l_568130fe9e90d6822db86a85d743bab8.jpg
I also snapped a pic on his behalf:
http://a195.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/13/l_d3e8632a35dc8e44db54b1ca50fe2b2a.jpg
As our joyride came to a close, Jerry and I talked about how amazingly fast the car was. Of course we didn't beat on the car.........that's disrespectful. I mashed the gas once in first gear, and Jerry did the same. The car was loaded down with luggage in the back seat as well as the trunk, and to be honest, I'm certain it would blow the doors off our modified '89 Mustang LX 5.0. That's with TWO of us in it, an automatic tranny, and a 3.06 gear ratio. The brakes were stellar, and the ride itself was amazing. We attribute this to the suspension and wheelbase longer than what we're accustomed to. After reading article after article in which the Challenger is referred to as a "pig", all I can say is that these folks have ALOT to learn about this car and what it is capable of. My best advice: Be afraid.........be VERY afraid!
We returned to DEI, and Jerry parked the Challenger. I stood there for a few minutes admiring the beauty, telling Erich how much I loved the car.
http://a271.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/27/l_ea3ad7bee99a2e94aa2935d43aad4bb6.jpg
It was only AFTER we returned that we were informed that the Challenger is Ralph's PERSONAL car! This car wasn't a pre-production mule. It belonged to the VP of design. That little tidbit of information made driving that car even MORE of an honor. Then came the moment that was the hardest part of the experience. Handing the keys BACK to Ralph. I confessed that I thought about making a run for it in the car. I failed to mention the stolen gum, but hopefully they'll see it here and just put it on my gum tab. Ralph was smiling as I handed back the keys. I'm not sure if it was a "glad you liked the car" smile or a "thank God she didn't flee" smile.
http://a122.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/28/l_e4baab00c2b1cb2e1af69d9ee08c7d51.jpg
We hung around and talked with the guys for a little while before they had to hit the road for South Bend, Indiana. I've said this before about Erich, but now that I've had the chance to talk with Ralph, I'll say the same thing. These guys are anything BUT typical. If you can imagine hanging around with your car buddies, discussing the hobby that connects you as a group, you have a perfect idea of what Ralph and Erich are like. They're very down-to- earth, they have an awesome sense of humor, and they really know their stuff when it comes to building cars, and building them right.
Before leaving, I explained to Ralph that I had seen him at the Chicago Auto Show, but couldn't work my nerve up to approach him. He laughed at the notion, once again insisting that he is "normal". To prove it, he gave me a hug. RALPH GILLES HUGGED ME!
A bystander offered to take a group photo for us before Erich and Ralph got back on the road. I asked for two pics, in case one turned out crappy. Luckily both turned out great!
http://a114.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/5/l_0d5ed7fdcf8ef6338ef4c6f0bc47b969.jpg
http://a276.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/50/l_9b73b4647c6e632c479afb6e1eecca2b.jpg
So Erich and Ralph, if you get the chance to read this, thank you SO much for the experience! It's something I'll never forget. I'll also chalk those up as 90 of the best minutes of my life. Oh, thanks for the gum, too! :thumbsup: