As we finish out SR’s first year, I would like to thank all of you who have taken the time to share with us the stories of their passion for finding, building, and driving their machines.

I always thought that for every big professional car show I’ve attended with 150 “show cars” in it, that the spectator parking lot was more interesting. This year has proven that to be true. The homebuilds, be it stock or custom are alive and well and SR will continue to bring you as many of these stories as possible in 2009.

We have attended at least 15 major events and as many local shows that time permitted. Doing some rough figuring, we’ve put over 14,000 miles on the three cars that we use to cover the shows.

They are our ‘66 BelAir wagon, our ‘64 GTO convertible and of course old faithful, our ‘58 Vette. (Unfortunately, the ‘66 BelAir caught fire a few weeks ago, but is currently being brought back to life with the help of our friends at Lakeside Auto in Richmond, VA)

Thoughts or Lessons from 2008:

6. Sometimes doing a burnout when you are 350 miles from home may not be the best idea, even though at the moment you thought it was.

7. There are a lot of fellow gearheads out here that will take the time to help with advice, tools and time when you are traveling in your pride and joy and you have a problem. So remember, if you see someone broke down stop and do what you can. It will come back to you.

8. You as the owner/driver of the car will hear a funny noise long before anyone else in the car will.

9. Rain will occur at sometime during a trip if your car leaks as bad as our Vette does.  I believe I could end a drought by just driving our ‘58 into the area.

10. Take the time to enjoy your friends and family.  A weekend trip in your classic is the perfect time to remember America the way it used to be ... slower and less complicated.  Look at the map and take the old routes.  Almost every interstate has the original road somewhere near it.  Life goes by quick, slow down and enjoy it.