About me and my passion for cars

I grew up around cars. My father always had a project in the garage, and we always scheduled family vacations around the Street Rod Nationals. Really got interested when I was in college at Taylor University in Upland, IN. Upland is VERY near Fairmount, the birthplace of James Dean. Started attending the James Dean Festival and the Ducktail Run in 1984 and haven't missed it too often since. Now that I have kids of my own, I still attend cruise-ins and car shows with my dad, but have been taking my own kids as well.

My oldest son is 17 and has a rare genetic disorder called Williams Syndrome. He is really into cars and has enjoyed going to shows even back when I had to push him in a stroller or pull him in a wagon. Besides our son, my wife and I have a 15 year-old daughter, a 13 year-old daughter, a 7-year old adopted son with several disabilities including Williams Syndrome, Autism, and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. He have a 4 year-old foster daughter, and a 2 year-old biological son. Wow! with 6 kids, things are always busy around here!

I've been in education for over 20 years, as a teacher, an industrial trainer, back in the classroom as a teacher, and for the past 4 years, as a middle school principal.

I've always wanted to own a hot rod of my own, but until recently, most of my $$$ has went to shoes, braces, school clothes, etc. This past April, I bought a 1950 Chevrolet and have been enjoying it as I save $$$ and plan modifications.

Back in 2005, I started a blog to post pictures and commentary from cruise-ins, car shows, and any "car related" happening in my life...The blogging has continued to grow over the years, and I currently have a "virtual" site that I am pretty happy with. You can read my adventures at: www.suedeandc....blogspot.com

My first car

1976 Chevette. (sorry but true.)

Car I wish I still had

1964 1/2 Mustang. Some of my dad's old "projects" that he had when I was growing up: 1939 Chevrolet, Austin-Healey, 1957 Chevrolet, 1976 Corvette

My dream car

A dependable, traditional rat rod that I could take cross country via Route 66.

Car clubs I’m in

Righteous Rodders
www.hubgarage.com

Favorites

• Type of racing: Nostalgic Drag Racing
• Driving song: Peroxide Blonde
• Car magazine: Hometown Hotrod Magazine

— Profile last updated: Jul 15, 2011