knightfan26917

*nods* You won't spark an argument/disagreement from me on this one..... Let that be a lesson to ya, young man ... he heh.

I admit it ... I'm fascinated by how lives are intertwined, especially when people don't even realize it, and I'm fascinated by nostalgia (as you may remember from some of my posts). Put those two together ... and you have one helk of a combination. Case in point ... the former Meadowdale International Raceway. In its heyday (1959-1969), the raceway featured many races along its 12-turn, 3.27 mile road course, situated NW of Chicago, in Carpentersville IL, north of the then new I-90 tollway. In recent years, it has been turned into what is now known as Raceway Woods ... a forest preserve that features a path that follows the old raceway concrete. I recently became aware of this gem when someone from one of my message boards posted about it ... and I can hardly believe that something like this is nearly in my own backyard. Since then, I've learned that, Phil, the owner of the garage where my older 4 MCs are stored, went to many a race there. I've also learned that my Dad went to a few races there, that my brother-in-law played around in that area during the years that the track and park lay dormant, and that my bro-in-law's Mom can recall times when they heard the races from their home. This all just fascinates the helk out of me ... from the fact that it was a premier raceway ... to the fact that many people I know in some way or another "touched" the place, without knowing about the others' ties to it. You can read more about Meadowdale Intl Raceway and Raceway Woods by surfing this website: http://www.meadowdaleraceway.homestead.com/ ...and take your time in doing so. Lots of cool links, including pictures from actual races, recent newspaper articles about the place, and lots of other cool tidbits. Earlier today (Saturday), I drove out there to find where it was ... because I couldn't picture the entrance. I first found the entrance off IL RT 31 ... a very small place with just a sign and a placard giving some details. At this entrance, you can see the famous Silo (tho, I didn't know it at the time I saw it). Later, I drove out to the other entrance, the "main" entrance, off Huntley Rd. This entrance features a bit more parking (well, more defined parking, anyway) a couple different placards ... and a path that leads, apparently, directly to the old concrete raceway. One of these days, I'm going to take time to go and walk around..... Speaking of taking time ... I also want to find time to travel Route 66. My interest in this road was heightened by watching the movie "Cars" earlier this year. I was interested by how much the movie commented about this famous road. Earlier this week, I happened to catch a PBS special, "The Mother Road", about a mother and daughter duo who took a 3-week vacation to drive Route 66 from Chicago to California. In that special, I was amazed to see some of the scenes ... and just how true to Route 66 "Cars" was ... including the hotel with the Wigwam rooms..... Heh, now I REALLY want to see the movie "Cars" again, not only to see the '76/'77 MC featured as one of the announcers, but also to pay a little closer attention to the scenic details.... Now, if only I could find a job where I had 3 weeks vacation right away . Heh ... I could go on and on about how different things like this interest me, including this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wesley_W._Posvar_Hall Specifically: Wesley W. Posvar Hall is a classroom and administrative building located on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh. (AND) The building stands on the original site of Forbes Field, home stadium of the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team from 1909–1970. The stadium was dismantled starting in July 1971, and construction on the new building started soon afterwards and continued until 1974. The building incorporates many reminders of the famous ballpark—the home plate of Forbes Field remains near its exact spot, protected under lucite glass. The outfield wall is outlined in the sidewalk by bricks, and the portion of the famously deep left-center field wall still stands, marked "457 Feet". I'm sure I could bore ya'll with various other things ... such as the Elgin National Watch factory right here in my hometown, stuff I've seen and learned about in my famous road trips, music and cars ... but, I won't. Instead, I ask: Does any of what I've mentioned fascinate anyone else? Or, maybe there are things in your home area that are fascinating like this...? Or, perhaps I'm the only one that enjoys this type of thing...? Hmmm...I believe my fascination with the "web of life" ... past, present AND future ... is one of the reasons why I love to meet people along my road trips..... Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ "I knew she was a jewel in disguise" ... Kathy Mattea ... '455 Rocket'

Hmph. You make this sound as if you haven't had the opportunity to meet any C&Gers. I know I posted about my trip to PA ... and, as I recall, you indicated that you wouldn't be able to drive a bit to see me. THEN, I get back ... and find out you literally drove PAST where I was on your way to, iirc, Somerset. As for my plans that weekend, clean up 1 or 2 cars .. and that's about it. I'll have the house all to myself, too...hmmm..... Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ Models.HO = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/trainroom.html "Do you know what it feels like being alone?" ... All-American Rejects ... 'Swing Swing Swing'

While I can't say I know _exactly_ what you are feeling because our situations are different, I can tell ya that I relate to this ... perhaps more than you or anyone realizes. Between trying to find a job so I can quit the job I hate (and that is causing some of my current health issues) ... trying to find a way back onto radio ... looking for love ... hoping that Chevrolet will make something I want and can afford to buy brand new ... and a whole bunch of other issues I'd rather not get into ... I know the feeling of not finding those openings that will lead to what I want/need to do. At this point, the # 1 priority seems to be finding a job ... because I can't go on like this ... and because the current job saps so much of my energy, I end up not doing things I've been wanting to do for a while now ... which only frustrates me more. *sighs* It is a vicious circle/cycle. Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ Models.HO = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/trainroom.html "Promises mean everything" ... Everclear ... 'Wonderful'

Camino, Thoughts/prayers coming to you, your Dad, and your entire family. Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ Models.HO = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/trainroom.html "I'll always be around" ... Willie Nelson ... 'Highwayman'

*nods* I figured that was the case ...... Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ Models.HO = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/trainroom.html "You really think you're in control?" ... Gnarls Barkley ... 'Crazy'

I go to a barber, tho, for the last couple years a new one. My barber of about 15 years retired a couple years ago. He suggested a couple different ones I might try ... and I've settled on a father/son duo that is within walking distance of where I live. It is still a good haircut, just not quite the same. Ah, well. Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ Models.HO = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/trainroom.html "Seems like it's been forever that you've been gone" ... Fort Minor ... 'Where'd You Go?'

So, when the cars arrive at the dealership from the factory, do they have a full tank ... or, do they just have enough gas to get 'em on and off the truck? Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ Models.HO = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/trainroom.html "Surely this can be explained" ... Lonestar ... 'No News'

LOL! Yeah, something like that . As for the road trips ... all ya gotta do is plan plan plan. Heck, I've missed quite a few states where people keep asking me when I'm going to get there (FL being one of 'em). One of these days ... I just need a ton more vacation ... and, perhaps, a job where I can road trip it across the US. *rolls eyes* Like that'll ever happen . Meantime, I just enjoy what I can do ... and hope to be able to do more in the future. Wow. I know these feelings all too well, bud ... the exact same feelings ... and it is VERY frustrating (at least, for me)..... *sighs*

Sweet ... that had to have been cool to see in person! Thanks for sharing the pics. And, sorry didn't meet you while I was in Detroit a week ago Sunday. Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ Models.HO = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/trainroom.html "You might miss what you left behind" ... Dierks Bentley ... 'Slow Down'

Hey BV, Cool pics! Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ Models.HO = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/trainroom.html "You really think you're in control?" ... Gnarls Barkley ... 'Crazy'

(and) *chuckles* You betcha. Whistler ... you're selling that '78? May I ask why? (Just curious....) Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ Models.HO = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/trainroom.html "You might miss what you left behind" ... Dierks Bentley ... 'Slow Down'

Hrm. Yes, but more no. Clarification: I like the body style ... like the changes they've done for this year of the 6th gen, but since 1995 ... it hasn't been a Monte Carlo. Switch this version to RWD, put on some Monte Carlo emblems ... and you'd see a new one in my driveway..... Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ Models.HO = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/trainroom.html "Just another regret" ... All-American Rejects ... 'Dirty Little Secret'

*grins* That'd be me . And, I took that '84 MC poster to a frame shop Saturday to see about getting it framed ... we tried various colors, a few different blues, and a couple of white shades ... nothing looked good. So, I went with a chrome-colored frame . It should be in sometime this week! Thanks again, bud!!! One word: AWESOME! Thanks for sharing these with us! Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ Models.HO = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/trainroom.html "I knew she was a jewel in disguise" ... Kathy Mattea ... '455 Rocket'

Nope. Almost sold the entire MC collection a few years ago tho..... Career ... not enough. Am trying to do that RIGHT NOW, but with no luck ... and getting more frustrated by the second, so much so that other areas of my life seem to be suffering . Personal / social ... YES! A few years ago I stopped being an introvert who hated the world ... and am now an extrovert who attempts to meet as many people as possible ... and keep the communication and networking lines open. (My road trip posts should be proof of this change ). Otherwise ... considering purchasing a new car, other than Chevrolet ... want a gf ... etc. Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ Models.HO = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/trainroom.html "I don't have time" ... Dido ... 'Sand In My Shoes'

I've seen one of these in person! A few years ago, one was sitting for sale in Mt Morris IL. VERY COOL to see in person . And, love the pics of the other variants, too ... he he he. Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ Models.HO = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/trainroom.html "Some things just glitter and shine" ... Confederate Railroad ... 'Daddy Never Was The Cadillac Kind'

HAPPY (belated) BIRTHDAY! Hope ya had a wonderful day! Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ Models.HO = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/trainroom.html "It goes so fast" ... Jodee Messina ... 'Was That My Life?'

Hmmm....well, if you're in CG, that's just south of some other people who want me to come down I-55 through MO instead of I-57 in IL to I-55 in MO just above Memphis.... So, we'll see. Plenty of time to figure out which route I'm going to take. It also kinda depends on whether I get a "head start" Tuesday night ... or wait until Wednesday morning to leave home..... And, dave, perhaps next time I'm in the Detroit area we can meet!

C'mon ... ya'll know KARR did it ... KITT never would've done something like that! Er, wait. Wrong drama. *rolls eyes* Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ Models.HO = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/trainroom.html "I'm on a wheel of fortune with a twist of fate" ... Bee Gees ... 'Alone'

Whereabouts in SE MO are you? Near the IL border, or? I've already started a thread about this trip (something like "OCT ROAD TRIP ....") and noted that I may actually be wandering down I-55 through SE MO, but I haven't decided if I'm going that route or I-57 all the way down through IL and THEN over to I-55..... And, Fly ... very sorry. I have a number of friends in FL ... as well as CA, MN, etc. ... that I haven't had a chance to road trip to see yet. If only I could find a job where I was traveling virtually all the time ... I'd be a bit happier . All in good time!

Once again, awesome, HE! Thank you!!!! Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ Models.HO = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/trainroom.html "We missed a page or 2 somehow" ... Suzy Boggus ... 'Cinderella'

Sure wish I could've been there with ya'll tonight. Ah, well ... someday I'll get to see this GM Heritage Center . And, MightyMouse is great ... had a cool time meeting with him at Pasquale's on Sunday evening while I was in the Detroit area. And, enjoyed seeing is Malibu IN PERSON!!! Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ Models.HO = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/trainroom.html "Why can't that be me?" ... 3 Doors Down ... 'If I Could Be Like That'

*grins* I love this type of history ... and, Harley, cool Pontiac in your signature . Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ Models.HO = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/trainroom.html "You probably won’t remember me" ... Jan Arden ... 'Insensitive'

Hmmm...not sure how or why I missed this when this post was originally started way back in June (sorry Fly), but seeing it pop up again is rather interesting. The last few weeks at work, I seem to spot the Olds Intrigues that are parked in the same area that I park. And, I must say, I love that look..... *shrugs* Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ Models.HO = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/trainroom.html "I know I told you that I could survive" ... Deborah Allen ... 'Baby I Lied'

*raises eyebrow* Hmmm...dare I ask what ya'll would have in mind for me? Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ Models.HO = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/trainroom.html "We all do the best we can" ... Blain Larson ... 'How Do You Get That Lonely?'