Moparts

thinking about calling it quits

Posted By: MOPARCHAS

thinking about calling it quits - 04/23/10 01:38 AM

just thought I would stop and say good bye
thinking about calling it quits believe me when I say no one here has done anything to me what so ever just think I need to walk away for now
anyway you guys are all good friends I'll be back some day

later
MoparChas (Charlie)

Attached picture 5941615-ptc.jpg
Posted By: WILD BILL

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/23/10 02:06 AM

Take your time

We'll be here when you come back
Posted By: Big B

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/23/10 02:09 AM

With a car that launches like that you'll be back.
Posted By: rowin4

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/23/10 02:19 AM

I think every one comes to that point in there lives for what ever reason, I walked way for 22 years, just backed the car off the trailer and the car set there in the driveway, tires rotted right off, interesting thing was the car wasn't broke, but I got back into it again. Now I'm just a old guy going fast. Good luck with what ever you do.

Posted By: '72CudaRacer

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/23/10 02:21 AM

I started racing in the early '80s and in 1995, just like Charlie, I walked away. Put my stuff in the shop, locked the door and quit. Lots of personal stuff going on in my life at the time and figured I would be out of racing a couple of years. 13 years later I came back and am really enjoying it.
Charlie, take your time, and if it feels right come on back.
Brian Dunnigan
Posted By: MR_P_BODY

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/23/10 02:26 AM

I understand your position .... and I am contemplating
the same thing.... the wife asked me why I was thinking
of quitting... but she knows why... I will know
shortly what I will do
All I can say to you is, enjoy what ever you plan
on doing
Posted By: Hemiroid

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/23/10 02:28 AM

Quote:

I understand your position .... and I am contemplating
the same thing.... the wife asked me why I was thinking
of quitting... but she knows why... I will know
shortly what I will do
All I can say to you is, enjoy what ever you plan
on doing




Mike,

None of my business, but have you ever considered slowing the car down to avoid the comp license problems?
Posted By: MR_P_BODY

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/23/10 02:41 AM

Mike,

None of my business, but have you ever considered slowing the car down to avoid the comp license problems?



Marc... yes I have given that some thought but I'm
a speed junky... I built the car to go fast and it
would be a shame to slow it down... I figure that if
I sell it I could finish up my hot rod or maybe both
and run them once in a while... I'm still thinking.
Back to the OP at hand (but thanks)
Posted By: Locomotion

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/23/10 02:58 AM

For what it's worth, I've been racing since 1978. I've had my ups & downs, had to slow down, change, adapt, whatever. But I always felt that despite all the work, racing has been like therapy, an escape from the rat race. It's also a physical and mental stimulant in a healthy way, not to mention meeting people and helping or being helped.

Whatever the reasons, if there is any way to keep from walking away, I'd suggest somehow staying with it to some degree. Trying to start back in the future up will be much harder, financially, physically and mentally. Trying to quit something like that can be difficult. But I don't consider it a "bad" habit anyway. I hope you make the right decision nonetheless.

Heck, in the early '90's I broke 2 engines in a year after only going to a handful of races. I had to sit out for months. I "thought" I was "ok". I was dating a girl and watching racing on TV at her house when they were showing bracket finals from Gainesville. (Forgot the name of the show.) Unknown to me, she was watching me! Then they started showing the finals that I usually qualified for from the track I always raced at, interviewing friends and fellow racers and showing their cars going down the track. Suddenly, she asked "What the heck is the matter with you?" She noticed that I had broken out in a cold sweat! My reply was "Dammit, I should be there!" I developed a new respect for people trying to quit something, usually a "bad" habit. If that wasn't a withdrawl........

Take your time and take care.
I always like Challengers. I raced one through 1998.
Posted By: mark_gates

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/23/10 09:48 AM

I'm presently in the same sort of situation; a couple of years ago I got nearly to where I wanted to be with my car, but that last little push over the top(into the 9's) was gonna cost me big time. Then I got hurt, making it nearly impossible for me to safely drive the car. Then the economy went to hell and my spare cash dried up. I want to get back in the saddle but the economics of the situation are forcing me to push it back yet another year. No need to be a stranger here but I understand the need to get away. Good luck!
Posted By: Blues_Cuda

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/23/10 11:19 AM

Quote:

just thought I would stop and say good bye
thinking about calling it quits believe me when I say no one here has done anything to me what so ever just think I need to walk away for now
anyway you guys are all good friends I'll be back some day

later
MoparChas (Charlie)



It's going to be strange not seeing you in the pits @ Monster Mopar. You've had the same pit spot for years.

Do your kids have any interest in running the car?
Posted By: CHAPPER

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/23/10 12:26 PM

Been there / done that. I started racing in '68 with a street Roadrunner. Built a '62 Plymouth Max Wedge clone, sold it about '75, bought it back in '83, re-did it all and had it till '05 when I decided I would sell and QUIT. I built an engine for a customer's project car. He burned out on the project and I bought it ALL from him in '08. Now, I am finishing up the car and plan on racing again this summer. My wife says it is good to see me get a little excited about something again! I agree with the "racing is therapy" idea. I truly believe this will be my LAST time around though...maybe that's why I am excited to be going again.
Posted By: rickstershemi

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/23/10 01:48 PM

Sold both my cars in 88 to concentrate on busines & family, got back into it in 07.....sometimes you just gotta do what ya gotta do....hope it all works out for ya

Rickster
Posted By: MoparforLife

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/23/10 02:05 PM

I know where you are coming from. I have lost about all interest in doing this any more. I don't know if the car will get out of the trailer this summer or not. If so it will be very limited as it was last year. There is more to life than cars and racing.

Attached picture 5942413-Horses2010.jpg
Posted By: Cab_Burge

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/23/10 03:13 PM

I do not know your reasons for wanting to quit, I quit in 1988 for several reasons. NHRA decided to add 10 HP onto the car and motor I was racing in stock class, 1963 M.W. 415 HP and at the same time they decided to subtract .10 off of the index I had lent the car to a freind for the World finals and was walking through the pits biting my lip pi$$ed off at racing NHRA and finally realised that I was stupid to be doing something I wasn't enjoying, especially something I paid good money to do I sold that car shortly after that race and took up flying , that turned out to be a lot of work with not much fun ( I do love doing acrobatics ) I ended up buying a airplane and flew it for 15 yrs, it served our family very well and I tripled my investment when I sold it in 2006 My message is to walk away now, if that is what you want and don't look back until you want to There are many ways to have fun and enjoy life Good luck on whatever you do
Posted By: Thumperdart

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/23/10 03:33 PM

I understand having to make that decision and some you can easily come back to and some you can`t. In jr. high I started boxing,had a personal trainer and was excelling quickly through high school the point where my trainer coulndn`t teach me anything else and(unfortunately)ended up beating him up after an argument. Buried that dream.......years later was working w/a hugh successful construction company out of L.A. and instead of going w/them to Hawaii to build casinos and run the entertainement dept, I decided to stay and become a rock star w/my band that eventually broke up.....regretted that. Although I`m too old to compete in boxing/martial arts on a pro level I can still go to the track w/friends, make some laps then go home and play my drums to fufill the needs these things bring me. Point is, you can take a needed break then come back when you`re ready and you are NEVER to old to race. Good luck in whatever you do.............
Posted By: JSR1485

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/23/10 03:36 PM

I have also been on the fence about quiting , I raced a F/MP 66 Chevelle Back in the late 70's to the early 80's and walked away in 1984 and got back into in 2000. Now I have had soo many problems with my new car with the trans that has been out twice since I put in with 3 runs on it and having the engine done twice for big $$$$. Also most of the guys I raced with have went to street cars or quit ,so most of time it just me racing. I am just no sure about what to do
Posted By: tubtar

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/23/10 04:25 PM

Quote:

I was stupid to be doing something I wasn't enjoying, especially something I paid good money to do


There are many ways to have fun and enjoy life Good luck on whatever you do



Word up , Dog !
Oooops ........another manifestation of my eternal quest to not get old.

But you nail the secret to happiness........or a big part of it.
And especially where a hobby or pastime is concerned.
Life is way too short to be engaged in something that you are not enjoying.
I've quit good paying jobs because I wasn't happy working there..........when I pulled in the parking lot of one place , my heart would sink.
When that realization hit me , I walked.
Not before I told the boss to eat some food that had already been eaten and digested........but I wasn't that polite.
And it is more true when something you do for " recreation " is involved.
Best of luck in what ever you decide , and most importantly , enjoy it.
Posted By: B3422W5

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/23/10 04:39 PM

You could be like me and get out for a while and still hang out here anyway.

Its not a requirement to have a a car to be on here
Posted By: Leigh

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/23/10 05:24 PM

Park it and wait for awhile. Don't sell it, unless you are strapped for cash, then I understand. My operation has sat for 4 years, due to lack of cash. Maybe after awhile, you will get the urge. Take care,
Leigh
Posted By: tboomer

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/23/10 06:18 PM

Charles...It was a pleasure to meet you at Gateway! Take some time off...And keep your nice car!! You are always welcome here! Don't be a stranger!! Ted
Posted By: chris3

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/23/10 07:01 PM

I quit for over 35 years. Just pulled in yard one October and put a for sale sign on it. About 2 years ago my son wanted to build a car. We built a car just like we would have raced back in the days of muscle cars and match racing. I have so much fun out there again with my son and grandsons.

Good luck in what ever you decide to do. Remember you have friends on here and when and if you decide to go back into it remember it is just like riding a bicycle, you never forget.

It's like a small decal on my pro street car says, "inside this car is a blood borne disease for which there is no known cure, DRAG RACING.
Posted By: Crizila

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/23/10 07:25 PM

Quote:

I quit for over 35 years. Just pulled in yard one October and put a for sale sign on it. About 2 years ago my son wanted to build a car. We built a car just like we would have raced back in the days of muscle cars and match racing. I have so much fun out there again with my son and grandsons.

Good luck in what ever you decide to do. Remember you have friends on here and when and if you decide to go back into it remember it is just like riding a bicycle, you never forget.

It's like a small decal on my pro street car says, "inside this car is a blood borne disease for which there is no known cure, DRAG RACING.

Wow, thought I was the only one that took a 35 year hiatus. I was lucky enough to be able to retire at 57 ( now 65 )and in good health enough to be able to finally get back to what I really enjoy - albeit at a much slower pace and with my wifes help. Good luck to you, what ever you decide.
Posted By: B1KILLER

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/23/10 08:05 PM

I quit once from 1995 til 2007, my 70 Cuda is still n pieces since then. Got back into it and Im ready to walk away again, cant deal with the stress. Maybe I should just slow it down n have a streeter, instead of a race car. Da competative thing is killing me.
Posted By: Chassisman

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/23/10 08:23 PM

My dad quit in 1969 when I was born....he then focused on 4-wheeling....then that led to off-road racing...then Demo Derbies...in 1989 I took him to watch a friend race at a "nostalgia" event....we came home on Sunday...bought my 65 Coronet and his 64 Valiant on Monday....been going strong ever since...all though my business has kept me from a full schedule I still go out as often as possible.As for my Dad...he's running Summit Series ..ANRA... and some big bucks races....at 65 he isn't slowing down....just going quicker.
We all walk away for different reasons......some return....some don't....after all...Drag Racing is just a footnote in our lives.
Posted By: MOPARCHAS

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/26/10 11:56 PM

well guys first of all thanks for all the replies and well wishes
after sitting down with the wife of 38 years
my 2 sons my 2 daughter in laws and my 2 grand kids
they all told me fat chance of you quiting
so I decieded to just run at certain events this year and just see how things go
and they bought me an entry into the Muscle Car Reunion in May at Gateway Int Raceway
I'll be running in Pro Nostalgia
anyway thanks everybody and if it's allright I'll hang out here also
here is my family and me
from left to right
my grand daughter Olivia my daughter in law Michelle my son Shannon my other son and crew chief Jason my grandson Dominic my other daughter in law Mandy my wife Sandi and me

Attached picture 5948698-HPIM0348.JPG
Posted By: Leigh

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/27/10 12:26 AM

That is such a cool post, I can't even begin to describe. I hope to pit next you and your family some year. Keep at it,
Leigh
Posted By: MR_P_BODY

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/27/10 12:47 AM

Glad to see you will be sticking with it.... have FUN
thats what its about
Posted By: dennismopar73

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/27/10 02:36 AM

ya gotta keep going
there are to few of us mopar guys left
exp the good ones
Posted By: galen

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/27/10 04:50 AM

It is good to see your sticking around. I am 52 and this is my first year at trying to come back since 1982. Today I found I need cataract surgery and lens implants. I was telling my wife maybe I am crazy for even considering trying to race again. Maybe I need to put someone younger in it. Thought about selling the car but I have waited so long for the chance. Good to see some of the older guys still at it. Never met you Charlie but I live east of KC. Hope to meet you some day. Galen
Posted By: 10 o to go

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/27/10 10:49 AM

Quote:

well guys first of all thanks for all the replies and well wishes
after sitting down with the wife of 38 years
my 2 sons my 2 daughter in laws and my 2 grand kids
they all told me fat chance of you quiting
so I decieded to just run at certain events this year and just see how things go
and they bought me an entry into the Muscle Car Reunion in May at Gateway Int Raceway
I'll be running in Pro Nostalgia
anyway thanks everybody and if it's allright I'll hang out here also
here is my family and me
from left to right
my grand daughter Olivia my daughter in law Michelle my son Shannon my other son and crew chief Jason my grandson Dominic my other daughter in law Mandy my wife Sandi and me

Charlie thought something was up you weren't at the open .
glad we will be seeing you at GIR this year still .
Don

Attached picture 5949502-BKD9-11-01_302C.jpg
Posted By: dare_dude

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/27/10 12:41 PM

Hang in there Charlie! I'am on hold but planning on being back in future!!!
Posted By: racerhog

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/27/10 01:01 PM

Quote:

well guys first of all thanks for all the replies and well wishes
after sitting down with the wife of 38 years
my 2 sons my 2 daughter in laws and my 2 grand kids
they all told me fat chance of you quiting
so I decieded to just run at certain events this year and just see how things go
and they bought me an entry into the Muscle Car Reunion in May at Gateway Int Raceway
I'll be running in Pro Nostalgia
anyway thanks everybody and if it's allright I'll hang out here also
here is my family and me
from left to right
my grand daughter Olivia my daughter in law Michelle my son Shannon my other son and crew chief Jason my grandson Dominic my other daughter in law Mandy my wife Sandi and me



Chas,
I sold my last stuff 2-1/2 years ago now....
I still go to the track, but I am a lousy spectator.....lol
Just a fyi... Glad your stay with what you love to do....family #1 and Racing #2

God Bless
Posted By: J_BODY

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/27/10 01:46 PM

Family.... that's what you're racing has going for you. If that was a pict of me I would be standing there alone unless my dad happened to be down south for a visit. While my wife has always supported my "habit", I just don't feel right leaving for a weekend to do something that is so "me" centered. Besides, I have a 13yr old daughter who loves the game of softball and that's how we spend our summers now. Traveling all over the southwest attending tournements. I still have my little "get-a-ways" on the Harley, but that is something I can do out of the house and be back in a few hours. May of 08 was the last time I was on the track. ... I do take the car out on the road from time to time just to keep it running. Last time out I found the fuel cell is cracked. I'll need to at least replace that so I can at least start the car.
Posted By: '72CudaRacer

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/27/10 10:33 PM

Quote:

Family.... that's what you're racing has going for you. If that was a pict of me I would be standing there alone unless my dad happened to be down south for a visit. While my wife has always supported my "habit", I just don't feel right leaving for a weekend to do something that is so "me" centered. Besides, I have a 13yr old daughter who loves the game of softball and that's how we spend our summers now. Traveling all over the southwest attending tournements. I still have my little "get-a-ways" on the Harley, but that is something I can do out of the house and be back in a few hours. May of 08 was the last time I was on the track. ... I do take the car out on the road from time to time just to keep it running. Last time out I found the fuel cell is cracked. I'll need to at least replace that so I can at least start the car.



w/ J Body 100%.
When I stoped racing in 1995, I was mostly going by myself. My now ex wife would show up sometimes for first round and want to tell me how to race. All my close buddys had stopped racing for one reason or another. (At one time there were four of us that would go together to different tracks, '70 cuda, two '72 'cudas nad a '71 Challenger convert, all big blocks)
My wife (of 5 years) is the one that pushed me to get back to racing. She had seen my car (apart) and had met many of my racing buddys and heard us bench racing, but had never seen or heard my car run or been to the local races. She also saw how "up" I got talking about racing. This is her third year now and she still enjoys going and helping me. I think she's hooked, haha. She has not had a pay raise in 2 years, but found out she is getting a bonas this week, and wants to buy new slicks and a drum of fuel! My only wish is that I could have found her sooner!
To me it's a lot more fun with family. If I knew I would this much fun, I would have came back sooner.
Charlie, I'm glad you're staying.

Brian Dunnigan

Attached picture 5950438-multishotproof2.jpg
Posted By: DragDart360

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/28/10 01:22 AM

Quote:

I know where you are coming from. I have lost about all interest in doing this any more. I don't know if the car will get out of the trailer this summer or not. If so it will be very limited as it was last year. There is more to life than cars and racing.



I see you have one of the hobbies more expensive than racing. we've had nags for 33 years currently have five if you need more I have three for sale.
Posted By: mopardamo

Re: thinking about calling it quits - 04/28/10 11:12 PM

Dam Charlie,

There must be a virus going around.
I think it is a very good thing to take it a step at a time. If you need to leave because you are unsure back out slowly. You might find a different level is just what you need. Cannot see cold turkey being the right way for you to go unless their is a financial or medical need that takes precedence.

Good Luck!

Damon
© 2024 Moparts Forums