DFW - F/Chat Rod Run Memories - Lost my buddy Smitty | FerrariChat

DFW F/Chat Rod Run Memories - Lost my buddy Smitty

Discussion in 'Texas' started by DIGMAN52, Nov 18, 2020.

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  1. DIGMAN52

    DIGMAN52 F1 Rookie
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    Philip C
    #1 DIGMAN52, Nov 18, 2020
    I lost my best friend since SMU days yesterday to cancer and heart problems. He was around our Dallas F/chat group a lot in the 2003-2015 days, and was my faithful co-pilot on many drives and car shows with you guys and gals. Going to be a big void in my life from this loss.

    Wanted to post a couple of pics of Steve "Smitty" Smith, although no good frontal shots.

    Then a trip down memory lane for those 30+ of you that made it to one of the Rod Runs to see the Gene Ponder Collection in Marshall Texas. He always had an amazing amount of rare cars and memorabilia of all types. Here's some of those shots , including some much younger F/chatters. I spotted Tillman, Farmer Dave, Rob, Jimpo1 and several others.
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    Ryan S., Texas Forever, jimpo1 and 2 others like this.
  2. DIGMAN52

    DIGMAN52 F1 Rookie
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    #2 DIGMAN52, Nov 18, 2020
    Couldn't resist another batch. Gene sold most of this stuff in a large Auction years ago, and has now built up the collection again.

    The great Bill Neale, with our host in a pic, brought his Cobra to the Run.
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  3. jimpo1

    jimpo1 Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #3 jimpo1, Nov 18, 2020
    Sorry for your loss Phil, I remember Smitty well. He was there when you introduced me to the Hellcat. :)

    Love the pictures from Ponder, I’ll never forget that. Building after building of amazing stuff. I specifically remember him addressing a question about how much of it didn’t work. He said “Everything you’ve seen works. I hate it when things don’t work.”

    RIP Smitty. Let me know if you want to have a memorial lunch at Shady’s. Any time.
     
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  4. MAXIMUM810

    MAXIMUM810 Karting

    Oct 25, 2004
    96
    #4 MAXIMUM810, Nov 18, 2020
    Very sorry for your loss, Phil. Thank you for opening up and sharing.
     
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  5. DIGMAN52

    DIGMAN52 F1 Rookie
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    #5 DIGMAN52, Nov 19, 2020
    Thanks Jim, I will take you up on that soon. I warned Smitty's wife that she may find me on her steps some saturday morning just out of habit.
     
  6. jimpo1

    jimpo1 Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #6 jimpo1, Nov 19, 2020
    I got inspired to dig through old photos. Scary what I found. Bunch of young guys. I'm still digging.

    @WJHMH
    @FarmerDave
    @LightGuy
    @GTHill aka Clutchbreaker
    @DIGMAN52

    The last one was just for Phil, I know how much he enjoys those pics! :) That was Summer 2006 BTW.

    [​IMG]
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    [​IMG]
     
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  7. GTHill

    GTHill F1 World Champ
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    #7 GTHill, Nov 19, 2020

    I feel like people need to understand how the clutch broke - from your story it sounds as if I were driving. :)

    I went from searching for a Ferrari, riding in your 328, to buying mine in about 45 days. Maybe less.
     
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  8. jimpo1

    jimpo1 Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #8 jimpo1, Nov 19, 2020
    It was your karma. :p

    Brand new clutch, less than 100 miles on it. Literally shattered while taking GT for a ride. Not a great night and a good lesson in not buying refurb parts. Good news was the parts supplier paid for the replacement with labor.

    That night MAY have been the night we first met FarmerDave?
     
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  9. GrigioGuy

    GrigioGuy Splenda Daddy
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    #9 GrigioGuy, Nov 19, 2020
    There are no words. I'm sorry.
     
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  10. WJHMH

    WJHMH Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #10 WJHMH, Nov 19, 2020
    I'm sorry for your loss, Phil. The last time I had a conversation with Smitty was at Brian Ratcliff's church for their annual car show a few years ago. He really was a super nice guy.

    Godspeed.
     
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  11. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    #11 BigTex, Nov 19, 2020
    RIP to Smitty.......
     
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  12. jimpo1

    jimpo1 Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #12 jimpo1, Nov 19, 2020
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  13. GTHill

    GTHill F1 World Champ
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    #13 GTHill, Nov 19, 2020
    Hmm... if that makes you feel better. :)

    My 328 didn't have many problems at all in my 10k mile time of ownership. Maybe I used all my bad karma on your car? If so... thanks! :)

    I did meet FarmerDave during one of those Dallas trips. I miss you guys...
     
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  14. DIGMAN52

    DIGMAN52 F1 Rookie
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    #14 DIGMAN52, Nov 20, 2020
    I learned my lesson taking you son for a ride in the ZR1 . Payback is hell. Now I keep my big mouth shut, at least some of the time.
     
  15. LightGuy

    LightGuy Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #15 LightGuy, Nov 20, 2020
    Sorry for your loss Phil
    RIP.
     
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  16. DRYHOLE

    DRYHOLE Karting

    Jul 12, 2004
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    #16 DRYHOLE, Nov 28, 2020
    Phil,

    He could have not had a better friend than you.

    Dryhole


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
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  17. B.Ratcliff

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    #17 B.Ratcliff, Dec 3, 2020
    RIP Smitty. Always a pleasant guy to be around.
     
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