from Nick - he can comment on the details
from Nick - he can comment on the details
Railbird was a truly fine gentleman. I had the pleasure of meeting him on several occassions. Bird was largly responsible for organizing the first Brian's Wish Opener Party at the Flag Room. That legacy continues to grow and live on....Thanks Railbird. Every time I visit the Flag Room I make a point of standing at the bar where Railbird's picture is and saying a brief prayer for both him and his family.
In Memory of Brian Hall (Brian's Wish) - Racing for Kids - Dreyer & Reinbold Racing
Cheever's still "My Guy"
"How's this for a political platform? Don't lie or cover-up!"
This picture was taken shortly after the Petit Lemans last year down at Road Atlanta. Right after the victory lane ceremonies Dad, Racewknd, and I headed for the podium to check things out and Dad noticed a half full bottle of champaign that one of the drivers had sprayed. Bird grabbed it and we walked down pitlane and drank it. Along the way he stopped in front of the Ferrari garage for this fine photo.
As usual we were having too much fun at a race track. That kind of stuff is what he lived for. Moments like that are probably what I've missed the most. That race turned out to be the last one we attended together....
I've rounded up a few friends to make the trip this year and early Sunday morning we'll be rolling over to Talledega for the Cup race for a nice double header weekend....a plan Dad and I hatched last year. He will definitely be on our minds that weekend as we tip more than a few in honor of him.
I'll round up some more pictures over the next week or so to post and talk about.
Nick
Looks like he is having fun to me. I remember the clay on his shoes when he came home
We are about as happy as we make up our minds to be.___Abraham Lincoln
Brings a smile to my face...
"If TF members were given solid gold cars, some would complain about the color." - stnkypete
To me that photo epitomizes the old saying that "A day spent at the racetrack is a good day."
I never met 'bird in person but he made my a positive impression on my life.
That's what it's all about, racefans
I'll miss him forever, but I'll honor his memory with friends at the track and a toast or three, whenever I get the chance forever as well. It makes me feel good knowing he's "there" at so many great venues. Looking forward to joining him at Le Mans one day, should I be so lucky
Thanks Nick, and thank you Sue.
I miss bird.
IRL, Champcar and F1 fan
That picture speaks volumes as to what Bird enjoyed the most, being at the races. Nick can give an in depth list of where his Dad has adorned which circuts but I can tell you he is now a world traveler and he has a few more places to go this year. My races have been drastically cut down this year and I'm sorry to have missed some of the spreadings. If you run into Sue or Nick let them know how you were touched by John because I know of no one who has had anything bad to say about him, with good reason I might add.
John could enlighten all of us at one point on racing related trivia as you all know.
Drop the flag
Kelvis
I think of John often, and Sue and Nick as well. That picture of John at Petit Lemans is how I like to think of him. He made me feel so welcome at the Thursday movies; I learned alot and laughed even more. You don't realize how much you will miss someone until they are gone. Like doitagain, I raise a toast whenever I'm at a racetrack anywhere to Railbird and TrackForum #1, now to Heywood as well. Race in Peace friends!
It really IS all good!
Great Picture and story...Looking forward to more!
I don't post here that often. Some of you know me, from when I raced USAC for Don and Mel Kenyon. I only met Railbird a few times, mainly at the Speedway during Thurs. night movie night about 2 years ago when I was attending school at IUPUI.
I remeber him popping up at some unique races. From ALMS Sportscars to USAC Midgets in Joliet at ROute 66. He was a true racers racefan.
God Speed Railbird!!!!!!!!
Mike Palmer
always got the feeling that 'bird never met a race he didn't enjoy
no, as far as a few of us here at Trackforum st times, that mighta been a different story
that said you also kinda knew I think that regardless of how you might get into it with him here, that in person he'd welcome you for a refreshing adult beverage anyway
...and did many times.
Drinks went down like water when he was around. I blame him for not being able to remember the Milwaukee race in 2004 even though my body was there.Originally Posted by Defender
...and did many times.
Today is one year since 'bird left us.
Next time you're at a race, raise toast of your favorite beverage to him.
Nick
I'm doing a toast tonite Nick. I really would have loved to hear your dad's take on this whole merger thingy right now.....Today is one year since 'bird left us.
Next time you're at a race, raise toast of your favorite beverage to him.
Nick
Hope your family is well.
Steve
If its all about Indy, why bother having other races?
Remembering Railbird today, too. Wishing the best to Sue, Nick and Martina.
Missing you, Railbird.
"Foyt's mere presence is a punch in the face, an inoculation against milquestoast corporatism. There wasn't a car anywhere anyhow anytime that Foyt wouldn't put the boot to, and there hasn't been a race devised he couldn't win."
- Jeff MacGregor, Sunday Money
It'll be five years ago Pole Day that I met 'bird.
I shall hoist a Miller in his honor at the Flagroom!
Man, I just posted a thought about Road America in the IRL forum, and the memories of Railbird came flooding back.
I well remember his passion for that race and how much he enjoyed it. The stories he shared were great.
Miss you, 'bird. It's May and I'm thinking of you.
Man, I just posted a thought about Road America in the IRL forum, and the memories of Railbird came flooding back.
I well remember his passion for that race and how much he enjoyed it. The stories he shared were great.
Miss you, 'bird. It's May and I'm thinking of you.
ditto...................
SENÓR MODERATOR......
"Better To Be Judged By Twelve Than Carried By Six"
" Only Those Who Will Risk Going Too Far....Can Possibly Find Out How Far One Can Go "...T.S. Elliot....
Me too.
Today is John's birthday. His best birthday present was a good day at the track. Imagine that.
Nick, my thoughts are with you and Sue this day......Today is one year since 'bird left us.
Next time you're at a race, raise toast of your favorite beverage to him.
Nick
We all have good memories of your dad, he was one of a kind. I hope you are feeling the warm comfort of good times past as you celebrate his memory.
Same from me. I'll be raising a Miller High Life at the Flag Room tonight in honor of John! Love to Sue, Nick and all of John's friends and family.
Hey there, raise one up for me in honor of Railbird, and Gen, who passed away 4 months ago today.
And clean out your private message folder so I can get a hold of you about may.
"I think of Indianapolis every day of the year, every
hour of the day, and when I sleep, too. Everything I
ever wanted in my life, I found inside the walls of
the Indianapolis Motor Speedway."
- Eddie Sachs.
Hey thanks everyone. It's always fun to think about the good times we had together.
His (and mine!) favorite time of year is right around the corner so a few frosty cold ones will be raised in his honor.
Hear Hear!!
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