[flash]

Well, we all knew this was coming.  I have been talking about it for a long time now, and the day has finally come.  After 11 years of this car being such a huge part of my life, as of Wednesday, I will no longer have the blue car.  The deal is done, and it has found a good home.

 

The white car is still around for a bit longer, but won't be for long either.  It is still making the father in law happy, so I'm leaving it there for the time being.  He's 92 though, so not a lot of driving left in him.  When he is done, that too will be sold.

 

This brings me to the other parts of the equation.  Design 1 Racing has stayed open, due to the ongoing demand.  However, that demand seems to have dwindled.  So, coincidentally, has my enthusiasm for it, and it just doesn't generate enough to justify keeping it open for much longer.  It will get to a point where I will procrastinate fulfillment, which will not sit well with customers, and I don't want to tarnish my reputation.  I am not sure how long it will take, but I think that I will probably just sell through what I have, and then just call it "done".

 

That leaves only this website.  My participation levels have fallen, which I am sure many have noticed.  I am finding it harder and harder to find the time to stay on top of things.  The site deserves a more active custodian.  Jay and I have mused about selling the site a few times, but not really pursued it.  As he nears retirement, and I move on to other things, we are rapidly coming up on the day when this will need to have somebody else running it, or it will die.  So, failing somebody stepping up, you guys should get yourselves together.  Reach out to one another.  Figure out some sort of "co-op" so the site can continue.

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[MCL968]

Understandable, but still sad for those of us who utilize the parts you designed and built, and who value your opinion and knowledge.

 

Hopefully you will find your new ride as much fun to own as your 968 once was, and you will find (or build) a similar community around your new Targa.

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[Rap]

It seems hard to believe that I've had my initial car half as long as you. You should put all of the technical info we will need moving forward into a book and sell it. I would imagine there might be others who would be interested in acquiring this knowledge and info. Moving on is such sweet sorrow.

Retirement seems somewhat weird to hear but I suspect it is not far away for many! Interestingly enough 968 prices seem to be rising. Others will agree that you and Jay and the site deserve some small measure of thanks for this. Will both of you ride off into the sunset on your horses?

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[flash]

i'm really not looking to build another community.  i've pretty much been there done that on the car thing.  it's just not something i plan to focus on anymore.

 

funny - i have mentioned on occasion writing a book.  it would be a huge undertaking though, and not one i am passionate about, so it's not likely to happen.

 

we'll figure out how to keep the site going.  it's just going to be difficult to find the right personalities.  so far, that hasn't happened, and all of the ones who have offered, we would never consider to allow have any sort of control over this site.

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[Rap]

Well you are a little young to write your memoirs but perhaps adding the 968 could override that fact!!

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[flash]

nah - i think the world has heard enough of me blathering on

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[Rap]

Some have but not the world!

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[rxter]

Farewell old friend.  You've been the center of the 968 enthusiast community for a long time.  

 

I test drove a Spyder this weekend and damn-near bought one-fine car.  But I got in the 968 and drove the same canyon and had as much, if not more, fun.  As I was carving the 968, listening to the muted rumble of the exhaust, the pounding heart of the engine, and the maniacal shriek of the SC, I thought that this car is what it is because of the time and energy that you put into it.  More power, less flex, better reliability, and a boatload of fun. 

 

Mike and I completed our 6th road trip this past week - he's grown up with this car.  We talked about how many miles of carving we've done - hundreds or maybe thousands.  We've loved every bit of it.

 

Thanks Bob.  

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[Paul T]

I´m new here and don´t post much, but I would like to say a big thank you for doing this site. I´ve learnt so much about my car in a short time.

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[ds968]

Have been thinking for a while what and how to reply here and still can't manage to herd all the scattered thoughts into a single post...yet. Until I do, just a few words ; 1. The Car - understandable. 2. D1R - understandable . 3. Forum - understandable , so really can't argue with any of the course you have, and will take on any of those fronts , no matter how disappointing to many of us that may be and the gap left behind . Thanks for everything you have done goes without saying , but we now need to work on that gap, and if we can fill even half of it somehow to keep this community and the library of all the invaluable knowledge, and the support going, it can only benefit us all.


One totally unrelated observation on rxter's post though : you test drove a Spyder and still prefer the 968 ?! Have you taken complete leave of your senses , man ?!! Oh, wait ...did you not mean the 918 Spyder ? LMAO . ( although it would not be entirely crazy, I myself would take the 968 over the Carerra GT , any time any day and in almost every respect.. with the sole exception of the performance difference of course ..)

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[az968]

This forum will lose a lot of "flash" without Bob. ? I know the forum has greatly increased my enjoyment of my 968. And has helped me improve it and solve some maintenance issues. And make some friends at the same time. Let's hope there is a solution to keep this going.

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[White968]

Flash thank you!! You are legend!

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[Rap]

Flash deserves all of the praise and thanks he has been given and it is of course well deserved. But let us be careful that we don't give him to much or he will swell up with pride and ego and won't fit into his new car!

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[flash]

lol - i appreciate all the thoughts guys.  the last 11 years have been fun.  lots of new friends, and a lot of good times.

 

the car left here yesterday.  it will pop back for a visit in a couple of weeks, so i can poke a different steering wheel into it, but then it's gone for good. still feels a bit weird, but i have had enough time to get my head around it, and i don't actually miss it.

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[Rap]

Sweet memories! I glad I got a chance to drive it although not as spiritedly as I would have liked to.

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[PorscheG96]

Whoa, congrats.  I wonder who bought your 968...have they owned a 968 before?

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[94SilverCab]

Is the 968 coming to the East Coast? I need some "spare parts"  :ninja:  (Like the seats)

 

Jay

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[ds968]

Porsche museum made him an offer he couldn't refuse  ..  :lol:

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[unknown4u]

They like to do a lap at the nordschleife with it ?
See why the 918 is slower...

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