I'm Dying...and I want to drive my car...All Read Please

[saps]

I can not believe this thread has gone down this path.

I just sent HOGDEALER an email apologizing for the inappropriate posts. I was thrilled to be a small part of this community until I read the posts from Anthony.

You guys, for the most part, are great and I'm amazed at the support you've offered.

[mrmustang]

For the record "Anthony" lists his occupation as "Anesthesiologist / Pain Management Specialist".

[newmexico]

Originally posted by mrmustang


For the record "Anthony" lists his occupation as "Anesthesiologist / Pain Management Specialist".

Bill- Thas right. He's unconscious and he caused some pain.

[Anthony]

From the info given, I agree that Dwayne was/is being screwed by Finishline. The right thing to do would be for Finishline to get Dwayne his car, for the agreed upon price, and add some free extra's.

Nobody deserves cancer. People get it. Alot of people get from their own actions. It just wasn't clear from the press release what was going on, and it wasn't clear to me who was screwing who, and the judgement means nothing to me as to what really was going on.

The point I was trying to make is that it is "the american way" to screw people in business. Dwayne was getting screwed from Finishline, and I thought there was a possibility that Exxon was screwed from the info given. Just that everybody seems to be screwing everybody else. I commend Kirkhams and others who have donated their time and resources to help Dwayne. Thank god not everybody in america is trying to screw somebody else.

Anybody can post anything on the net. I don't believe everything I read. In business, I learn that many people can have hidden agenda's. I've learned to be skeptical.

I hope Dwayne responds well to his treatment, as I also wish with all my patients.

[daltondavid]

"Settled In the Courts"! What a Great statement that comes in handy all too often. It is also a Double edged sword that cuts both ways. "O.J.'s" Case was "Settled in the Courts". Did you like the outcome?? Playing Devil's advocate here, Maybe just like O.J.'s Case, (Where The Jury Decided Society needed to learn a lesson, Not O.J.) The Jury Decided Exxon had Treated Dwayne wrong by not informing him for 20 months of his medical condition( No matter what the cause was of the cancer). He would have been 20 months ahead of the Game in treatment! That Fact alone could have been the difference between life and his certain premature Death. For That, EXXON needed to learn a lesson. Maybe the juror's remebered The Alaskan wildlife that was destroyed By The Exxon "Valdez"?? Many variables come into play in a High powered Court Room Drama such as this was. I was not there. I Feel Great sadness as there are so many loser's in this story. who are the winner's? The Kirkham's threw their Hat in the ring at the right time with the right offer to do the right thing. That was great and many Love them for it. Others will accuse them of Being Oppurtunistic. I am waiting for Quotes like "They knew the Car would never have been turned over to them anyway". Is the Viper Squad now going to be Winner's as they stood together as a group united to Help Dwayne before the C.C. squad?? I for one have a new found appreciation for them. for that new "Brotherhood" we are all Winner's. Was Anthony's Post Appropriate given the Sensitive Nature of the thread? who among us is to judge really? (There is an opening for someone...) I do not know Anthony, but I understand that Doctor's develop a "Thick skin", and may come off as abrasive due to the fact that they have to deal with People who are dying every Day. sometimes while they are working on them. unfortunately if they had Super emotions in every Case they handled, they would not be able to do their job for very long as they would have a total breakdown. Let's also realize that Dwayne's Attorney probably Pocketed 40% of the 5.1 Million Dollar "Award" thus reducing Dwayne's Payout. I Hope Anthony was only trying to pose some facts to give us some understanding about his knowledge of Cancer in an instructional fashion. Maybe even convince a couple of Smoker's to quit while they are still able to drive their Cobra's. let's save the Lynch mob mentality for Roy Hunt, and whoever at S.A.I. is responsible for not seeing this matter was completed.

[newmexico]

The point was and is that the judgement has nothing to do with Dwayne getting his car.

Oh, America is ALWAYS CAPITALIZED.

[cobra427mnsi]

Those darn greedy lawyers. A scourge to our society. (opening for Jamo to comment)

[daltondavid]

In the next three weeks, This thread will undoubtedly become the most Twisted, Off the Path topic that has ever hit C.C.! With the Holidays everyones emotions Run High. Dwayne's Health can take a turn for the worse...Or Better for that Matter!! would'nt that make for some cheery postings. But the Post we all are anxious to see is "Roy Hunt Hands over the keys to Dwayne's Completed COBRA!! Until that time, sit back and watch the "Opinionators" Reach deep into their Craniums with Various Nuances concerning every little aspect of this topic. I am surprised Roy Hunts first ex Girlfriend has'nt come out of the woodwork yet. But then again, there is still time for that too!

[computerworks]

Originally posted by daltondavid


In the next three weeks, This thread will undoubtedly become the most Twisted, Off the Path topic that has ever hit C.C.!

...not a chance.

[HOGDEALER]

**NEED SOME COBRA EVENT INFO**

Dwayne was planning on going to a big Cobra "Get Together" around the 19th of February, 2005 in Las Vegas.

I am hoping we can work around his treatments and fly him in to attend it with his car. Does anyone have any other information on this event. Are there other Cobra events upcoming?

[Bill Wells]

Hogdealer...everything ya need to know about SAAC DOES VEGAS in Feb, see :

https://ss.shelbyamerican.com/saac04/index.asp

[CowtownCobra]

Hogdealer,

Info on the Las Vegas event is here : https://ss.shelbyamerican.com/saac04/index.asp

Quite a few of us plan to be there. Hope Dwayne can make it.

[Jamo]

Hogdealer

It would be great for many of us to meet Dwayne, as well as yourself, at SAAC-Vegas.

[Randy Rosenberg]

I've been silently reading this thread daily. Words cannot express my sadness for Dwayne, for his family and his friends, and my disgust with Finishline and SAI.

Originally posted by Russ Oasis
... On a different note, I wanted to mention that I get the feeling that this story is going to break nationally, if not on TV like 20/20 or 60 Minutes, then most assuredly in the national car mags...

I've been in contact with the Senior Editor of Hot Rod Magazine (Primedia). He's "internet savvy" and posts on other automotive forums. I forwarded to him the link to this thread, requesting his help (or help from Primedia or any of his other connections). His response was: This sounds like a sad story, but it's really not the type of thing we'd get involved with. As much as he's [Shelby] a legend in the industry, those of us who are familiar with his business practices would not find this kind of thing shocking.

My family and I hope for the best for Dwayne and his family.

Regards,
Randy R...

[daltondavid]

My wife and I flew out for three days to SAAC does Vegas 6 and found it to be an intimate gathering of interesting people and an overall positive experience. I must admit that it was there right outside of SHELBY's Building that a Black 427 COBRA Fired up and Bit me at the same time. I always loved COBRAS, But was very Happy with my GT500. after the tour and Talk of the Then functioning plant, I knew there would have to be a COBRA in my future! We saw Siegfried and Roy's Show. Went to some good Comedy shows and met some Real Nice SHELBY lovers. Had a good time watching people Race and Check out some nice cars. Got Carroll to sign some items. It was also there that I first encountered Kirkham as they had a display at the race track. looking back on it all It was a magical trip. after the events that have unfolded over the last year, it would feel strange. almost sense a divide coming as it is a SAAC event. Of which I am a member and I know quite a few other members as well. They as a whole,tend to have a Blind loyalty to the Old Man. so in a sense you can end up with a strange blend of Shelby Lover's and Hater's all Gathered because of Shelby! just at opposite ends of the spectrum. I think the most positive thing that will happen is a lot of Viper owner's getting converted. Hopefully the most important Viper to Cobra "Convert" will be in attendance with his finished Car. Of course I speak of Dwayne in that regard.

[HOGDEALER]

Do you guys let Vipers and thier owners attend?

[daltondavid]

Hogdealer, Normally SAAC events include Shelby Cobras, Gt350 & GT500 Shelby Mustangs, Series One Cars, GT40's, Daytona Coupes, FORD POWERED Replica Cobras, and a mix of High powered MUSTANGS of the last 40 years. SAAC as I mentioned is a Great club dedicated to the Preservation of FORD POWERED Shelby Automobiles that were produced in the 1960's. Carroll normally attends most of these events. But something tells me he will miss this one. Rumors of his own "Health issues" will surface and people will feel sorry that he could not attend his Hero worship event. If he does attend, he better have more security than the pretty gals he usually has around him. I know if I was one of the "Angry 80", I would certainly be there wanting answers! I do not see them allowing a group of "VIPER" guys with a Vengenance aimed at Carroll Shelby, being allowed to get on the track. But you never know, $$ Talks! More Cars, Track rent should be cheaper. He did have some involvement in the Viper's Development and I consider them Cooler than the Series One Cars. that not withstanding, there is a way that you guys can attend the entire event. spend $40.00 Dollars and join SAAC. their motto is, "Ownership not important, enthusiasm is"! (Sounds like the same same motto that the CSX Deposit takers have too, doesnt it??) Sign up for the Dinner and other activities and get to know why people love these cars and the whole History that goes with them. I am angered that Carroll Shelby himself, The Man, is allowing his legacy to get so tarnished at the end of his game. like so many others, I considered him to be an Automotive God. a True Living Legend. His Life story reads better than fiction. to hear him talk is pure entertainment. he was the Definition of self confidence. I am still waiting for him to ride in on a Tulli Bull, Throw some texas hot sauce in some people's eye balls and right all the wrongs that have been happening. I am also waiting for Santa to arrive any day now.... Dwayne's Saga becomes more tragic due to his Health situation. That touches most of us. apparently it has not touched the Folks at Finishline or SAI early enough that it now is a total embarrasment for them. But what about all the other people waiting for their cars that they too were promised? and we do not even know yet how many Parts suppliers are waiting to be paid, thus the lack of finished cars. Given all of this "Poor Business operations" we are seeing, How long until the Chapter 11 paperwork gets filed?? A few months back I started a thread asking about the Future of the Cobra Replica industry. many people responded. the general belief then was that Shelby, Kirkham, and Factory five would end up being the last few left standing at the end of the day. I never imagined Shelby would be grabbing a parachute quicker than the latest Johnny come lately Replica manufacturer's! But it sure looks like that is the direction he is headed.

[HOGDEALER]

I do not think very many Viper guys would come to the event in February. You see there is a Viper Days event at Button Willow in Calf. that same week end. I just thought that I would like to get some track time while I was there with Dwayne (Hopefully).

[computerworks]

Originally posted by HOGDEALER


I just thought that I would like to get some track time while I was there with Dwayne (Hopefully).

I always believe anything is possible, if you contact the right people.

Anyone here involved with the event?... anyone want to contact SAAC?

[ivanrho]

Danny,

I saw Dave last night at our Christmas Party for our Viper Club in South Florida. He told me about Dwayne's grave condition.....I can't fathom what he must be going through. And you as his close friend, it's even worse when you can't do anything but sit there and watch.

I just wanted to tell you what a great time I had meeting you, Dwayne and Keena at VOI 8 in Dallas. In the short time we spend together, I could tell you were great people.

Please give Dwayne my very best. I don't want to bother him by calling him now; Dave told me he's at the Mayo now.

On the same note, I hope Dwayne gets his car soon. He's been far too understanding and patient about this whole situation. It's one thing to NOT know how to run a business. It's another to LIE to a customer.

If there's anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to let me know. Hope to see you guys at Sebring in April, or before. Oh and next time, count me in on your bike trip.

Ivan R. Ho