Race Car Mechanic Movie

 Y'all  Check it  You have 25 days after you screw up before Google Man deletes your stuff permanently  TWENTY FIVE  So I re-subscribed to the G Suite and BAM everything returned unharmed  lesson : READ THE WARNINGS AND SLOW DOWN  Tell a friend they have 25 days to unscrew and there is a 14 day free trial too  But I'll stay at $30 a month and drink cheaper wine each month  Thanks MTP Vinny   (you know who you are) 

 Welp I managed to delete 8 months worth of work from my Google Drive.   In an effort to repurpose the budget for a Podcacst I managed to unsubscribe from Google G Suite Enterprise. I found a better audio and video platform to record remotely.  Today I learned that this also deleted the DRIVE folder instead of just reverting to teh free storage level and it also killed my buzz@racecarmechanic.com e mail.  Lesson learned.  As we used to say in the barn, Start over, do better and don't fuck it up this time !  ...-rob 

 Howdy follower(s)  With the 'Rona in full rage stifling in person interviews ( those that I can visit anyway ) I started to gather images and film and stories as I can.  Then I decided that I should script things - and I have done some of that.  Then work ramped up after the Holidays ( what off season ?)    It is cool to be a part of the Acura win at Daytona, ain't gonna lie.... and all three cars finished so that is extra noice.   So,  I started to look around at the options to keep things alive.  Yeah,  we can do some video chats and all but there is more available to maintain interest and attract sponsors to make a proper pitch reel.  TBH I would love to get this on Netflix or something to make the world aware of the work that is done to make races happen.  I started to review the title and chose "The Mechanicians" - that is what the old boys were called when they rode on the cars...crazy eh ? You will see - they are ...

 ARRRRGGGG!!!!!    The hunt for original content is always fun and often leads to obscure images from the history of racing - mostly - Indy since that is about as big a deal as you can get in US racing over the last 100 years or so. At least until there is a damaged in shipping - but hey it's a Monday in 2020 so...   The plus is that there was no blood drawn and the image survived and I am happy it did.  It appears to be about 1969 and its surely a McLaren hosting the "hands on hips" position of test day refueling that many of us exercised while looking over a beast of burden.   Hope all are well out there in follow land - I have research to do now - pardon me. ...-rob   

  Greetings from Playa Del Rey reader(s?)  It strikes me that the gathering of film assets is a bit of a mystery for those that are following.  Q. Where can you get stuff that you have all the rights to?  A .Well on line mostly and things sent from willing participants.  As for in person interviews, a bit of a stall while winter increases the 'Rona numbers... I am now old enough to be more at risk and getting 'Rona holds no interest for me.  I use most of my time for the Film by scripting and gathering assets (this came in the mail today) and learning to use editing software.    As for Google Meets, I have been buried at the office (silly day job - less than 60 days to the ROAR !)  I'll have to start getting something on the calendars soon - many participants are still "on the job" of course and time is limited.  Today's post is just to assure that I have not given up or stalled out despite the beautiful sunsets at the beach next door....

 A quick update for the follower(s)  We had a lovely time in Sedona, Arizona.  Off the clock & on the hiking trails and now back at the house just in time for a zillion e mails from work and them bang it's Thanksgiving!  Add to the holiday the 'rona flaring up and it's still mostly about planning Google Meet video calls   and gathering more images for the film! Yep, scored vintage images and home movies that I have all the rights to and I will scanning &  verifying the Mechanics identities as best I can. The thumb nail inventory is a little form each decade but I am looking for more - please set aside any images that you own and are willing to share for the film.    We should "Meet" starting in December...  Please have a safe Holiday    ...Rob & Dana   

           One thing I really enjoy is doing research into History.  fun fact, I always wanted to be a History teacher but that wasn't in the cards.  Still, I enjoy the hunt for details of the past and if I can connect with someone that has a similar interest all the better for me.  In the case of this Film, I have some experience with the subject with race car mechanics (the people more than the actual work) and couples with the historical research hobby, I manages to not only find this "out-of-print" booklet but have connected with one of the authors; John E Blazier .    John has sent many of his images for use in the Film, marking another occasion in my life where someone that has a name & reputation worth protecting has offered to help me - the first was Carroll Smith and his assistance in formalizing the Jim Russell Mechanics Training Program at Sears Point back in 1999.  After having a fantastic conversation with...