Best stories and posts about 'Bird.... [Archive]

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devilmaster

04-26-05, 11:37 AM

rabbit

04-26-05, 12:10 PM

Did a google search for Railbird and OffCamber and dug up this gem. (http://www.offcamber.net/forums/archive/index.php/t-2000)

Railbird 07-13-2003, 06:21 PM

rant away big guy

we feel your pain like Oprah with a gas cramp :rofl:

racer2c

04-26-05, 12:16 PM

Warlock!

04-26-05, 12:19 PM

...'bird wrote a wonderful piece on the things he loved about a street race. It was awsome and shut a lot of the whiners up.
Probably the single post I remember most when I think back about all the stuff he's written.

Napoleon

04-26-05, 12:20 PM

Gee, he has said so many hysterical things over the years. Honestly half the reason I got hooked on the racing boards is how funny some of the things he would post were.

I may have saved some of them on my home computer.

Brickman

04-26-05, 12:24 PM

This isn't really a story per se, but a few years back when the forums were a buzz with 'street racing loser' antics 'bird wrote a wonderful piece on the things he loved about a street race. It was awsome and shut a lot of the whiners up.

"With the crown jewel of the CART racing season about to kick off on the scenic streets of Long Beach this weekend we're about to witness both the roots and quite possibly the promised future of the CCWS. While street courses have always played a supporting part in this championship series it now appears that they will assume the lead roll in the not to distant future.

What some view as little more than parades around a party others see as the circuits most demanding of the driver's skills. Flawless precision is the requirement with bullheaded bravado rewarding only those looking for a short day. While the wheel to wheel action one sees at Fontana may be missing at Long Beach or Vancouver, IMO, the pure driving skills of the Champcar brigade are far better tested in the concrete canyons than at any other type venue...Even with the hundred mph speed differential, the entry to turn one at Long Beach is much more of a challenge to get right than the entry into turn one at Fontana ...While the ovals, particularly the big ones, offer a variety of paths to negotiate their corners, the streetcourse lines are razor thin..One slip in a ten tenths lap can knock a corner off a contender at Long Beach while a huge push at Fontana usually results in the rare throttle lift and a loss of a few positions..

The fact that the barrier height makes most of the turns at least partialy blind serves only to complicate the task of hustling 750hp down a straightaway that is essentialy a tunnel from the drivers point of view..The occasional suprise appearence of a stalled car or an errant wheel is bound to happen no matter how vigilant the corner workers may be...When heading from a 180mph straight to a mile a minute right hander, with the right front tire already smoking under braking, all the yellow flag waving in the world isn't going to do a h=ll of a lot of good...Couple that with the faith necessary to spool that bad boy up before you have an unobstructed sight line down the next straight and you're looking at a true test of courage and will...

Unlike the continual position swapping one sees on a superspeedway, a mid race pass for the lead on a street course is a nail biting drama that unfolds over several laps. and more than likely will have a impact on the event itself... Watching a driver stalk the leader with feints and bluffs until he is rewarded with his prey's slightes slip off line is far more intriguing to me than watching a pack out fumble each other in a drafting que.

While the preparation of the car and the cohesivness of the crew are often sighted as the most important part of any assault on the series title on the streets the driver and his ability to be quick while remaining squeeky clean are highlighted more than anywhere else..It does no good to have the quickest crew and the best prepared package if your car only has three corners attached when it arrives in the pits..

The streets tend to be a physical challenge as well....Other than Mid-Ohio no permanent course makes the demands on a driver like the tight and bumpy confines of the city courses...After 500 miles on a speedway most of the drivers step out looking like they might just be warmed up enough to be ready for some serioues exertion..After two hours in the streets most of them crawl out looking decidedly second hand..The physical pounding and mentaly draining aspect of Long Beach, Toronto, Vancouver etc. is uncomparable at any oval offering in the world...

Not wanting to knock the speedways, beautiful places like Laguna Seca, or even Cleveland's racey temp course, but IMO the demands of the concrete canyons are the truest test of pure driving skill in the CCWS.

Drop the Flag" - Railbird

chop456

04-26-05, 12:35 PM

Probably my fondest memory of John was just last Summer. Road America Saturday afternoon just after the Trans Am race. We were just standing there in the field next to my campsite shooting the s**** for a good hour, mostly about Jacques and his trials and tribulations. The depth and breadth of John's knowledge were amazing, and it seems like he knew everyone. Speaking to him about racing was like talking to the Pope about Christianity. The love and passion he had for the sport was truly amazing, and that showed through to everyone who knew him both in person and online.

Just hanging out that day at one of my favorite places on Earth, beautiful sunshine, great racing talk and cold beer with a true student of the game. It doesn't get much better than that, and might never again.

RIP, John.

Napoleon

04-26-05, 01:32 PM

I recall a conversation I had with John maybe 4 years ago where he mentioned that when he was younger he wanted to be a sports writer, and as life would have it he ended up working in a GM plant that made bus transmissions or something like that.

But reading his post after he mentioned that to me I couldn't help but wonder if the citizens of Indy were a little bit poorer for not being able to read his material in the Star, and maybe we were lucky.

JT265

04-26-05, 01:33 PM

Problem is, how do you nail down just one episode with John?

Having done the live deal at Long Beach just two weeks ago, the group was sitting in the lobby of the Hyatt having an ale. A lot of racing folk stopped by to say hi, and John could hold court with anyone (and school them as well, regardless of their station in the racing world).

Anyway, after several beers, the group is just sitting there when a large group of suits passes by. John, beer in hand, jumps up from the table and in the loudest voice imaginable shouts......

BRING ME THE HEAD OF FABRIZIO DEL MONTE!!!

and you coulda heard a pin drop. :thumbup: John.

Racing Truth

04-26-05, 01:35 PM

What Brickman said. I remember reading that, my first introduction the phrase "concrete canyons." :thumbup:

Sean O'Gorman

04-26-05, 01:55 PM

I remember not saying hi to him one year at Mid-Ohio or Cleveland or something and he asked me how I missed him, and I said "Mark (Napoleon) told me to keep an eye out for the Colonel Sanders looking guy and I realized that was about half the people in attendance so I wasn't sure who to say hi to!"

The fact that someone as well respected around here as him seemed to enjoy my posts at OC and elsewhere means more than I can put into words. He definitely had a great sense of humor, just look at his last post ever (at dolanforum):

Very interesting race with a "passing of the torch" theme that could be used to promo the rest of the network races.

I agree with SeanO

and I hate that

It just seems so strange when you can be on a forum with the same group of people for 4 years and they are all still there unless they choose to stop showing up; it makes you almost think that these personalities are immortal until something like this happens. :(

Racing Truth

04-26-05, 02:23 PM

I think for those of us like SeanO, Travis, Ank, the poster formerly known as Rahalnut, etc, 'Bird's knowledge, and first-hand accounts, about the hey days of this sport helped put what we (the 20-somethings) are seeing today (good and bad) into perspective. His no-nonsense love of everything Open-Wheel and his irreverent style are going to be missed.

Rail was more than just a "bridge" from one generation to the next. His passion, sincerity, and knowledge were, and always will be, timeless.

FCYTravis

04-26-05, 02:34 PM

What Racing Truth said.

RichK

04-26-05, 02:37 PM

JT, great story! I'm laughing out loud here in my workplace.

I remember a story John wrote (I think for Racefamily.com?) about 5 years ago. It was about his experiences at Long Beach that year. I was at the same race, and never could've described it like he did.

On another note, I check Yahoo news regularly during the day, and I have it set up to show "racing news". I keep looking for an announcement today, because it is big news to me.

I will raise a beer and enjoy this sport in his honor.

cart7

04-26-05, 02:40 PM

I remember the off season between 02-03. Lots of negativity and frankly I wasn't too thrilled about the direction Cart was going. In a post, maybe here I don't really remember, I posted I was losing interest in OW and sick of the split and may just pass on racing for good. Not long after that 'bird Pm'd me and gave me an inspirational atta boy along with a suggestion to get to a race, any race, ASAP. It worked. While the old spark hasn't come back yet John managed to keep me interested long enough to find some good in what's become of Cart/CCWS. A tip of the beer cup to bird, the definition of a real race fan. :thumbup:

Chief

04-26-05, 03:03 PM

The best memory i have of John - was a couple years back at Mid-Ohio. It was the Saturday night party at the campsite, PChall and Grrl were grilling the teriyaki chickens, guys were playin games or just chillin.
Chief comes up to the campsite, and really only knew me out of the group (we met in toronto previous). So he asks me to introduce him around, so I say sure, and we walk around while I tell him who's who.
I'm like, "that's grrl, pchall, etc.etc.etc, and that guy with the 'fro is railbird...."
Chief interrupts - "that's Bird?"
"yep."
and chief just walks away from me. Walked over to him, and struck up a conversation with Bird. I think Chief talked with him the rest of the night. I'm left standing there holding my beer....
....I remember it well, Steve. It was to my amazement that he would even go to a ChampCar event that sparked my interest. 'Bird was (at that time) a moderator over at Trackforum and was (from my ignorant viewpoint) a kool-aid slurping FTG INDY toady lemming. I introduced myself to him and in quite puzzled-like fashion I inquired WTF was HE doing there (at Mid-Ohio). He responded quite directly to me..."Where should I be? I'M A RACEFAN.....What are YOU doing here?".

I was shocked but I responded with a *weak* "but...but...you're an IRL fan!". It was then he schooled me on RACING, his love of it, and the distaste he had for what was happening. He didn't want to talk politics, just racing. He sent me away with barely a glance while getting a beer from the cooler and resuming previous conversations by stating, "I'M JUST A RACEFAN". In 5 minutes I was *humbled* and sent away like a spanked boy, with the respect of learning that there was something other than US vs. THEM out there. I never forgot that lesson 'Bird taught me.

About a week later I sent an email to Dave Despain at Windtunnel about how much influence CART/Champ Car has had on the world motorsports stage over the years, as evidenced by that weekend where CART/Champ Car drivers won in every discipline of racing...F1, NASCAR, CART, IRL, etc.... 'Bird posted a simple thread here with the title labled "CHIEF...". It contained a simple thumbsup to acknowledge not only it's reading by Despain, but, I like to think what was his acknowledgement of mutual respect....for racing and the racefan. Thanks 'Bird. :thumbup:

Napoleon

04-26-05, 03:35 PM

I introduced myself to him and in quite puzzled-like fashion I inquired WTF was HE doing there (at Mid-Ohio)

That was a fun night, in the camp grounds with a good portion of the posters here making an appearence at one point or anouther.

What I am waiting for is Warlock posting pictures of some of the beer bong contest they all took part of with 'bird and everyone else.

FRANKY

04-26-05, 03:36 PM

When I think of the photos (posted somewhere) of Railbird and others at Mid-Ohio it puts a smile on my face.

Racing Truth

04-26-05, 03:57 PM

One more:

On TF, 'Bird, in response to his Bar Room rumor on LB, said the following:

"Mark C. is a dork."

Greatest thing ever typed on an internet forum. :rofl:

FCYTravis

04-26-05, 04:00 PM

Drinking to that right now.

Hot Rod Otis

04-26-05, 04:16 PM

I never had the pleasure of meeting Railbird, but I felt like he was my friend.
To me getting a "Good post racefan" from 'bird was as good as it got when it came to life on the open-wheel forums. I remember on 7thG a few years ago in May, I whipped off a fiery post taking a certain member of the 7G IRL contingent to task for casually dismissing bump day as "a day for wankers". Among the many compliments I got, the one that meant the most to me was the one from Railbird. He said that I had nailed it as well as it could be nailed. Coming from him really meant a lot to me. I considered that to be the ultimate compliment.

At the USGP this year, on Friday, the first Foster's oil can I crack open will be hoisted skyward in salute to Railbird.

Drop the flag.

rocket

04-26-05, 05:04 PM

I remember once he was telling us how easy he was to spot, "I'll be the one that looks like a Q-Tip, holding a beer"

Man, I was looking forward to seeing him at Milwaukee again this year.

dando

04-26-05, 05:43 PM

FTG

04-26-05, 06:03 PM

There's a lot of political BS in this sport and a lot of childish immature crap on the forums. I just like to talk about racing. So did bird. I'm very impressed that he could talk about racing with anyone, and everyone, on any side of the various issues. (I sure can't.) I'm toasting one for him now. Hard to believe that he's gone.

Napoleon

04-26-05, 07:08 PM

Here is something I saved from 'bird that he posted on 7G on July 8, 2001 about the Cleveland race he attended, you know, the one we almost lost to the IRL.

Rolling through the beautiful countryside in the Buckeye state one often feels like a frozen chicken at dinner time....I don't think there is any other state that expends as many resources on microwaving the populace as Ohio...The friendly officers from the OSP kept me toasty from Greenville to Parma as usual but didn't choose to impede my progress much, just kept me on my toes...Maybe the temporary Alabama plate on the rental kept them at bay..." Best we leave that one go Barney, them there's some temporary Alabamians, crazy b@stards through and through"....

Slipping into the Munincipal lot under threatenig skies we had just enogh time to cross the bridge, grab a little lunch and find our seats..While everybody talks about it, you just have to see this place to really get a feel for it..Sitting in stand G at "pit in" gives you a great view of two passing areas, the turn three/four complex gets my vote for one of the most interesting overtaking oppertunities in the series...With so many different lines through that area you often times are watching the swapping of positions rather than the clean pass ..During quals when every one is looking for that "clean lap" it is still interesting to watch different drivers experiment with different lines...Not quite the precise demands of a streetcourse but an intriguing challenge nonetheless...

After the first group completeted their session the weathher backed up it's threat with dark clouds, rain, and of course, lightning...Halfway through the final session the threat of being struck down from above finaly forced CART to throw the red flag....By this time we, and many others, were taking shelter under the granstands.........That's right! the grandstands...Even though most of us learn at a young age never to get under a tree in a thunderstorm, apparently we have become quite confident in the insulating properties of metal tubes sticking thirty feet up in the air....With this thought in mind, and a 30mph breeze slinging the rain through the seats, we took cover behind a promotional trailer...

Then a shuttle bus appeared out of the storm! While others pondered it's destination we scrambled aboard like it was the last train out of Bosnia......Dry seats and a roof overwhelmed any concerns about where this jitney would eventualy drop us off ...As we wandered toward the turn one area we picked up more drenched racefans until we had them standing in the aisle...The last five minutes of this journey had two pot bellied guys swaying around in front of me looking all the world like some hideous wet Tshirt contest gone horribly wrong......But just about then the sun popped out, the rain stopped, and we bolted for the door..

We had never checked the track out from grandstand A, so as soon as the Champcars were turned loose again we headed up to butt-dry some seats....T.V. doesn't due this turn any justice at all, what a difficult entrance, what a fantastic exit, very intersting spot to watch some wet laps...When that session was completed we hung around for a rather pedestrian Barber Dodge show that saw Sepp Koster do the always thrilling flag to flag act...Then it was off to do some partying..

Our room turned out to be in the same dump we stayed in a couple of years ago and age hadn't improved it in the least ...A fifth floor room had me thinking about looking for a hardware store to buy 50 feet of rope for an escape device, but then when I remembered that the only businesses in this area were porn shops and strip clubs I got busy tying all the sheets together...

After showering and watching the start of the IRL allskate, we headed to the flats for a little partying in one of the cooler settings I have encountered, Drew Carey got it right...Arriving at the BW3 we were greeted with an overflow crowd, but as usual Tara and Brad had a nice area reserved for the 7thGear faithful....To avoid the embarassment of forgetting someone I usually don't like to name names at these gatherings, but what better way to explain the all inclusiveness of 7thGear than to say that I got to meet Lee Roy and NYR at the same time....

Later on while chatting up some racefans I heard the makings of one of those wacky bar contests usually reserved for the young and restless Saturday night crowd.....Upon gazing up to the stage there stood my normaly rationall son, hands behind his back, poised to go face down into a basket of semi cooked hamburger in a quest to wolf it down quicker than the other two losers eeerrrr contestants...The result was an easy conquest for the walking garbage disposal as I could have predicted having footed his grocery bill lo these many years...Nothing quite matches the warm glow of pride that washes over a father as he watches his only son risk food poisening for a couple of Tshirts....

Since this was be the last 7thGear raceparty I will make this season I would like thank Tara and Brad for all the hassle and hustle it takes to put one of these gathereings together...Thanks a lot folks!

With the hour getting later and the crowd at the flats getting wilder it was time for this old fart to head back to the firetrap/motel...

With red lights out at Magny Cours for a wake up call, yeah this dump had Speedvision, Sunday started off looking pretty good, until we got to the track that is. With clouds rolling in and a stiff breeze off the lake the morning was beginning to look a little ominous after a clean warmup session....When the showers did start I was involved in a somewhat humorous relay race with fellow 7thGear poster FloridaCartFan as we went from truck to truck in search of raingear...As usual, by the time I found, bought, and unfolded the pancho, I was already wet, oh well at least I was at a race..

If you haven't seen the Toyota Atlantics race yet get a tape ready...Joey Hand and Hoover Orsi put on one of the best races I have seen this summer...After stopping the race for a downpour, mounting rain tires and restarting, this show was a thriller...While I don't know as much as I should about Orsi, I would love to see DSTP racing move up to Champcars and bring Hand with them...Good stuff.

Touring the paddock (thanks for the passes Tara) is great at places with no garages,with everything and everyone out in the open and accessible it makes for a great opportunity to check out pre-race preperation up close...The top teams layouts are amazing and worthy of some serious film exposure with Players being the nicest IMO.... Remembering the modest equip of Arciero/Blair brought a smile later in the day when Max was leading..

While we were walking back to our seats for the start Bud Stanner somehow wrestled the mike away from the announcer and started sucking up to the crowd......Talk about a tepid reception! Not only does Cleveland rock, it apparently doesn't forget...Keep him honest racefans

As we all know the race was great...Memo put on one h=ll of a show and Max opened some eyes...Maybe an inverted field is the way to go... That was a d@mn good race, the best one I've seen in quite a while with TCGR's decision to go for it with Memo while others played the fuel economy game making for an interesting contest....Airports circuits are great.....You have to give the devil his due, Curtis Lemay had at least one good idea..

Then it was time to wave to Memo and Dario, pack up our gear, and head back from a great weekend...With the enthusiastic cheers of Cleveland fans emanating from the radio as a world renown redneck perserved an 11 to 13 loss for the beloved tribe, we slipped back down microwave alley toward Indy...

Wish I was heading to Toronto..

Anteater

04-26-05, 07:16 PM

I remember a story John wrote (I think for Racefamily.com?) about 5 years ago. It was about his experiences at Long Beach that year. I was at the same race, and never could've described it like he did.

I remember that, too--the "Indiana Mafia" story, right? He wrote another one on Racefamily about a race weekend in the Midwest that was just hilarious--wish I could remember the details.

So sorry I missed meeting 'Bird at Long Beach this year, but I will treasure JT's story. :thumbup:

RichK

04-26-05, 07:30 PM

I remember that, too--the "Indiana Mafia" story, right? :

Yes, I think that's it. I found the archived forum with the title "A birdseye view from the road" by Railbird: LINK (http://web.archive.org/web/20010516231037/http://www.racefamily.com/) , but the thread wasn't archived unfortunately.

Kiwifan

04-26-05, 11:28 PM

Man, that takes me back Rich. :)

That was it with 'bird, he was willing to share with us all. One moment at 7G, Racefamily and TF so it seems, although as I don't go there I wasn't aware that he was respected there too. At times like this it makes you wonder eh? :confused:

RIP my friend.

Russell.

Lizzerd

04-27-05, 02:03 AM

Last year at RA, Cam and I rode together to the track. We entered at the gate by turn 3. We pulled over when we entered the gate after the six hour drive and got out of my truck to stretch and pick up our will-call tickets. It was late Friday morning. I looked over towards the track and there was Railbird, sitting in a golf cart by himself, feet propped up on the dash and beer in hand. I had to go say hello before I claimed my ticket at the booth.

devilmaster

04-27-05, 02:52 AM

All good posts everyone.....

If you have a few minutes...try this:

look above at the tabs on the top of the page.... click on search, then advanced search.

On the advanced search page, put railbird into the search by user name box, and click on sort results as posts......

Click on search now.

Read through his posts. Read the wit, the insight.....

Some of my early favorites:

My Crapalier with it's tasteful ChampCar sticker in the window has drawn the occasional reaction here in Indy.

Just like online, I just smile, flip 'em off and drive away.

after warlock comments that his local radio does the news first then the local obits

Where in the hell do you live 'lock?

Freakin Mayberry?

Does this radio station break in with an update when Aunt B makes a cobbler?

I don't know **** about concerts or whatever weird comparison is being made but I do know any weekend spent at a racetrack is better than most any other weekend.

TroyM1

04-27-05, 06:33 AM

I never had the chance to meet Railbird, but he had me cracking up over his response to a few IRL diehards at TF telling about their adventures in Denver for the CART race in 2002. These individuals posted pics of themselves holding IRL banners and putting IRL stickers on the CART merchandise trailers, etc. Railbird wrote the following..................

This thread reminds me of a bunch of country boys getting their first look at the big city..

Running around in their highschool colors thinking they're cool.

Just be glad the fine folks of Denver are an apparrent peaceful bunch and realitive newbies to this deal. I suspect your little flags and decals might end up in a rather unfortunate place if you played these games in Cleveland.

grow up kiddies

Oh, and deFender, you might want to study up on that Atlantics team. Say hi to Mari and Guy while you're at it

He was a guy that really didn't get into the politics of the split. I always remember he knew what he was talking about and he was a wealth of knowledge. He will be missed on all racing forums.

Sean O'Gorman

04-27-05, 11:35 AM

FTG

04-27-05, 05:30 PM

2,000+ posts and not once did he say FTG.

No one's perfect, but I liked him anyway.

Sean O'Gorman

04-27-05, 06:01 PM

:laugh:

SID

04-27-05, 09:24 PM

Here's to you, 'bird. I'm glad we got a chance to meet and talk about what we both loved. I always read what you had to say, and I hope someday I'll know half of what you did.

The twin checkereds are out pal ...... now take a victory lap and give us some donuts!

Could someone post an address where I could send a card?

I want his family to know how highly he was regarded by other fans of the sport/obsession

Chitowncartfreak

04-28-05, 01:07 AM

One of my favorite Railbird posts took place recently. In all the seriousness in the thread discussing the passing of the Pope, Railbird came up with this little jewel.

http://www.offcamber.net/forums/showpost.php?p=93502&postcount=11

Even though I never met Railbird, just hearing the rest of you discuss your personal experiences with him makes me sad. My condolences to all of you in this community who knew him on a pesonal level and are mourning the loss of a close friend. :(

Nick51

04-28-05, 02:57 PM

Any cards, flowers, etc...can be sent to the Brickyard Crossing Resort, c/o The Family of John Gaughan, 4400 West 16th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46222

Walter Zoomie

04-28-05, 03:22 PM

http://img14.echo.cx/img14/6361/railbirdmay20037pl.jpg

Indy, the night before the race, 2003. :D

JoeBob

04-28-05, 03:41 PM

One of my favorite Railbird posts took place recently. In all the seriousness in the thread discussing the passing of the Pope, Railbird came up with this little jewel.

http://www.offcamber.net/forums/showpost.php?p=93502&postcount=11

I loved the semi-related joke in this thread: http://www.offcamber.net/forums/showthread.php?t=6498

Napoleon

04-28-05, 03:55 PM

I loved the semi-related joke in this thread: http://www.offcamber.net/forums/showthread.php?t=6498

Classic!

oddlycalm

04-28-05, 05:20 PM

Classics indeed. Thanks to those that have posted pictures and links to various threads. :thumbup: Many grins, and a profound sense of loss. Keep 'em coming.

oc

SteveH

04-28-05, 08:09 PM

**** I am going to miss him for a long long time

Cam

04-28-05, 09:32 PM

**** I am going to miss him for a long long time

As much as I hate "Me too" posts........ Me too! :(

pfc_m_drake

04-28-05, 09:35 PM

RaceGrrl

04-28-05, 11:27 PM

I'm with ya, Steve and Cam... When I read the Chrissypaldi thread, I was thinking, "wonder what 'bird would say about this." This forum will miss him terribly. :(

Chitowncartfreak

04-28-05, 11:35 PM

I loved the semi-related joke in this thread: http://www.offcamber.net/forums/showthread.php?t=6498

I hadn't seen that one before - hilarious! :rofl:

Lizzerd

04-29-05, 01:39 AM

I always liked the fact that his 'bar room rumors' often had more truth to them than other people's facts.

That, and when he'd bust out and call somebody 'RaceFan' in a post. Sometimes he was being sarcastic, sometimes he wasn't...but it was always classic.

You're right about that, pfc.

He knew of lot of insiders, and I'm anxious to see who will be at the service Saturday.

I was also gonna post something about the "race fan" thing. That was always his typical in-person greeting, with his right hand extended and a big smile on his face. The eye twinkle was always there, too. I'm proud to have recieved the "race fan" greeting and hearty handshake on many occcasions. I'll miss them.

JoeBob

04-29-05, 04:01 PM

Here's a tribute from one insider (Tim Wardrop) who won't be able to attend because he's over in Japan with the IRL.

http://www.trackforum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=57843

Greeting's track forum citizens.

Just a word on the passing of my good friend John Gaughan. A man I respected not only for his love of autoracing, but his genuine warmth and affable nature.

I have known John "aka Railbird" for the past five years. In my line of work I have met alot of charactors, and John was a giant!

I will greatly miss our conversation's on the goings on not only in racing, but the Westside and Indianapolis in general. He made being a "Hoosier" quite a good time really.

He embodied trust, friendship and respect from everyone who crossed his path.

I am saddened by his passing, and obviously unable to attend Saturday's memorial service. My work does not afford a normal schedule! I will hoist a Miller High Life at the Flagroom upon my arival home from Japan in his honor.

To his beloved wife Sue, his son Nick and daughter in law Martina, I send my sympathy. I shall also visit with you soon.

regards

Tim Wardrop (aka insider)

PS - As I am computerless at Montegi, I gave permission for 2db and Ziggy to post this

nrc

04-30-05, 05:01 PM

I keep chuckling at the thought of a couple of Railbird classics. Of course there was the oft-used "If you want loyalty buy a dog." Then there was "Does that air gap between your ears make a popping sound?"

Cheers Railbird!

cart7

04-30-05, 09:43 PM

John made RM's latest at Speed, here's the link.

Mention of Railbirds passing in RM's Speed piece. (http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/roadracing/16577/) :thumbup:

Nice touch Robin.

dando

04-30-05, 09:52 PM

Nice touch Robin.

:thumbup:

-Kevin

Ankf00

04-30-05, 09:58 PM

how do you properly pronounce 'bird's surname?

Sean O'Gorman

04-30-05, 10:25 PM

I'm assuming it is pronounced "gone", like the NASCAR driver with the same name.

Spicoli

04-30-05, 11:14 PM

I'm assuming it is pronounced "gone", like the NASCAR driver with the same name.

yes.

rabbit

05-01-05, 01:12 AM

John made RM's latest at Speed, here's the link.

Mention of Railbirds passing in RM's Speed piece. (http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/roadracing/16577/) :thumbup:

Nice touch Robin.
:thumbup:

Kiwifan

05-01-05, 06:30 AM

Thank you Robin, we appreciate your thoughts. :thumbup:

Rusty.

IndyDuq

05-01-05, 11:00 PM

Nice bit by Robin but John would have only turned 55 this May.

Winston Wolfe

05-01-05, 11:34 PM

"he bled black and white"..... nice words, Robin !!!! :thumbup:

'bird was a good one. Hard to believe he's gone :thumbup: