Hi,

I’m new to blogging, but not computers or writing. Email has been my constant companion for almost 25 years. And being a lawyer by training, Corky will tell you I’m not shy when it comes to sharing my thoughts.

Like many of you, I am a Friend of Corky – an FOC.

Where you have known him for years given your mutual love for all things having wheels, I first met Corky while involved in politics. We share similar political and philosophic approaches to life and what is right with our Great Country.

Almost two years ago, Corky asked me to come help him at Coker Tire. I agreed without a moment’s hesitation. You see Corky is one of those guys that sees the bend in the road long before many folks have even thought about it. And not only is he perceptive, he’s a lot of fun to hang out with. So, armed with my computer and a desire to plunge into the world of vintage and collector cars I agreed.

When you work for Corky, you start doing things you never dreamt you would do. For instance, my uncle Hank had rallied and participated in Gymkhanas down near Oklahoma City in the ‘60s and ‘70s in his Datsun 1600 Roadsters. I had always intended to do a rally, but given my jobs and work schedule I never had … until I began working with Corky. Shortly after I started working with him, he told me I needed to get a partner and participate in the Coker Tire Challenge.

I recruited another attorney (yes I know that was risky given our tendency as attorneys to argue, but he was a customer of Corky’s with a ’32 Coupe) and while he drove, I navigated. After the first day, I was hooked. After the second day I was surfing the Web for a car. And on Sunday, we two rookies “Aced” the “Maze” segment. Now I was Committed for Life.

I’m convinced we “Aced” the Maze because of superior computational and navigational skill. Corky’s response was that “Heck, Wes even a blind hog occasionally finds an acorn.”

Last year I helped Corky with the legal aspects of getting the Great Race assets. And along the way I dropped big hints that I wanted to help him in whatever way I could. Corky has taken me up on my request (Who says you can’t always get what you want?) He asked me to help him administer the Great Race.

So, while all of you prepare to compete, I am working with a host of folks pulling together the logistics and behind the scenes efforts. Along the way, I am going to be blogging about our preparations. My hope is that you will see what we are doing behind the scenes to help make sure you have a great time on the Hemmings Motor News Great Race presented by Coker Tire (and my friend Corky).

Like you, all of us are committed car folks. And our goal is to make this a great time for each and every one of you.