Author Topic: reliving the epic 2013 Stampede (Read 15873 times)

Norman Bagi · « **on:** August 07, 2013, 04:16:06 PM »

Well another Stampede was a huge sucess. 3 major televison news crews, 4 newspapers including the Chicago Tribune. We visited the American Pickers ( that place was smalled than it looks on TV! unlike Frank!) We visited the Mississippi distillery, very enlightening, very American, and some of the best samples ever, I went home with some product and will be buying this stuff online when stores get low, it was that good. The John Deere museum was a nice time to stretch the legs and see some cool farm and logging equipment, along with the storied history. Then it was on to the Snake Road in Burlington. Sorry San Francisco, Burlington holds the title of crookedest road, Ripley's went to both and felt Lombard street was stretched out more thus making Snake Road the title holder. Anyway the Stampede has a firt here, out own Scott Hamilton got split up from us and ended up driving up the wrong way on this one way street. The head of the Burlington tourist and information beurea never saw this happen, Scott you madman! We then went down to Gateway Motorsports Park, we ran on the road course but unfortunately the rain came and the drag racing was cancelled. This was unfortunate for the Wounded Warrior Project since this was going to be our fundraiser. But Jim Madison and Cookieboy have ensured we will go well over our $5, 000 goal. The cloudy, drizzly weather otherwise was a blessing, it was cool amd the cars ran great, August heading south on the Mississippi could have been like a drive through hell, it was very nice.The end of the trip brought us to Memphis International Raceway, we arrived and became part of the opening ceremonies of the ADRL finals. We entered through the tunnel to the cheers of thousands, while they described over the PA system what we did. They parked us along side the drag strip in front of the crowd. Cookieboy dawned the horse head mask and jumped on the roof of the Wounded Pinto and whipped the crowd into a frenzy! It was epic! The next morning we went back and were treated to 36 laps around Memphis Oval track, yes I said 36 laps! The final 16 we almost as fast as we could handle without being in an unsafe condition. Thanks to Pam Hendrick and everyone at Memphis! There is truly nothing like a Stampede! Thanks to the team, the press, the participants, the hosts and all the work behind the scenes making this such a special road rally.

Norman Bagi · « **Reply #1 on:** August 07, 2013, 04:24:00 PM »

So many things I am going to have left out, I needed to share this one. I was driving two from the back of the pack, Tommy Saunders behind me and Scott Hamilton behind him. I hear screaching tires, I looked into the side view in time to see a Blazer rear end a van. The van was making a turn and the Blazer was looking at the Pinto's, and bam! And then Scott's car came unscathed out of the frey. He later described the sounds of the crash. Numerous cars wittnessed it from behind and we had no way of notifying the Pinto's ahead so we went on to the next stop. Scott looked a little shaken up. We hope no one was hurt, and thankfully none of the Pinto's were injured.

flash041 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 07, 2013, 09:26:16 PM »

Norm do you remember what town that was near? I would like to do a search and see if I could find any reporting on it
Lots of stories for sure. One of mine is.. Sunday morning I left the hotel to drive through Mc Donalds to get someting to eat before we did our laps. I ordered and pulled up to the window to pay. The young man at the window looked at my car and said " yall coming out to the race track again today"?

Norman Bagi · « **Reply #3 on:** August 07, 2013, 09:41:08 PM »

Dave, I am thinking that was day 1 before we got to Burlington, so I am guessing Mommoth Illinois was the closest town.

dga57 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 08, 2013, 12:04:20 AM »

I'm so glad to hear the Stampede went well and that everyone came through it safely! It sounds like that was a close call for Scott with that accident! What an adventure! I can't wait to hear what Norm has in store for the next one because I'm planning to be there for Stampede 2014. In 2011, my mother's declining health prevented me from getting my Pinto ready in time for the trip. I did manage to join the group (albeit Pinto-less) at the Flight 93 Memorial and drive the final stretch into Carlisle with them. Even that was a thrill, although it would have been much better if I could have taken my Pinto. By the 2012 Stampede, my mother's death had left me to continue alone as caregiver for my terminally ill sister. Doctor's estimated in August of 2012 that she would probably only live four to six weeks, but she surprised everyone and held on a lot longer than expected. Earlier this year I sold my Pinto sedan project that just never quite got off the ground and replaced it with a VERY nice, VERY original 1972 Pinto Squire wagon. I wanted to be ready to jump on the Stampede bandwagon if the opportunity presented itself. I explained to Norm how badly I wanted to go, but that I couldn't commit to it under the circumstances. As it turned out, my sister finally passed away on July 19th. At that point, it was just too late to make this year's Stampede. So anyway, the plan now is to make the 2014 Stampede. I'm excited already and I have no idea what/where Norm has in mind! I have plenty of time to go over the Squire completely to make sure she's tip-worthy (although I drove her several hundred miles home when I bought her - can't be too careful) and my wife is totally on board with the idea! Can't wait!!!
Dwayne

Norman Bagi · « **Reply #5 on:** August 08, 2013, 10:12:38 AM »

That was one set of circumstances. Sorry you had to deal with all that. Shoot me an email at bosspinto@pintostampede.com with all your information and I will keep you in the loop on any plans for next year.

Norman Bagi · « **Reply #6 on:** August 08, 2013, 10:34:40 AM »

Another story I need to share. In 2011 Richard Metcalf donated a pinto watch and Jim Madison raffled it off, they raised over $500 for the Flight 93 memorial while we were there. When we were getting ready to start the cars and begin this years Stampede, Richard pulled out a document and began to read it.
Dear Pinto Stampede,
In recognition of your very generous contribution we are proud to acknowledge you as a founding member of the Flight 93 memorial. Your name will be inscribed on the founding members section of the memorial in recognition of your support.
We are also pleased to enclose you flight 93 Natioanl America Flag. As you certificate of authenticity states, this flag has been flown over the final resting place of the 40 Heroes of Flight 93 who gave the ultimate sacrifice for thier country by thwarting an attack on the nations capital on September 11, 2001.
I cannot thank you enough for your generous support of our efforts. With patriotic supporters like you, we made our goal of dedicating the memorial by the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001. Your flag and the Flight 93 National Memorial will preserve the memory of the passengers and crew of Flight 93 and ensure the people of the world know the significance of thier actions for generations to come.
Thank you again for your generous support to this historic endeavor. Your gift truly made a difference.
Tom Ridge
National honorary co-chair
Flight 93 National Memorial

After reading this, Richard presented me with the flag and paperwork. I still get choked up thinking about it. With tearfilled eyes, I got into my Pinto and we began our Stampede. This will have a special wooden display case made and it will hang in a place of honor in my home. This Stampede has become so much more than just a drive. Funny how with all the planning, I always feel like this will be the last one, I feel tired and stressed, then we get together and I cannot wait for the next one........... .... See you all in 2014!

DreamBean · « **Reply #7 on:** August 08, 2013, 06:31:27 PM »

Once again, THANK YOU Norm. We had Fun.

Cookieboystoys · « **Reply #8 on:** August 08, 2013, 07:20:38 PM »

Seriously... that Stampede is one of the best things a pinto person can do and be a part of. Epic rides, unforgettable memories, great stops, race tracks and of course the best part is getting to meet the people behind the names and avatars. Thank You Norm! what you have started... I hope goes on and on and I get to join another.

did I mention the race tracks ? ? ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oseISViOgT8

flash041 · « **Reply #9 on:** August 08, 2013, 09:41:10 PM »

One of our unplanned stops was the Trail of Tears State Park in Missouri . We stopped by the visitors center and after hearing we were driving Ford Pinto one of the workers got really excited and grabbed her camera. She mentioned that just two weeks before a group of Vegas stopped by. What are the odds?? We talked Pinto with her and then proceded through the park to a lookout overlookng the Mississippi River. Along the drive to the lookout Richard's clutch over heated and we all had to push him up one of the hills.It cooled off and he was good to go.

dga57 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 08, 2013, 11:43:04 PM »

I was there in 2011 when that money was raised by raffling the Pinto watch so I find that letter of recognition especially touching! The Pinto Stampede really does make a difference!
Dwayne

71HANTO · « **Reply #11 on:** August 09, 2013, 11:14:35 AM »

The 2011 Stampede was the trip of a lifetime with many great memories. I won that watch in the raffle with borrowed cash from my son (I found out 40 miles into the 6000 round trip that my bank accounts had been compormised so the bank froze all my accounts except one credit card). My son was a little bummed I won the watch with HIS money! Long story short, he got his money back AND the watch for Xmas. I had no idea of the back story on the watch. I am proud to have been a part of it...Thanks Norm.

71HANTO

flash041 · « **Reply #12 on:** August 09, 2013, 04:08:28 PM »

We really lucked out on the weather. Today in Memphis the heat index is 104 -108 !!

Norman Bagi · « **Reply #13 on:** August 09, 2013, 09:42:42 PM »

My favorite part of that video by far comes at 11:37 when Cookieboy becomes a Pinto!

pinto21 · « **Reply #14 on:** August 10, 2013, 09:25:21 AM »

Appreciate everyone who could make another stampede, nothing like it,had a great time,still pumped from the trip.
Hope everyone is operational next year and keep their Pinto's running.Keepin g you all in our prayers,take care hope to see you next year. Wayne

DreamBean · « **Reply #15 on:** August 10, 2013, 03:24:24 PM »

Where are my Manners, Thanks Jim and Doreen For hosting the Pre-Stampede Party. I wish I could have made it to celebrate with everyone. But I did have an Awesome time seeing everyone again. (And the Wounded Pinto)

Scott Hamilton · « **Reply #16 on:** August 11, 2013, 11:06:42 AM »

Had a fantastic time on the Stampede- working on my own RPCD (thanks Tommy!) now that I'm back... Absolutely thrilled to participate in the Stampede.

Had a little car trouble not 2 hours after we all broke up at the Memphis Speedway. Just outside Cornth MS on the very last leg of the journey, she died on me. Turned out to be an accelerator pump diaphragm in the carb. To those on the trip- I had almost every part I would need in case of a break down but did not bring any carb parts. Spent the night in Cornth and my wife drove up a replacement carb from my parts shelves the next day. Since I used a towing service/shop- they offered to get her back on the road for me and we went home. She was ready to pickup later on in the week. Drove back to Cornth on Friday the 9th and drove her back. She's be ridden hard and put away wet but still cooking! I'll be bringing a parts carb on the next trip! - You betcha!

Richard and I have been emailing back in forth- he had a little trouble too. He has his in a shop in Canada currenlty- have not heard the diagnoses yet... The older models on the Stampede all had issues except for Burford's and Tony's... (Love Tony's Red Wagon!

Brian cracked me up- Dawning the horse mask and dancing on his 'Wounded Pinto' in front of the drag racing crowd. I have never been to a drag race track- I was literally floored when the racers spun up and reset for the race- then I was freaked at the run.. it was unbelievable! Richard and I carried on a conversation during the racing and it became 'normal' to stop, wait for the noise to subside, and the pickup where we left off. It's a different culture for sure. Brent showed up at the race track with his wonderful Pinto- something we can aspire to build.

I really enjoyed the driving with all the other cars on all the country roads, meeting old friend and making new, and making memories for my Son he will have with him his entire life. Yup, I did drive the wrong way on Snake Alley- got separated from the group- punched in the address of our next stop from the Stampede Packet on my GPS and made my way there. Norm saw me drive by at the bottom and called and said 'Come up' we are at the top... I did not even know what the Snake Alley was at this point- was thinking it was some kind of museum and the snake ally sign we parked across the street was the way in. Ethan and I got back in our car and I pointed the car toward the road and got the surprise of my life. I was in first gear working the steering wheel back in forth and to my amazement- they entire Stampede crowd was standing on the railing watching us. I remember thinking that they must have had a hard time driving up this road to get to the museum too- I still did not know that the road itself was the attraction. Not until Jim told me to stop at the 'entrance' to take my picture did I realize I had committed a fopah. Yea, it was an oops- one of these stories you just can't make up.

Thanks to Norm for all the planning, Jim, Dave, John, Wayne, Richard, Brian, Brent, Buford, Terry, Tommy(Ohio), Tommy(SC) and all the Stampeder's and especially Toby- for keeping my son occupied on several occasions. Hope He has recovered from all the beef jerky Ethan Fed him.

Forgive me if I have neglected anyone- it was hard to keep up with all the cool things Norm had us doing.
I would ride with any of you again!
God Bless all...

dga57 · « **Reply #17 on:** August 11, 2013, 11:12:44 AM »

Look at it this way, Scott... you're probably one of the few people who have ever seen the view driving UP the hill!
Dwayne

Norman Bagi · « **Reply #18 on:** August 11, 2013, 07:36:45 PM »

Here is Richards story after he left.

Along with the gear problem ( he had trouble with reverse not working and getting into gear) I had two cylinders go out on me from Chicago up. So, as long as I could be in 3rd and 4th gears and travel over 50 it seemed to run well. Under that I lost power and acceleration . In Low gear the engine just died so tried not to make too many stops coming home. It was a somewhat tense 9 hour drive. RYSCAR is in the garage and the head is out. It may be valves. Hopefully not a cracked head. I’ll know tomorrow where we go from here on it.

Thankfully the Pinto made it home, not bad for a 40+ year old car. Richard, thanks for bringing Ryscar and Ryscar thanks for bringing Richard home.

flash041 · « **Reply #19 on:** August 13, 2013, 08:21:25 PM »

Message from Richard today is he is dropping the head off at a machine shop. Hopes to have RYSCAR back on the road in September.
Another unplanned sop. After having lunch in Sikeston Mo we did a quick, and I mean QUICK , photo op at a Veterans Park.

flash041 · « **Reply #20 on:** August 20, 2013, 03:41:55 PM »

" Horseing around" at Gateway Motorsports Park.

flash041 · « **Reply #21 on:** August 21, 2013, 08:44:27 PM »

Norm,his mom Beverly, Richard , my wife Donna and I visited Graceland while in Memphis. It was well worth it!! On the way home I realized that may car was built the day before Elvis died. Maybe he is riding along with me.?

dga57 · « **Reply #22 on:** August 21, 2013, 11:41:41 PM »

Quote from: flash041 on August 21, 2013, 08:44:27 PM

Norm,his mom Beverly, Richard , my wife Donna and I visited Graceland while in Memphis. It was well worth it!! On the way home I realized that may car was built the day before Elvis died. Maybe he is riding along with me.?

Did you check out the car museum while you were there? I love Graceland with all it's funky/tacky decor. My favorite room is the one with the jungle theme! Wow!

Dwayne

flash041 · « **Reply #23 on:** August 23, 2013, 03:29:50 PM »

Yep we checked out the cars also. Before he died Elvis had the kitchen remodeled "state of the art" at the time which included a Harvest Gold Refrigarator! Here is his Pink Caddy and Lisa Marie Jet.

flash041 · « **Reply #24 on:** August 25, 2013, 08:22:53 PM »

John and Eathan at the Memphis Drag strip. Damm those cars are LOUD!

Scott Hamilton · « **Reply #25 on:** August 25, 2013, 09:45:58 PM »

Ha! We were all doing that....

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Author Topic: reliving the epic 2013 Stampede (Read 15873 times)