I will be adding to Phil's list, many more people helped out.
Anyone could have jumped in to do something for the 40th, this was not a closed door session, so I want to thank those who helped.
First Brian "Cookieboy" Campbell, who contacted me over a year ago and took over the website and made a huge donation to the Wounded Warrior Project that dwarfed all others. His contributions are immesurable, I have made a life long friend.
My wife Louise who took care of allot of the things I hate, such as the hotel block reservations, arranging my schedule at carlisle and keeping me sane throughout the event.
Scott Hamilton, who backed us up from the start and allowed us use the forum and list the Stampede repeatedly (this may have annoyed some) he also helped with Becky's car and went into the stands to sell raffle tickets. We had some good conversations, and will have allot more.
Rick Marko of Carlisle events (and his staff, especially Valerie) who not only gave us celebrity status, but while he was running everything never hesitated to stop and cater to our needs. Such as when the race Pinto's came out of the "T" building I had a last second idea to get them on the track and film them, he made it happen without any notice. He also sent me an e-mail asking if everyone, including Becky made it home safe, he is one of us!
John Clor of Ford Racing, another contribution that was out of this world. He brought Ford with him and gave the Pinto respect. He got us certificates signed by Edsel Ford the second, 40th Pins and dinner at the parade. John is a Mustang guy, but he was a Pinto guy First. Thanks to him and I am glad to call him a friend.
John Mooney of over the Moon PR, you rock man! Press from coast to coast, TV, newspaper, Radio, I am still getting residual calls on this ride. The Pinto got major props this year thanks to you. You believed in our odd little drive and put some good paying clients on hold to get us great press. Thank You, the next cold one is on me.
To all those who volunteered to help with the raffle, I know I will not be able to name you all, but a few stood out Bill Lockoski who immediately grabbed a handefull of raffle tickets and headed out into the field to guilt people into buying them. My Mom Beverly Murphy who maned the table almost the whole time. Others who also took tickets for sale included, Louise Hart (LTD / PINTO) Scott Hamilton, Cookieboy, Richard Metcalf, and I know others were involved, but I was all over the place and I appologize if I missed you.
Phil and Harley for volunteering to organize the 40th. This was not an appointed role, these men asked for the burden and carried it. We thank you for your help.
Amy, (Phil's Toys) thank you for taking the kids and keeping them safe and occupied so we could work the field.
Louise's Mom Virginia for watching the kids while we went Stampeding, fielding calls for lost people and picking up forgotten items and loose ends before meeting us in carlisle.
Scott and Teeda for stepping in and becoming close friends overnight. For doing the cooking at the tent, for helping round up Stampeders along the way, for having a sense of humor and being good company.
Joe Escobar, you came a long way and as I write this, you still are not home yet. I am proud to call you friend, you did a fabulous job documenting this whole thing. I look forward to what will come of that footage. You sarcastic humor kept me centered, even when i made the occasional wrong turn.
Becky for believing in this trip enough to drive Ruby Red Hot all the way to Pennsylvania from California, you too are not home yet as this is written. God Speed Ruby, you did good!
Jim and Doreen Madison for doing the 50/50 and raffle along the way. Money was raised for the Wounded Warrior Project and we also raised $500 for the flight 93 memorial, this would not have happened without you.
Richard Metcalf for donating the watch for that flight 93 memorial 50/50. RYSCAR came down form Canada to ride with us, thanks.
Dave Young for meeting us and showing us Fort Riley, his Ranchero was a sweet ride, he may be in the next Stampede (did I say that?) his wife is thinking of getting a Pinto.
Ken and crew at Specs in Topeka for the warm reception, the donation, the press and an awesome 3lb. Burger.
Kansas Speedway and Jodi Esely who arranged for us to drive and lead us around the track. You guys rule!
Brace and Charlene Feldbush, Thanks for taking the time to talk with us, we shed a few tears, I know I did. We will be doing more to help in the future, I am sure of it. May God Bless you and your son and all those you work so hard to help.
Aaron and Jim, your presence at Carlisle inspired allot of us. Thanks for coming down, we hope to see you next year and for years to come. Jim, I hope that knee gets better soon, good luck with the operation.
Brian and Anita (NoForkin) for having a nice cold beer waiting for all of us at carlisle. For helping me understand what i was up against from the start and for helping out with everything, like when I got the call that Tom Cogars Pinto was stranded outside the gates, you shot into action with a bunch of the guys and brought him back in. Congrats on the double award, you deserve it.
Bill Reiney for changing that timing belt when we got in, we were a little tired from the trip. That gave us a little time to have a cold one, I know Rod was appreciative.
Marianne Tellor, for the T-shirst, the cold drinks and the warm welcome at the St. louis Arch. I wish we had more time to speak, but things on this trip moved fast. You made us feel at home, Thank You.
Pintony, Thanks for meeting with the people at the Arch and arraning our visit, for making the changes when the first location got flooded and for meeting us outside St. Louis and bringing us in. Oh and thanks for the constant weather updates as we made our way toward Denver, we knew what to expect.
James Brockert, thanks for helping with the raffle in Denver. It has been many years, you have a beautiful family and it was nice seeing that Maverick again.
Monica Belofrd, thanks for helping at the Wings over the Rockies kick off, awesome job.
To the husband and wife who run the Wonder Tower (sorry I do not have your names) thanks for the laughs, that place is awesome.
Too all those who rode with us on the Stampede, thanks for your patience (once again, as I took the occassional wrong turn) your cooperation and for your help.
If I forgot you, and I know when I send this someone or many of you will come to mind. Thank You.
Many have asked me if we will do this again. My response was mostly a stressed look. I don't know if we ever could repeat what happened. The first is always one for the books, but I am not discounting another Pinto Stampede. For now, the Ponies need some well deserved rest, we put them away tired and wet.