Hi Thomas & Chris,
Just another 'Lurker' checking in from Michigan. I've been reading this thread for months (mostly during lunchtime at work) and I finally 'caught up'. I've been wanting to compliment and thank you since the early pages, but I felt the need to wait until I was current. I share many of your interests, such as drag racing (have attended NHRA events at Las Vegas, Norwalk, Joliet, and Pomona), old tools (who doesn't like old tools???), old Chevys (currently have a 62 Impala, 55 Bel Air wagon, 57 Bel Air 2-door hardtop project, and a 59 Corvette), all things mechanical, etc, etc. Heck, I even 'clock' my screws whenever possible, and foolishly believed I was the only one that suffered from this behavior...
Your attention to detail, in combination with your patience and obvious mechanical skills set you apart from the vast majority of the population. I would be remiss if I didn't also compliment and thank Chris for her many contributions to this thread. You are certainly lucky to have found someone as supportive and energetic as her to spend your life with. And no Chris, I wasn't trying to get special consideration during grading of the upcoming test!! (unless, of course you feel that would be appropriate...

).
Like so many others who follow this thread, I find the work you do restoring the shop and it's contents very inspirational. Your gesture of donating the intake manifold put a serious lump in my throat. That was a true class act.
I enjoyed following the Walker Jack restoration so much, I've been watching Craigslist in case a nice one turns up for sale in my area. During my search, I found a very old model for sale in California. It's from the 20's, which may be a bit too old for your use, but very cool none the less. Here's the link:
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/tls/2512189315.html
I'd like to be able to watch you race at one of the Michigan tracks, hopefully yet this year. Please refresh my memory on the dates you are running. If I'm able to make it, I'd love to meet you in person and shake your hand. After reading this whole thread, I strangely feel as if I already know you...
Best Regards, John