[Cameron_Talley]

I don't post here too often, but if you're an old-timer you might know me. On March 6th, I killed my 1998 NB, Tommy.

I was coming home from a wedding. It was dark, and I was going 70mph. Hit a piece of wood and WHAM. Stopped the car. Didn't see any immediate damage. Started driving again and the oil light started flashing. I pulled off to the side of the road and cut the engine. To make a very long story short, I didn't stop it fast enough. Cracked the oil pan and the motor is dead. Replacement is out of the question. The car is 11.5 years old and has 110k on it. A motor replacement would be more than the value of the car.

Somewhere along the line I lost the rear backup light, too. My mechanic says that there were splinters all over the bottom of the car. Stupid piece of wood.

Am I bummed? You bet I am. I still feel bad about the whole thing but I just have to chalk it up to fate. Working on getting a New NB, hopefully before Tail of the Dragon. (I'll be at the Dragon one way or another, have no fear!) My main concern right now is getting my BRM wheels off before they haul him away!

I have to admit I'm a little excited about the prospect of getting a new NB. My Mom has been through three of them, and many of you that I know have been through multiple NBs, too.

I swore I would keep my car forever, but 'twas not to be. Tommy took me through high school, College, and nearly 4 years of "post-college" life. And damn if I'm not going to miss him....So raise a glass and let's have a moment of silence for the best car ever.