A Love Letter to Loving Cars

“You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone.”

I can guarantee you that none of us took Ian Stewart for granted, but the heartbreak of an unexpected loss has a way of suddenly putting things into sharper focus.

The hard-won lessons and timeless stories that have been lost with this man’s passing can never be accounted for. They do however, live on distributed among all of us that knew him and in everything we have done because he was a part of our lives. The recent losses of Mike Gin and Bob Sieger loom similarly large. 

Since my first club meeting many years ago, this has always been one of my favorite features of the group – the tribal knowledge, the oral history, the tall tales and true legends that you hear when 3 or more car people meet; some wise advice from a friend who has been there, or the encouragement to take on a challenge despite your doubts – the kind of thing that fades away and is lost when there is no one left to lend an ear or tell the tale.  

This is what we would like to capture here and share for you all to enjoy.

I would never have gotten my Z or gone racing without the help and encouragement of Ian and Scott and many other club members. It has been a pleasure to watch newer club members set off on the same path. If I can harness some of this magic to pass on a smile, a little courage, or some inspiration – it’s the least I can do to pass it on and pay it forward.

It is my sincere hope that you join us, earn your own legend, and become a part of the story.

What follows in this section are ours.

 - Andy K., Group Z

July 2, 2024