This is a VERY hard decision I have had to make and one that was made in the best interests of my family, but I am retiring from racing my Pro Outlaw car.

I have been racing for most of my adult life, I grew up in a family that had fast cars and also raced. I went to my first drag strip in 1968 , I was hooked immediately !!!

I learned from my uncles by watching them work on their cars and helping when I could, changed my first clutch when I was 15 years old, heck the transmission weighed more than I did,hahhaha I was very lucky that my hobby turned into my profession ( auto mechanic ) and it never got boring after all those years.

I will still be on the internet like all the other old farts and still will be helping others , just will not own a race car.

I hope you all have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and talk to you soon, Mike McCarthy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJZrEFElU24 

I am sorry to hear this but I know you made the best descision Mike.
You may have more time now with your wife and perhaps you can convince her to do some travel!
It is just one car, and I am sure others will agree, that you have earned the greatest respect
through your willingness to help others, and nothing will ever take that away!

Must have been a hard decision Mike but sometimes you need to make tough decisions. I'm sure you'll keep your hand in somewhere. All the best with whatever your plans are and thanks for your input to our small scene.

Crikey Mike, I hope retirement is all it's cracked up to be.

Thanks for sharing mate, and continue to enjoy the journey.

Matt

Thanks guys for all your wonderful comments. My wife Sue and I will be spending more time together and doing some things we always wanted to do. I want to thank you all for accepting me into your VW family and maybe you might not have as large a group of people but the quality of your people and positive attitudes make you guys some of my favorites. Mike McCarthy

Wow this is big news Mike.... But like all the other guys have said.... You have been a wealth of information and support to the global VW community.... A inspiration and credit to this great past-time of ours..... Long may your successes and input, inspire others to follow your path.

Maybe we'll get to see you and your family at one of our national VW events, with a guest drive to complete the circle!

Merry festive season!

Maybe a trip to Australia in October is on the cards especially to Warwick in Qld!! I hear there is a VW drag meet on around that time lol

Gooday Mike

I believe your never TOO old to race ( maybe the budget wont happen )

so whats happeneing with your car ??

Hi Mike,
I'm sad to hear you are not racing, but I am joyed to know you have the ability to move on to other things in (the way too short) life we all have
I sincerely hope that your wife and yourself have wonderful, fulfilling and happy times together knowing the world wide VW community and fellow racers are grateful for your advice, friendship and supportive of your future direction.
As had been said before, if you ever venture to our beautiful country, I would be honoured to meet you and your wife and help you in any way I can.
Stay well, happy and may you always keep a positive attitude
Regards
Henry

I have to say Mike I have enjoyed your posts, positive comments & info you have shared & of course your youtube clips,

cheers & good luck,
Barry

I will still have a VW , but just a street car . The first VW my wife and I built together was a 1966 Beetle, I have already purchased another 1966 Beetle and we will be recreating our original car. I figured it was fitting to make my last car the same as our first. If you ever go to the SEVWA website ( I am one of the founding members ) you will see my race car as the entry portal . My car originally was built by " Porky " and Keith Bumgarner . They raced it for years then I traded them my dragster for the red car. I dismantled the car and remade it into the car it is now , every nut, bolt, screw and componant has been replaced by me. Most times when someone buys and changes a car from the original the previous owner is upset, in my case Keith liked every change. Keith wants to buy the car back so he will have the first chance. I figured that was the best home I could provide for something I love and has given me so much pleasure. Mike McCarthy