I have had a male influence in my life since I was a young girl in elementary school. Our relationship began when he started dating my mom. He was always willing to help with our cars, doing the maintenance on them so we didn’t have to go to a shop. When I was sixteen and driving, I remember my brakes began squealing and him coming to my rescue. I took my car to his house he changed my brakes and rotors and had me back on the road. This was just one example of the repairs and maintenance he helped me with. He also educated me on what he was doing and helped develop my knowledge of cars. He rebuilt engines and knew so much about cars.
When I was sixteen, he and my mom were married. I knew that my dad had raced cars when he was younger and that he had wrecked bad in one of them. It left him with a paralyzed left hand along with some other longer-term issues. But this never held him back that I saw. His racing was well before I was even born. I heard some stories but really didn’t understand just what he had done and accomplished through the time he was racing cars.
After I had gone off to college my dad began attending some reunions for car racing. Wow the stories that began to surface and the history that began to come to life have been amazing to learn about.
I would love to share all about who my dad is and the amazing things he did but I think there are other’s that have done it better than I ever could. So please check the links below.
One of the highlights over the years for me was when my family and I were able to attend the ceremony for my dad, Jeep Hampshire when he was inducted into Don Garlits National Drag Race Hall of Fame. In 1964 he was the first person to go over 200mph in a dragster. I am in awe now as I continue to learn about my dad’s adventures in drag racing. I am thankful that I have had him in my life to influence me and help me grow into the person I am today.
Thank You Jeep!
- Tani
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