One week ago today, Memorial Day, I was on the road. I stopped to get gas in Shamrock, Texas
When I got back in my 05 Corvette Red Racer,
the DIC (an appropriate name for the display) told me “low on oil.” I checked it out and sure enough I was a full
qt low. I immediately became a hater of
those measuring pumps that they use to add oil from 50 gal drums because I had
just had the oil changed before leaving on the trip.
So, back inside the station to ask for some Mobile 1. Sorry,
they said, you might try the ACE down the street. Off I go but they don’t have any either. This went on for several stops and I finally
ended up at a Conoco station. They didn’t
have any either so I stood in line so I could ask the attendant where I could
get some synthetic oil, preferably Mobile One in Shamrock, Tx on a
holiday. He gave me the now familiar
head shake and said he didn’t think I could find any unless I headed on to Amarillo
I was just about to PANIC when to my
surprise, the guy in line behind me joins in with “I got some in my trailer.” I followed him out.
On the side of his trailer the logo said
“Friends of Steve McQueen.” In the SUV
pulling the toy hauler , sat a patient wife and family. The guy opens the trailer’s side door, then a
cabinet, and pulls out just the oil I need.
He wouldn’t take any money but I forced him to take ten bucks
anyway. Then we discussed the season
finale of Alcatraz where they recreated the
Bullitt chase.
He and his family drove
away while I poured the oil in the Red Racer.
I gave a hearty waive and they all waived back.
Back in the cockpit and the DIC was no longer
on. I got back on the road wishing I had
got his name and an email. I realized
that I’ve always been a fan of Steve McQueen, but now I am a really big fan of
the Friend’s of Steve McQueen. This guy
was definitely a fantastic representative of the organization as well just a
great guy!
