Michigan Turn Marshals Newsletter
July - October 2001 (page 2)

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Changes, Changes, Changes

Please remember to send all address and Email changes to Willy Perez at wilperez@corecomm.net or to Dick Coburn at thecoburns@home.com

It is imperative that you check the MTM Calendar to ensure you have the correct dates and locations for the events in which you want to participate. As per usual scheduling may be in a state of flux. Double check at http://www.michiganturnmarshals.org

Also check out Dayle’s own race car team site at http://www.woundedturtleracing.org Cheer him on as he races his newly acquired #85 HP

Another MTM member goes racing

 Nathan Drummond hasn’t been on a corner this year. He writes he has a new job (at Robert Bosch Corp) and is just starting to race his new 125cc shifter kart. He has always dreamt of an open-wheel program, but karting is all his budget will bear.

The loss of Ralph W. Ridge III at Grattan

[as reported in the June email MTM update]

A number of MTM members were at Grattan at the passing of Ralph W. Ridge III of Grosse Ile, the FV driver. An examination has revealed that Ralph died of a heart attack, which in turn caused his incident, May 26, during the SCCA Club Racing double regional at Grattan Raceway. In tribute, the FV drivers granted Ralph the win.

Martin Waalkes, a psychologist was on hand to provide debriefing for F&C members. Martin is now a driver of an SRF but has also been an MTM corner worker. He also provided follow-up with several responders. Verne Wandell, F&C Chief of West Michigan Region also did follow-up calls. We thank Martin and Verne for their efforts on behalf of the F&C family.

 Kent Williamson, Executive Steward, shared what he knew on Sunday morning with all the F&C people and the limited information was provided as an update to those who inquired while referring all other questions to SCCA in Denver.

 Nancy Schilke wrote the story for Motorsport.com 

 Our thoughts are with the family and the corner workers.

1000 Kilometers of GingerMan 
(update just in)

Thanks for the bandwidth; I hope to see you all at GingerMan on the weekend of September 15th and 16th.
Jeremy Sutton
Race Chairman - 1000 Kilometers of Gingerman
Jsutto13@ford.com

Welcome New MTM Members

A Marshal’s Eulogy for Ralph Ridge III

"Don't go anywhere. Someone's coming to help you."

I squatted there listening to labored, bubbling breaths. Where is the ambulance? Quiz called for that before he described the incident.

"He's having a hard time breathing." Hands reach down and flip up a helmet visor. I see life fading from beautiful golden eyes. "He's not breathing." Where is the ambulance!? I KNOW we can't remove his helmet and that the ambulance will be here any second.

Seconds tick on in eternity while I peel the Velcro back on a limp driving glove. Skin is still warm but it's a false relaxation. "He's got no pulse."

Eternity is over. I stride to the ambulance and calmly tell the driver, "He's not breathing. He's got no pulse. He needs advanced life."

My job is done.

Where is the God who gave power to heal? Why can't I have that power? Be healed. Rise and walk! Instead, I push a broom to move detritus off a slab of asphalt in the hope that two ambulance crews, assorted EMS personnel and a doctor can find a reason to call in a Medivac helicopter.

I am only a spectator as a Formula Vee reaches terminal velocity at the Armco at pit-in.

I've been training for five years so that I would respond promptly and efficiently to "incidents". No matter how serious they are. I did my job, but it was not enough. I will be back at the station until I am too decrepit. I will do my job because I am a corner worker. I love flagging, communicating and chasing cars. I was a dog in my last life.

This is the happiest day of my life. I've got a ring to prove it. But my joy and hard effort are no solace when you've only had your husband for three weeks and he dies at a race track.

Ralph, you, your wife, family and friends will be in my thoughts and prayer for a long time to come. I hope you lived life to its fullest. More importantly, I hope you were satisfied and had no regrets.

MaryBeth Seibert

Sharing Lives Together

MaryBeth Seibert and Jason Guylay were officially engaged at the Grattan event. Yes, he did get down on his knee and propose at the Saturday morning F&C meeting. We wish them the best. Congratulations may be sent to MaryBeth Siebert MBSiebert@wi.rr.com  and Jason Gyulay jgyulay@wi.rr.com 

 News on potential membership growth

 First, Mindy and I have bought our first home. We are now living in Roseville, about 2 miles from where I work. It's a starter house, and needs some TLC, but I love a good challenge and have had a lot of fun learning about what I can and can't do with my skills. I'll keep you informed of my progress!!
 
Second, Mindy and I are expecting our first child in January 2002!! The future Mom is doing fine, although mornings have a new meaning for her. The future Dad is nervous as all Hell, but I am sure I'll be fine in about 25 years!! (Actually, I really am looking forward to this!)
 
I have so much to do before we grow as a family that racing will have to take a back seat for a while. But, my racing "family" will always be on my mind.
 
Take care--------and duck early and often!!!

Bill Edwards
William and Mindy Edwards II
18559 Mesle
Roseville Mi 48066

810-779-4192
william_d_edwards_ii@hotmail.com 

Maureen Oubre’s new email mande.oubre@prodigy.net

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