ninjaboy311
Zone Head
Posts: 940
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posted January 23, 2011 10:31 AM
 Edited By: ninjaboy311 on 23 Jan 2011 18:45
Adios amigos!!!! I'm outta here!!!
Well, I'll still visit the website every now and then, but as of last Friday, I'm no longer a ZX-14 owner. Heck I'm not even a drag racer anymore...
Throwing in the towel, possibly for good. Tomorrow, we are welcoming my first son to the world. I've had step-daughters in a previous marriage, and my current wife has a 4 year old son, but up until now I never had a child to call my own. This changes my whole outlook on life now. I have a piece of me coming into the world, a new responsibility, and although I could drop dead today, or get struck by lightning tomorrow and die, there's one thing I could do to eliminate a chance of losing my life, and that is to stop drag racing. I've always been a believer that drag racing on the track was safer than riding on the street, and I still do believe that and always will. But there's always going to be that unknown, that 'what-if' scenario that can always happen unexpectedly, taking my life away in a flash. This is the only reason I chose to give up racing. I want to be there to see my son take his first steps, to see him ride his bike for the first time without training wheels, to watch him play high school sports, see him graduate college, and hopefully get to see my grandkids one day.
I've had a racing career that was rather short-lived, ten years to be exact, but a career that I will never forget. I've met some of the greatest people in the world, both online and at the tracks. I've been able to travel across the country and see places I'd never dreamed of seeing in my life. Raced against some of the biggest names in motorcycle drag racing, and won more than my fair share of races, including three AMA Dragbike/Prostar races, two in Atlanta and one in Memphis. I've received vast amounts of motorcycle and racing knowledge from some great people, and was able to pass that information to others in need of it.
My bike is in very good hands, sold it to a racing friend in Texas. I know he will take good care of it, and the bike will take good care of him.
I'll visit often, and if anyone needs help with anything, just send me a PM and I'll try to provide any information I can.
You guys have been truly great on this site. Take care, ride safely, and God Bless!!
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Naarden Speedlinks Sponsored Rider
Schnitz Racing Sponsored Rider
8.74 @ 152 on stock motor and MR9 (Muzzy Powered), 205 lbs suited
   
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LeonidasZX14
Pro
Posts: 1277
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posted January 23, 2011 10:43 AM
Edited By: LeonidasZX14 on 23 Jan 2011 19:10
Pat, I wish you luck with your newborn son. Also, it was very nice meeting you in Valdosta and you are a stand up guy. I wish you the best and hopefully you are able to get another bike once everything settles down a little bit. Hell, by then the ZX20 will be out and you will be able to buy that bad boy.
Chad
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09' ZX14
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kaw-rick
Pro
Posts: 1167
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posted January 23, 2011 10:54 AM
WTF
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06redzx14
Pro
Posts: 1022
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posted January 23, 2011 11:00 AM
congrats on the new born Pat. hopefully we will still see you around the track.
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06 alien head, no flies, PC+hub, 16/45 44 43, air shifter, dry shot
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Shane661
Needs a life
Posts: 11494
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posted January 23, 2011 11:02 AM
Best wishes for you and your family! 
You will be back.... 
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BLK ICE
Pro
we'll leave the light on for u
Posts: 1709
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posted January 23, 2011 11:07 AM
ninjaboy311,
I wish you and your family the best, and thanks for all the contributions you've made to this site.
Sincerely,
BLK ICE
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Fastest Stock Motor, Stock Bodywork, Hand Clutch, N/A Super Heavy Hitter on the Planet!
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Repersenting: BLACK ICE PERFORMANCE and NO QUARTER MOTORSPORTS
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eklipse636
Needs a life
ZX-14
Posts: 6046
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posted January 23, 2011 11:12 AM
I understand Pat. I have my first child of my own due in august, and I debated selling my bike, but I'm going to try and keep it. I don't think I will be able to make every race as I have in the past.
I wish you the best of luck with your family!
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Best: 60ft 1.351 1/8 5.68 mph 123.98 1/4
8.89 mph 151.32
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02zx12rbob
Expert Class
Posts: 496
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posted January 23, 2011 11:12 AM
Congrats on the new edition !
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indynic
Expert Class
Lil Show, Lil Go
Posts: 258
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posted January 23, 2011 11:15 AM
Edited By: indynic on 23 Jan 2011 19:16
I am sad to see this happen. I too, just had my first child. But, that does not mean that I am dead. Nor should I (or anyone else) tip toe around this world thinking it's gonna give you an extra breath. We don't know when our time is up and we can't choose when or how. YOU have acknowledged that.
Obviously, you can ride the wheels off the bike. Hopefully, you are just kinda done with the motorcycle racing for awhile, that's OK. When you get the itch again, don't fight it on the pretense of your child. That is just an excuse. How proud do you think your child would be to see you do what you do?
We (everyone on this site) are a rare breed of human being. What we need to satisfy that portion of the brain is very different than people that are not like us. They simply don't understand. Please do not qualify their reservations.
Sorry I got preachy (kinda a sore spot for me). I've heard enough from uneducated people that should keep their mouths shut. Congratulations on your new child.
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Grinner
Novice Class
Posts: 70
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posted January 23, 2011 11:16 AM
I always thought having a baby was an addition to the family, Ive run bikes through having my four daughters, and now theyre into bikes.......still young though........
Congrats to you and your wife and all the best with the litlle one!
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ninjaboy311
Zone Head
Posts: 940
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posted January 23, 2011 11:41 AM
Edited By: ninjaboy311 on 23 Jan 2011 19:44
Sorry some of you are upset about this. I'm not upset, and I'm not using my child as an excuse to get out.
I'm 35 years old. I've watched all of my family and friends all have children, at the same time I was out racing and enjoying myself, every single weekend. I've put racing ahead of my family at times. I was addicted to it. I've had my fun, but now its time for me to move on, I have new priorities now. I'm not going to let racing tear my family apart. I know that no one can predict their death and how it will happen. Its easy to say well at least he died doing something he loved, but try telling that to my son who will be left without a daddy. Sure he can get another father, but I will always be his daddy, thats something that can't ever be replaced.
Listen guys, I'm not going to sit here and swear that I won't ever get back on a motorcycle. I have my step-son a CRF-50 with training wheels, and I just bought a 4wheeler to ride in the fields with him. Motorsports will always be in the family. Years from now, who knows. But as of right now, my family is my #1 priority. Its something I felt deep down inside I had to do. No one made me or suggested I give it up. Heck my wife is probably the most upset about it. She can't imagine me without my bike and racing. This was my decision, and I hope you guys can respect that.
____________
Naarden Speedlinks Sponsored Rider
Schnitz Racing Sponsored Rider
8.74 @ 152 on stock motor and MR9 (Muzzy Powered), 205 lbs suited
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eklipse636
Needs a life
ZX-14
Posts: 6046
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posted January 23, 2011 11:52 AM
Nothing wrong with those priorities. I deprive my family of time when I'm away racing every weekend.
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Best: 60ft 1.351 1/8 5.68 mph 123.98 1/4
8.89 mph 151.32
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kawasakijockey
Pro
Posts: 1876
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posted January 23, 2011 12:32 PM
Pat, no need to defend yourself. You are performing an act that proves you are not selfish, unlike me or others on this site.
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Get on the shortbus boys 'cause its time to get schooled.
2007 ZX-14
1.38 60ft
9.03 @ 149mph
8.95 @153 small shot n2o
8.68 @160mph 5lbs boost
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smokinZX14
Needs a life
Posts: 10197
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posted January 23, 2011 01:06 PM
Good luck Pat , You will be missed here ..
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Smokin Performance Cycles..
Tampa Bay , FL .. Brocks Performance Dealer ..
Gen 2 ZX14R Best ET 8.43 , Best MPH 164.95
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kaw-rick
Pro
Posts: 1167
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posted January 23, 2011 01:13 PM
I quit also. lol. Local track closed so i said fuck it. too poor to travel. just bought a streetbike now. seems like we all are changing.
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Bently
Needs a life
2012 14r In Blue and no Mods!
Posts: 5428
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posted January 23, 2011 01:25 PM
This is exactly what's going on with me as well right now, not so much the getting hurt part hell that can happen in the morning going to work. Mysister never did anything dangerous in her life and she passed away at 40 from cancer. but My son's 3 right now and loves going to the track but I have an issue being the type that if I have a race bike I feel I need to go out all the time, every friday night, 2 day race weekends etc. I need to get another one and learn how to do other things first then if time allows go to the track when I can. I'm up in the air about puling the plug on buying another 14 right know been thinking about it all week. I feel also if I don't race again next year I let a couple buddies down as we all go in one trailer. just up in the air right noe. It really is an addiction.
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indynic
Expert Class
Lil Show, Lil Go
Posts: 258
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posted January 23, 2011 01:47 PM
NInjaboy I am not trying to attack you, I guess the "there's one thing I could do to eliminate a chance of losing my life, and that is to stop drag racing" kinda just struck a nerve with me.
It sounds like many of you get out to the track a whole lot more than I get to. I might get out to the track once a month. I get out and ride on the street once a week. Wintertime, now its 8* and I have not been on a bike since November. Gettin real itchy though!!!
I definitely understand resetting your priorities if you are gone racing EVERY weekend. Good luck to you.
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LeonidasZX14
Pro
Posts: 1277
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posted January 23, 2011 01:58 PM
Not to JACK your thread Pat but it does not look like you will miss much! It seems like the over the past 6 months the only threads that get any hits and or attention are those talking about silly stuff. I mean if someone posts a thread about neons it gets more hits than a thread about HP #s. Seems like a bunch a squids took over this place. Besides, I have almost worn out my welcome and I can just call the good guys on the phone if I need help.
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09' ZX14
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ninjaboy311
Zone Head
Posts: 940
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posted January 23, 2011 02:13 PM
Its all good everyone. I'm ok with it and that's all that matters....
Here's a little contribution of mine that goes back 10 years, from when I started racing till now.....pics of my bike, pics of friends, pics of people I've met through my travels, pics of others' bikes and just good old times......
RIP Eric Medlen
Eric about to make quickest pass on my bike, 8.69!!!!
____________
Naarden Speedlinks Sponsored Rider
Schnitz Racing Sponsored Rider
8.74 @ 152 on stock motor and MR9 (Muzzy Powered), 205 lbs suited
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Big_T112
Pro
Posts: 1061
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posted January 23, 2011 02:19 PM
It's called " New Daddy" When a man sees his first child comming it changes his life. When you don't have children, even married without children you can always just say F it. But when the responsibility of a child comes along it makes you think. And that's OK means your a good person and your trying to look forward to a long life with your kid. BUT. I have been there and done that. 3 kids of my own. I stayed away for a while. But after a few years I went back. to racing. My kids love to go to the track and watch. Good Luck. It's your choice make the best of it.
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gilberjj
Needs a job
Friend of Fast
Posts: 3196
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posted January 23, 2011 03:32 PM
Good luck pat. I've always valued your input. Sounds lime this decision is well thought out, and there's nothing wrong with being committed to family. Just curious, how long is that Mac arm? Looks like 12" over....
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Red1
Expert Class
Posts: 442
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posted January 23, 2011 05:27 PM
Congratulations Patrick,
I know the decision was not easy but you have your priorities in order and you don't have to explain to anyone. There is no greater joy in life that having and raising children. Cherish and enjoy the time you have with your family because none of us know how long we will have.
God bless you and your family.
Take care and keep in touch every now and then!
Red1
(Mike)
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Red12/Blue14
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eklipse636
Needs a life
ZX-14
Posts: 6046
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posted January 23, 2011 05:38 PM
Thanks for sharing the pics! One thing I regret is not takin enough while having fun.
____________
Best: 60ft 1.351 1/8 5.68 mph 123.98 1/4
8.89 mph 151.32
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dakota9498
Pro
Posts: 1181
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posted January 23, 2011 05:45 PM
Congratulations and good luck. I don't really know you, but I always hate to see a good contributor to this site leave. Congrats again, children do change things, I still race, but it isn't the priority any more.
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2008 ZX14
Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference. ~Mark Twain
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Hellmutt
Needs a job
Posts: 2013
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posted January 24, 2011 07:27 AM
I completely understand your reasoning behind giving it up.........at least for now.
I was in the same boat back in '97 when I became a father - but didn't give up my dirtbikes or streetbike........just kept it in mind when I was riding, it will surely overcome you shortly after birth and have you backing off the throttle when prior times had you pinning it.
But, the future can possibly hold a racing life for the whole family once your boys come of age -- so you never know what will come in the years to follow, but your excitement now will live within you for the rest of your days..........and that is truly a priceless experience. I'll never forget the feeling that day my daughter was born, it definitely hits "home" when it's your own offspring.
Congratulations on your newborn son!!!
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British flying couch with endtables and an orange thumper
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