DAY NUMBER FIFTEEN
08.30.2008
Tom finally gets up at 3:30 AM to rendezvous with the Colarada contingent.
His late start caused him to be some 60th in line..... But still good enuff for a front line spot.
The smarter of our group stayed in bed.....
A few of the even hardier spent the night.
Doesn't look like a posturepedic!
Dawn breaks as the official panoramic line up begins to take place...
Due dilligence on Tom's part nets the little white hooded Z a front row left berth.
Blaine gets a late start with Carter Lee. As we pass the factory he sees the cars already lined up.
But Carter has a trick up his sleeve........ or make that in his glove box.
No need to worry..................Carter has a guaranteed spot in the front row...
With the official "get out of waiting free" card.
BMW New math.....
Premiun Spot = 9:45 Arrival
Next generation of Bimmerphiles signs on.
After rolling in on his Atlanta Blue Z.
Blaine explains the finer points of design to Dr. Klaus Draeger,
member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Development.
You may see some of Blaine's concepts in Regensburg but he doubts he will get any credit.
Meanwhile, Tom and Josef Kerscher, Preident of BMW Manufacturing, pay attention to the photographer.
Josef, Klaus, Kenn, BMW video guy and a couple from Russian occupied Georgia sign the hood.
Dr. Klaus Draeger's wife and family sign the hood.
The dinner at the factory started off with Ken introducing Klaus Draeger.
Mr Double Talk was in his best form for the evening's entertainment.
It was not all just fun though, as we learned some real life lessons....
Such as:
Did you know that 3 out of 4 Z owners compromise approximately 75% of the entire Z owner population?
Click on the picture above to go to Durwood Fincher's website.
Didn't know we had a gold medalist in our presence.
Way to go Gilligan Coleman...............
This AWOL sailor calls back to his home port as his best girl had to be left behind.
We missed ya Di!
Just like sailors on leave.............they sometimes just get out of control.
Creating the Roadster Bracelet from Carter on Vimeo.
Carter Lee designed and made this 14K gold bracelet to be auctioned off for Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Tom made the opening five hundred dollar bid, but with the spirited bidding was unable to lift his arm again.
Sue and Randy Forbes had the winning bid of $11,500.
Captain Mark and Kathy won the cufflinks at $3000.00
Big thanks Sue, Randy, Mark and Kathy as all money goes to Make A Wish.
The sad note of Homecoming was the production of the last Z4 on Thursday, August 28, 2008.
The car was in attendance for the final banquet.
One of the memorable events was when this young man proposed on stage to his sweetheart and she accepted.
We wondered why Ken, with his Captain's hat, didn't tie the knot right then and there?
First road kill of the last Z.
Tom, trying to make his way out of the factory after dinner, got off track........
No Tom, the restroom is not there.
A parting night shot as we get ready to leave.
The last photo of the last Homecoming.
We depart as the roundel appears to give us a smile and a wink across the Zentrum pond.
Back to the hotel to rest up for a record setting event tomorrow.
DAY 1, DAY 2, DAY 3, DAY 4, DAY 5, DAY 6, DAY 7, DAY 8
DAY 9, DAY 10, DAY 11, DAY 12, DAY 13, DAY 14, DAY 15, DAY 16, DAY 17