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Facts
KEEPING A DREAM ALIVE This 1974 Plymouth Duster is owned by Robert Howell from Sucker Creek Reserve. Located on beautiful Manitoulin Island..The car has a1969, 440 motor, with approx. 500 HP. The motor was built by Ray Russiani of Hulton Hills Tires in Georgetown Ont., and is plated for cruising on the streets of Manitoulin. “ IN MEMORY OF MY SON AUSTIN”, are the words written on the back of this car .They mean exactly that. Both Rob and his son Austin shared the love of cars. So Rob made a promise to Austin that when Rob turn 40 yrs old he would buy a muscle car , so Austin and him could go cruising together with Austin’s sister Sheelah. Unfortunately, on December 12,1999 at age 39, Rob and his two children were in a tragic accident. While returning home from a hockey game, Rob hit black ice and lost control, and was hit by another vehicle. Tragically at age 10, Austin died in the accident. Several months after the accident , Rob, was able to keep his promise to his son Austin, and purchased the car. He immediately put a picture of son Austin on the dash. He then had the words” In memory of my son Austin ”painted on the back of the car. Keeping a Dream Alive. Rob is a non-drinker, and a single parent on a budget. So thankfully, with the emotional support of daughter Sheelah , and friends, and the financial support of a few local businesses; Jeff’s taxi, Little Current, Jake’s Home Center in Mindemoya, Tim Horton Donuts in Espanola, one person who wishes to remain anonymous and Lucas Oil Mississauga Ont. Rob was able to join the Show Me The Money Tour 2001.The first year which was a learning experience and basically the beginning of the series, Rob was able to go to all 5 events and ended up a very respectable 10th place against many a seasoned veteran. By now Rob was bitten very badly by not just the drag racing bug, but the friendships he was making on the tour and once again did very well in his second year on the circuit. By now Sheelah who had been traveling with Rob as a crew member was also getting the bug, so a jr. dragster was added to the Owl Racing Team which meant more long nights of work and plenty to do on race day. But this didn't seem to make a difference, in fact it seemed to not only add to the enjoyment but also to the enthusiasm as in Robs Third year he did even better with a 4th.place finish in the tour and the second only to Brian Lingenfelter as the best of the Northern Drivers. With his fourth year under his belt and once again doing very well on the Show Me the Money Tour Rob is looking for big things in his fifth full season on the circuit. There is no question the competition is tougher today than when we started running the tour but we are probably having more fun today than we ever have. Rob is still very fortunate to have the support of some local advertisers and of course the support of his daughter Sheelah who with out a question has turned into a very good Jr. Dragster pilot her self, but then again she had a pretty good teacher. Anyone wishing to contact Rob in regards to advertising, or just to say hello please telephone 1-705-368-3905, or e-mail at hootie@manitoulin.net . |
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