Simon & Garfunkel couldn’t have written a better song when they crooned "like a bridge over troubled waters."

I remember getting that call in late 1997 from a friend telling me that the IHRA was about to go under. This friend was close to the organization and actually worked in the office, so this was no idle rumor – my worst fears had just come to pass. Thunder Valley Dragway, the mothership of the sanctioning body, had just decided to leave the IHRA fold. Of all those years that I had built up memories of the sanctioning body, I think it was this time that I felt the most downtrodden of all. Where was I to go? I had just developed a steady gig working with the IHRA once again, and now I could be completely out of drag racing. In the days to follow I would hear rumblings of things happening behind the scenes, but nothing with merit held in my mind.

Then it happened.

I was sitting in my seat during the annual IHRA Awards Banquet and then it happened. Bill Bader was introduced as the new IHRA President and immediately that brick in my stomach changed into butterflies and the doom and gloom future was replaced by a light at the end of the tunnel.

But, I had been fooled before. Remember that Billy Meyer guy?

When I saw the news last week of Bader’s departure, I felt sad. I realized that his plan and visions had run full course and it was time to pass the torch to the next runner, but I didn’t have to immediately jump for joy. I chose to see the big picture.

I saw a man who was tired and worn out. A man whose health was not as good as it was a little over six years ago when he said he needed "x" amount of growing years and maturing years to make this project work. I believed in his project. I’m not going to say I 100% agreed with every direction, but I believed in the end result.

I think Bader’s departure marks the last of the colorful entertaining sanctioning body presidents, not that his replacement Aaron Polburn isn’t capable of the same. Maybe, just maybe…Bader’s decision to step down is one of his most unselfish decisions ever.

He wanted his bird to soar to heights never imagined and I think Polburn is enough of a dreamer that he can make it work.

I can relate to the dreamer types because I am one myself. The fortunate thing is that everything I’ve dreamed, we’ve managed to make come true. My dream, as many of you know, was to see this magazine grow in a capacity that would make the industry green with envy. In many circles, I think we have succeeded.

But back to that Bader guy. I’m trying to find the right words to contain my ramblings and convey my thoughts to you in this special editorial. He called me to follow-up on our friendship and everything before he left the office. We shed a few tears…even a few chuckles and I had to call him an old whore at least one time. I knew I had to conclude the conversation, as painful as it seemed.

You did right by us Bill and we will always love you for that.

As I walked back into my office after circling the property of CompetitionPlus.com a few times in the midst of the conversation, I realized that my announcement was soon forthcoming as well.

The magic number for this old writer was 96. 96 times I climbed behind the computer to pen numerous commentaries of what was wrong with drag racing and how I felt I could change the world. And, I did in some aspects. Others I failed miserably. However, every time I stepped up to the plate and delivered as best I could, a representation of what this e-zine believed in.

With that said, beginning effectively in issue #102 (November) I will surrender my editorial column to the ever-growing staff, who will implement an editorial committee process. With more names being added to the masthead daily, I think its time to let the soldiers do their jobs.

Ah…and just as Mr. Bader watched his wounded falcon fly gracefully away after repairing its broken wings, I sit back and watch this young bird, known as CompetitionPlus.com, spread its wings and leave the nest.

Look for big things to happen soon. Big, big things.