Robert's Ramblings

Changes at Ashford Hobby 4/2004

Another year of racing is almost over and here in the North East the racing has moved indoors for the time being but there is already talk of 2004 and the Winter Nationals. This has been a trying year around here with increased commitments from work and family taking time from my play and from some of my Ashford Hobby duties. I suspect many of you have much the same issues. I'm sorry about the lack of web site updating but we ship first and do everything else second. With any luck Ashford Hobby will move into a new home in 2004 with more room to expend our inventory and selection. In the mean time I will endeavor to keep the shelves filled with the stuff to keep racers racing.

Out Look for 2003 12/2002

Well it's been a busy year this year. Starting off with racing the Winter Nationals in Fort Myers, FL and ending with the 1/10th Worlds in Cincinnati, Ohio. I have had the opportunity to meet may of the our customers this year in person and that make the miles well worth it. I have seen some fantastic racing in the process so all in all a good year. 2003 plans are to again attend the Winter Nationals in February at Fort Myers, FL and the 1/8th Worlds in Cincinnati, Ohio as well as the Fall Paris race in Las Vegas, NV. Hope to see you all at some of these events in 2003.

The passing of a very special friend. 4/2002

More years ago than I care to remember I attended my first national and I met Ron Paris. Ron was already a legend in racing. Ron and I became good friends and developed a business relationship that continued to this day. I served with Ron on the on-road fuel committee developing future rules for ROAR for years and while we often butted heads over issues we always respected each others convictions. I delayed a long time to write down my feelings about loosing Ron as I really didn't want to deal with the reality of not having any more of our long winded Friday night phone conversations. The other day I came across his name in my email address book and I was quickly over come with the emotions one has when you realize you have lost someone so valuable to you and no email is ever going to reach them. I think that Ronnie's legacy should be one of going out of our way to help our fellow racers, especially the newer less experiences racers because that's what Ronnie would do if he was still with us.

God speed Ronnie

Stop the whining! 4/2001

All right you finally got that new VETEQ you "needed" but now you find out that there are issues with the car? Well suck it up Bunky, you purchased a Lola not a Chevy and you have to accept that when you play on the cutting edge you will sometimes loose some blood. Yes there are things that could be better and yes Serpent is making revisions but you need to remember that Serpent has a history of redefining what we race and what other companies strive for. They will get it right and the changes will find their way to you when Serpent is sure they will be beneficial changes. If you want to find fault with Serpent ask them why they have forgotten to properly support their current cars with critical repair parts while working on this VETEQ/NT project.

Engine and parts shortage 4/2000

This is turning out to be the year of the shortage! We have seen very few Vectors and even less Impacts so far and getting Nova Mega engines is even worse. While it is true that Nova Rossi and Picco are engaged heavily in the .12 business the shortage of car kits is harder to explain. I suggest the boys in Holland should take a lesson from us and stop messing with their web sites and get to work filling orders. If Serpent and Picco don't have cars then Neo and Mugen and HPI do and that is what we will see at the track in 2000.

Why johnny can't run his Serpent! 6/2001

To: Serpent USA Dealers
Ref: SERPENT USA VACATION SCHEDULE

Serpent USA will be closed for its annual vacation starting July 9th and will reopen for business July 23rd. Please plan your order and service requirements accordingly. Note that Monday July 2nd is the deadline for orders to be received that will be processed before our closing. Again, thank you for your continued support of Serpent USA.

Warmest Regards,

From your friends at Serpent USA

Well now isn't that special? Three weeks in the heart of the season without parts? Remember that the Italians go on vacation for a month in August. Must be nice, Golf is looking better all the time.

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Robert's Ramblings