Nelson Ledges Chaplain’s Notes  July 2008  LEGACY The new “old” Dodge Challenger has hit the streets, Hemi and all. Chevrolet will follow shortly with the partial retro styling of its new Camaro pony car. Ford was first with its 1967 Fastback inspired styling of the 2005 Mustang. Does anyone else yearn longingly for a new Trans Am Series? These car makers are counting on a large numbers (particularly baby boomers) remembering the great legacy of the Pony Car Era of the late 1960s. Is it really over 40 years ago? Yes, the Mustang celebrates its 45th anniversary this coming model year. Thankfully these new cars drove like the modern machines. The memories of the originals are better than the way they drove. That’s why Resto Mod is becoming so popular. This involves using modern running gear in the restoration of collectable cars. Legacy has always been a big part of the automotive landscape. BMW has the kidney shaped grill and Cadillac the thin vertical taillights. Teams and drivers leave legacies. Derrick Walker form his own team after working under Roger Penske and Hurley Haywood was brought along by Peter Gregg. The positive influences have allowed them to succeed. History can also have a hard side. Right now the GM, Ford, and Chrysler are struggling because of the great legacy costs they have. GM has over 60,000 retirees just in Ohio. Paying their retirement and some of the health care is a huge cost. What about your legacy? My father Ralph Gray enjoys genealogy and has over 1,700 names in his charts. He has traced his side of the family back to the 1400s and my mother’s to the 1700s. All those who came before me had some influence on who I have become. Does it surprise you there are some pastors on my family tree? Who I am has influenced my sons and any future children they may have. You have a legacy, too. Whether it is your family, your friends, or your racing family, you have the chance to influence many others for His good.  The average person knows 250 people well enough to potentially attend their funeral. Your impact goes beyond what you can know. May your positive legacy far outlive you. God Bless, Chaplain Gray    chapnlrc@aol.com