Fast Cars & Old Friends
This story starts many years ago, at least 8 and maybe even as far as 10. I had met Rick a few times at car shows but mostly knew him through the internet. I have always loved his car and wanted to get a stand-alone shoot with him. As happens so many times with adult car enthusiasts, we were never available at the same time. The even greater tragedy is, come to find out, we live about 2 miles as the crow flies from each other. That’s why when I saw his Vette parked at the Eva Frontier Days Car Show I knew now had to be the time. I may not get this chance again for years, so I messaged Rick with a picture of his car and said we have to do a shoot today before you leave. As many of my photographer friends know, shooting at 2 p.m. on a sunny day at the end of summer is not ideal for stellar pictures. I didn’t care, we had to do this NOW.
I am so beyond happy that I did as this car is a masterpiece.
Why The C6 Z06?
I asked Rick why he chose this car, he said: “I’ve always wanted a vette. I told my grandmother when I was in boot camp that, I would build one and also, it was a life-saving thing for me because I probably wouldn’t be here today if I hadn’t got it. I wasn’t living a good life and, needed to change my ways for the better. I bought the car in Norman, Oklahoma bank in 2013 I believe. I sold my C5 vette to get my C6 Z06 now.” Speaking on behalf of all of RoadBlitz, we are glad Rick chose to conquer his demons with sheer horsepower!
Four Digits Of LS Fury
According to Rick, this particular car has gone through five separate builds before he settled on where it sits today in its most powerful configuration yet. “Each time I would modify it, I would be happy with it for a little while then, I felt the need to change or upgrade it. The “want” for more power is very real and addictive. In the end, my goal was always to make a 1,000 + horsepower car so, once I achieved that and then some, is when I became completely satisfied with the car.”
While I will leave it to him if he wants to share dyno numbers, this is by far the fastest car I have ever had the privilege to ride in, and boy did it leave a serious impression and some minor neck pain in me!
Memories To Last A Lifetime
Rick loves his car, but as I have witnessed personally he loves sharing that joy with others even more.
He told me: “I like the car for a variety of reasons but, most importantly…I truly enjoy seeing kids’ faces when they see the car because their facial expressions are priceless. In “that moment of time” to be able to see their face light up with excitement is very gratifying to me. I always encourage them ( if they want to ) to have a seat behind the wheel so their parents can get pictures and see them smile. That memory for that kid will last a lifetime for them and, could possibly encourage them to do a build when they get older and get a car of their own. So, if anyone has kids and, they’d like to sit in it or, look inside, I’ll gladly open the door for you and, let you sit in it.”
Future Plans
The future for this car is pretty simple as how it sits now is a complete build in itself. However, he is looking to add a few more things, namely: “About the only thing that I have planned for it would be, a new trunk mat, cargo net, MSD coil packs, a trans cooler fan &, some newer tint for the glass.”
My Final Thoughts
This car resonates with me on a profound level that goes beyond the limitations of simple words I type on the internet. It’s a masterpiece that leaves me at a loss for words to adequately convey its impact. The meticulous craftsmanship is evident, not just in its impressive performance but also in how well thought out the details are. Every detail seems to have been carefully considered, resulting in a build that exceeds all my expectations. It effortlessly checks all the boxes for what I consider the epitome of automotive perfection.
