The Return of Ron Ortiz, a true story.

[Chris "drooze" Wertman]

Congrats !

Comebacks are just that much sweeter....makes being the "underdog" fun .....

And I wanted to thank you for your adivce Ive been meaning to drop you an line and say THANKS ! Your advice was invaluable....the Prorate flew perfect for everyone !

Thanks, and good luck Im sure well meet in person soon.

Cheers

Chris

Originally Posted by Ron Ortiz

Two years ago due to financial reasons I was sidelined from racing. Being a property appraiser our work load diminished tremendously as the housing market tumbled. The result was no racing, especially with the motorhomes fuel economy being so sucky.

My other business, Southern Snacks also was hit hard by the economy. Beef prices went up and free shipping was eliminated. Air freight from Oregon to Florida can get up there. The minimum order requirements from Jerky Hut put us out as far a jerky went.

Daran Summerton took me and my car to Belle Rose last year and it was great. I also borrowed my brother in laws pick up to get to the SSSSA race in Lakeland last year. But that was it for more than two years. It was killing me.

Well, things have turned around and we are coming back.

The Imperial Palace (motorhome) is up and running again.

The race car is getting new front end suspension components. As Captain Jack pointed out to me in the pits while looking at the front of the wagon, "which way is your car going"
Also got new coated headers as my experiment with swiss cheese headers was'nt as effective as thought. Hope that I can recover the 3 tenths gift.

My new son in law, Sean will be at the races with me also. Nice guy, great BBQ cooker, hard worker, coaches football with me, also a lady killer. Thats why my daughter trusts him, he's with me.

And, we are back in the jerky business after some negotiations and beef price adjustments. That killer jerky you all like is available again.

But the best part is I am really looking foward to seeing all you people again and racing. You all are so much fun. My first race will be Bradenton, followed by Gainesville, Orlando, and hopefully the Gators (grade points). Stop on by the Imperial Palace for some jerky and fun. I can't wait, I'm excited.

Ron "I'll Do Anything To Win" Ortiz
U/SA he's baaack

[Billy Nees]

Ah the elusive Ron Ortiz! Look fellow racers as nice as it would be for Ron Ortiz to be real he is just another "figment" like the Easter Bunny, Bigfoot and UFOs. Everybody knows somebody that has seen it and maybe even has a couple of blurry pics of something but it's not real.
I've personally tried to prove that the Ron Ortiz is real even spending time in hot, sticky, bug ridden fields of bamboo waiting for the Ron Ortiz to appear but it never did. I've even tried baiting it with assorted 273 parts.
Finally, driven crazy from hunger and thirst I was preparing for the end when suddenly a nice lady came bursting out of the house and gave me a beer and some BBQ wings.
No, there is no Ron Ortiz.

[Mike Taylor 3601]

Ron does exist I 've seen him myself in 1999. Glad to here things are looking up for you Ron.
Mike Taylor 3601

[RANDY PAYNE]

hi ron,just kidding-knew you would reply-glad you are back-see you in fl.-we are going to bradenton if i don't have to go get the mustang-supposed to get it the 9th. biggg

[Jack McCarthy]

see what a weekend with the captain can do for you... got you back to your senses and back to the track...

cant wait to see you somewhere, my finances are tight but ill be out, trying for belle rose, if i cant race ill just drive down to drink !!

captain

p.s. ron i won a large bottle of captain morgan private reserve (who else would win the captain) at the alvey's racers dance ... and will need assistance in putting it to good use... wanna help ?

[Daran Summerton]

If anyone wants the TRUE story of the Belle Rose trip well .... I'm not saying! It was a weird time in my life but Ron straightened me right out. I don't run U automatics anymore. See ya' at Immokalle Dad debuts his new F/SA Watch Out it may get away from him.

[Larry Hill]

He does really exist!! From Belle Rose, 2009

[Billy Nees]

Obviously the photo has been doctored!

[Blingmaster]

Billy: How do they make the car look bigger so Ron looks thinner maybe you could do that for Himes???

[Joe Martens]

Welcome back, Ron! Hope things continue to flourish for you. BTW, for you doubters, Ron does exist. Had the fortune, or misfortune (lol) to have a few beers with him at the bar at No Problem!!! Probably don't remember though, right Ron? Take care!