In The Dayton Airport????

[Lil_Greaser]

Sometimes you just never know what's going to happen in a small town airport.

Last Monday I'm headed off to a business trip from the Dayton, Ohio airport. After clearing security I'm headed off to the gate area. Those of you who may have had cause to be in the Dayton area may know that the airport has long empty walkways from the gates to the central part of the terminal. In the long walkways, there is 1 simple row of airport seats for whomever to sit and rest.

I'm making my way to the gate area when I notice a man sitting by himself in the long hallway chairs. His pinstriped briefcase catches my eye and I'm thinking, "cool...fellow hotrodder." The closer I get the more familiar this gentleman looks and I feel like I've seen him at a car show or something. He catches me staring at him and stares back. I apologized and explained that I felt like I knew him from a car show or cruise but couldn't put my finger on it. He smiles, stands, extends his hand and says, "I'm Gene Winfield."

Well I just about fill my pants, but manage to introduce myself. I told him that I didn't want to disturb him and that it was a big pleasure meeting him. He basically says that he's in no hurry and invites me to sit with him and chat for a while. It turns out that he attended a show over the weekend in Lima, OH and took a voluntary bump and was waiting for the next flight. He asks me what I drive, what motor, the whole bench racing thing. He tells me about customer cars he's working on, his new book and a little inside scoop on a potential business deal for himself. People are just walking by without a clue who he is. I ended up getting an autographed poster from him as a memento and we exchange business cards. All in all we chatted for about 30 minutes before I had to go.

Very cool guy and just a regular hot rodder like the rest of us. That Monday was the crappiest travel day I ever had flight wise, but it was worth it for the story.

[210ratrod]

Wow, what are the chances? Gene Winfield in our corner of Ohio? Why didn't you call me?

I don't know if I could consider him another hot rodder just like the rest of us, though I know what your saying. The things Gene has accomplished (and STILL does) IMHO, puts the likes of him, Bill Hines, George Barris, the late Ed Roth,etc. in a whole 'nother class! Mr Winfield offers a two-day kustomizing workshop at his place in Moojave, CA for $175. His # is 661 824 4728

You're a lucky man, LG to have crossed paths with the master


Tim

[trifive]

Gene Winfield
Legendary Custom Car Builder

http://www.c-we.com/piranha/GeneWinfield.htm


Otis

[Lloyd's 55]

Really enjoyed the bio on Winfield. What a talent. Thanks Otis

[ca1955belair]

He was in Modesto on June 1st for a car show, but I had to work : (

[r66ss]

wow

Now thats timming , Yes, hes a very nice guy, I meet him a few yrs ago in Fairmount Indiana @ The James Dean Run, He was with George Barris.

[chevman57]

See it just goes to show you that you never know who you are going to run into. Now aren`t you glad that you did walk down that hallway? Great story too.
Terry

[carls 56]

great story