Steve : Thanks to you and all who have told so many great stories about the lake and whatever comes to mind please add more. I'm new to S&F and have no racing experience but not new to Mercury,been a Merc fan since 1966 at age 5 and a Merc / Mercruiser mechanic for almost 30 years, something about that Phantom Black left a lasting impression for a lifetime.Been in Central Fl.for 20 years and have been very fortunate to have met some of the legends of the Kiekhaefer Corp. and Mercury that have been mentioned. 2 goals I wanted to acheive one I wrote Mr.Kiekhaefer back in 1981 to thank him for some great motors, which he kindly took the time in his busy schedule to respond back with a letter which was classic Mr. Kiekhaefer style, fortunately not directed at me, I will elaborate more if anyone would want more details, and two, set foot on Lake X property. It was around Nov. 1995 that John Culver finally took me over to the lake for a few hour visit where we met up with Don Schweb "Schwebie" as I was told. He took John and I all through the new building and upstairs to the museum, which apparently all the " museum" motors that were discussed were moved to Fond du Lac by this time because the only motors that were there, were well used and on wooden home made stands that all fell over! not a cast iron Kiekhaefer stand in sight. Another thing that I noticed while upstairs, and I asked myself what the hell was bunch of OMC clunkers motors, gas tanks, etc. doing at "Mercury"! We moved on to tour a little more outside and boy are you right about security apparently I got a little to close to the outboard shop and in my excitement not thinking were I was was quickly directed away from the top secrets of the day. I was so excited to be there I forgot ask if I could go up into the timing tower but got to see quite a bit, I thanked John and Don very much and was told by Don I was welcome to come back any time. Well its late and thats about it for my experience at the Lake, just felt I should post to this thread and I hope I have made this somewhat interesting,
Thanks again Steve, Rick.