After 5 years I'm calling it quits...

[Greg Collier]

This is a note to let you all know that I will be leaving the racing community. I have some non-related racing projects and matters that need my undivided attention for what may be a period of time. I’d like to thank everyone for your consistent support over the years and let you know that your positive comments made whatever achievements I attained even sweeter as a shared experience with the entire community.
(I uploaded a bunch of photos in my gallery as a tribute to the "Flying Banana".)

I'll always be available to answer any questions and will check in from time to time to see how all you guys are ripping up the tracks.

And as a good buddy once told me, "Don't let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy... take it easy!"

 

[echostats]

Well, good luck in life dude. We wish you the best and hope to see you back someday.

 

[compression]

Ouch i never seen this coming, hopefully all goes well for ya! you know you were a big part to the dsmtuners community and thank you for being on board with us! have a good life buddy.

 

[asian312]

Is that tear...I will miss waiting on the forum after a race weekend, hoping to see the next episode of your race diary. Those fasinating tales shall be missed dearly.

Your stories and experiences have opened a wealth of knowledge and allowed many of us the courage to take that first step forward. Greg Collier and the "Flying Banana" will go down in DSM history as one of the greats! Cheers

 

[The_EE]

well that sucks. I was looking forward to watching you race the next time you headed up to California Speedway.

I do hope you come back to the game soon.

 

[Defiant]

effing Quitters.

I hope the distraction isn't serious.

 

[Dream On]

Best of luck to you, Greg.

 

[Dauntless]

I hope you can quickly resolve the issues dragging you away from racing, Greg. Dang, too bad this had to happen just when I have finally arranged matters to convert my '93 Talon to road race trim, and was looking forward to joining you on track.

Oh well, B and D Prepared will be waiting for you in SCCA when you return!

Stan

 

[Ludachris]

Let's all hope that Greg doesn't stay away too long and comes back to race in some capacity. He's too well respected to lose him for good.

I'd like to personally thank Greg for all his contributions to the site and to the DSM community. He's done the most to spark interest in my favorite form of racing in our community and has been the driving force behind DSM road racing over the past 3 years here on our site. Before he started posting his racing diaries I could probably count on one hand the number of people talking about road racing DSMs. Now we have a forum dedicated to track events. Without his help I would be simply spinning my wheels trying to get people out to the tracks.

Thank you my friend. Your stories will be missed. And I hope we won't lose you altogether.

I'm hoping we'll have more people who will take the baton, so to speak, and help represent the DSM community in the road racing arena. I'm working on getting my car setup for Time Trials this season. Hopefully others will be working on their own racing efforts this season to help keep the momentum going.

 

[GST with PSI]

Greg, what are you going to do with you car now? A tribute, sounds like this is the end. Will the "flying Banana" see some pavement in the future or are you getting rid of it?

Furthermore, Good luck in whatever you do. I greatly appreciate everything you have contributed to tuners and hope your leave of absence will be a short one. I have learned a great deal from your road racing ventures.

Thanks,
GST with PSI

 

[PaleDSM]

That's too bad. Honestly your racing stories are the reason I stop in here from time to time.

 

[4BangR-x]

Farewell, friend. Good luck with your non racing projects

 

[FlatBlackAndy]

Good Luck! Hope you can race again!

 

[bartels903]

We will miss you Greg.

 

[midwesteclipse]

Hate to see you go but good luck with everything man.

 

[4G63FLA]

Best of luck to you with your off track endeavors Greg. I loved reading your race diaries and eveyrhting you went through both good and bad. You have sparked my interest again to get my DSM back on the track. Thank you for answering all of my questions about how to get into NASA and all of my racing questions. Hope to see you around soon.

~Eddie

 

[Slow old poop]

You've been an inspiration to me and countless others. Hate to see you go, but I understand. Maybe better than all your other fans.

I, too, will be "pulling the pin" on racing after this season. I hope I can go out with a national championship under my belt like you.

So, what are you doing with the Banana? Selling it? I guess I'll sell mine, too, at the end of the season. We'll both get a fraction of what we put into our cars, but it was never about the money, was it?

Rich

 

[mavisky]

I guess I kept hoping you'd change your mind, but I completely understand your reasons. It's been a pleasure to be your partner, and I wish you the best in the situation you're currently in. Try to drop in once in awhile and say hello, we'll all miss you.

On a personal note, thanks for all the countless volumes of advice and support you've given me over the last few years. I appreciate it more than you'll ever know. Congratulations on all of your past achievements, and here's to hoping they aren't the last as I know the hardest thing in the world to do is keep us racers away from the track for long stretches of time.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

All hail the laying to rest of the flying banana, she served us proud, and served us well, she will not be forgotten.

 

[underradar92]

I thank you and will do my best to keep the fire you helped to light burning. I'm sure those "non-related racing endeavors" will benefit from your help.

The best to you sir!

 

[Black95TSIawd]

 

[eclipse2via]

Good luck Greg. I wish I had made it out to BW for the last NASA event.

 

[andymoraitis]

All the best to you in your new endeavors. Hopefully you'll have time to once again resume that which you're so great at. In the meantime all of us will remember you fondly and hope that you'll check in from time to time.

It won't be the same without you.

 

[dave99gst]

I'm hoping we'll have more people who will take the baton

ill take the baton and beat some sence into Gregs little head

good luck greg -

 

[pyschoslipknot]

Greg you and the Flying Banana will truly be missed. It has been really inspiring to check out all of the pics of you kicking ass and taking names in your banana dsm against some serious race machines. You have inspired newbs such as myself to take my car to the road course, and show the world what my dsm can do.
Thank You for everything.

 

[Auto RS T]

I am at a loss for words right now. You are an inspirtion to me and I will never forget you and the adventures of the flying banana. Please do stop in and let us know you are around. Good luck to you and your new non racing adventures.