Can I just add what my experience of Gary has been over the years. I'm not a stooge for Gary if that what you are thinking, but I think it is only fair that I share my experience. I have nothing to gain from saying my bit, but recently I lost Gary's number so Google'd his new company and was instantly directed to an old thread that I feel is very unfair. I have been in contact with Gary from time to time over the years and know what his personal circumstances were and why he wasn't in a position to defend himself at the time. I won't go into personal details here.
Right here goes, I met Gary about 9 years ago at GTart. I was trying to build my dream 10 second car myself as I am a bit of a mechanic and Gary helped me with parts and tips/knowledge etc. I cocked up and fitted a trust sump extension wrongly which lunched the new engine I built. Anyway to cut a long story short I struck a deal with Gary that he would rebuild my engine. I paid him the money to do it/ get the crank reground etc etc.
I dropped the car at GTart (this was around January 2007) and Gary removed the engine and stripped it.Then my misses fell pregnant with twins so money became tight. I then split with her and ended up with the babies so there was no way I could work or build my car so the project was shelved.
Then GTart disappeared. Gary took my car and all the parts to Rye at his expense and looked after them for well over 5 years(for free). When I picked the car up it was all there, the engine was in bits in boxes but all that was missing was a lightweight alternator pulley, which Gary said he has a replacement I can have anyway.
My circumstances have changed now as my kids have grown, so I am back to work and in a position to finish the car.
Gary has just started to build the engine as he is now in a position to do it also and has not gone back on our 7 year old deal.
I know my car will be bloody fast. I have never doubted Gary's talent. I think its a real shame that a guy with so much talent can get slated so badly. You can't win so many events if you are sh*t at what you do can you.
People can have personal circumstances that can send them to very dark places, I've been there myself. It doesnt mean you are an ars*hole or a cheat or a thief. Have you ever thought that maybe the person is unable to deal with things at that time?
Well I think I've said my bit, but I felt I had to say something.