Welcome to Fchat and thanks for sharing the video. It makes me feel weird watching it since that was the last time I saw him in action. Do we have anything planned for Luis this week or weekend? Please let me know.
Toby, Thank yo ufor sharing and so sorry for your loss. I'm just reading about your friend now. So young, so tragic. --Dan
God that video is so frustrating I feel like reaching out and grabbing that wing and holding his car back with all of my might.... at least he shook the camera --Dan
My condolences goes out to his family; sorry for your loss... and a for sure loss to the local SR exotic group.
Since we're posting pictures... I think I took this picture the first time Luis came out to Santana Row. It's not the best photograph ever - that's for certain - but it's how I'd like to remember things. The car parked. Steering wheel off. Luis out chatting somebody up.... Image Unavailable, Please Login
To Luis, up there in heaven, and always the racer, always the kid, and always full of life: Keep on racing up there. In the past year I've gotten to know Luis, he's one of the kindest, nicest, warmest persons I ever have been blessed to meet. He was always so much fun too! I honestly was practically speechless in the car on the way from Half moon bay to Stanford -- it was a very surreal experience on Saturday. I remember Lyndon and the rest of us were wondering where he was, since Lyndon's pace was pretty normal. To Gail: You are a loving, strong, and caring woman, and I know this is a tough time for you. Remember Luis's smile and warmth will always be with you in your heart. Know that his last memory is doing what he loved to do, and hopefully he's still racing in heaven. If there's anything I can do, please don't hesitate to give me a call. We want to make sure you get through this time, and friends + time will help the most. Be Well, Ajay
I only ever post on Elisetalk, but read Ferrarichat a lot... I didn't have the pleasure to get to know him but I did see him several times at SR and got to wave him past me on a group drive/lunch... I think he almost blew out one of my eardrums! Was truely amazing, and not something I'll forget anytime soon... I'm sure SR won't be the same without him, nor will all the people who knew him, I wish you all strength, and may he rest in peace.... -Brian Turner 05 Magnetic Blue Elise
My buddy and I just started coming to the Santana Row meet. This past weekend was our second time. I was a little intimadated at first,wondering if we would fit in or be accepted into this group. Everybody turned out to be real nice and welcoming. But the guy I always remember talking to was Luis. He was such a nice guy. Asked about my car and took interest, as well as told me more about his car. I like to be loud when leaving a spot, but no one could top how loud his car was when he was leaving. I always laughed as he left. I didnt know him as many of you did,but it deeply saddens me to here this. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. R.I.P Luis
I realy wish i could have gotten to know him better, he seemd like a realy genuine person. last weekend was my 2nd time to SR, after the previous weekend going on the cruise with him i was drawn back. RIP Luis
It has been four days now since I have known about this turn of events and I have been thinking about this fairly continuously and consistently. There has been considerable amount of emotion swelling through me since then and I could bring myself to bear, to post commentary any earlier. I also tend not post much on the internet much at all anymore. I have spent much of my life assisting many different faith based groups so I would have thought that I would have been able to articulate some sort of awe inspiring words of wisdom sooner as I have written many paper and have conducted a number of speaking engagements. These few words are not to be considered some sort eulogy but an expression of my feelings amongst friends. Nor is this designed to be well written paper, but more a collection and personal ventilation of my own emotions. If there no pattern or clear organization of my thoughts, I know some you, in the words of Samuel L. Jackson, feel me, on this. Luis was a unique person and no small assimilation of words well ever due him justice to describe him. I cannot say if it was Lyndon or I that Saturday who first shook hands with Luis this Saturday when he got to Santana Row. I was the last to shake his hand before he left. We would shake hands like bros, with both hands and tap each other on the shoulder in some sort of a hug. Luis and I would always hit up good conversation every time we met and not only due to fact that we both had very engineered, fast, black cars and with fully dressed with race stickers (I stripped mine off). We talked about a many other things every time we met and we had quite a bit in common. After having brunch with some of the group (April, Nizam, Kirby, Lisa, Peter, Rick, Staci, and six others), I figured I would hit the coast and then head to Ritz for a glass of Merlo as my wife was busy for the rest of the day. A number of others from Santa Row that Saturday, after a drive, went to the Ritz to enjoy the afternoon. My heart sunk at the Gatehouse after inquiring if the group was still there. The guard informed me, Mr. Ritz your friends have just left, one has been in accident. My heart sunk right then and there. I later found out the turn of events. When I was quite younger the first love of my life passed away before that due to my age, environment, personality, events of life, etc I was very high strung, short tempered, quick to judge and while very kind, not as much as I should have been. Upon her death, I vowed to change all those things about myself. She partially changed me into the person, I am today and in effect is now with me everyday. In the case of Luis, he had so many great qualities we each can admire. In remembrance of him and to honor him, I would say the best thing that we might consider, is not only remembering the great times, but to remember his fantastic qualities as a person. More importantly, we should implement his fine qualities into our very beings, make them a part of our character and be a blessing to others. He is then a part of us and with us forever... God Bless, Brent Ritz
I met Luis for the first time on Saturday. I asked him about how he was connected with TRG and told him my former connection with World Challenge. He and I chatted for a while, incredibly humble warm guy. He invited my girlfriend and I to the Ritz for lunch. Well, my girlfriend and I headed to the Ritz by ourselves arriving and never were joined by the rest of the group. When I found out what happened I felt empty just knowing he was a great guy and that so many people thought highly of him. I think that there should be a memorial drive ending at the the Ritz in his honor. A traditional lunch, and a gathering by the beach to share in memories everyone has of him. Gail, certainly this is your call, but I would be glad to help organize it. Luis, sounds like the kind of guy I would have wanted as a good friend. My thoughts and prayers are extended. Justin
I have been in awe of his Porsche ever since he passed me on the 580 at some outrageous rate of knots (the sound was incredible). I never thought the car looked even barely road legal but it always gave me a smile and I was looking forward to asking Luis just what he had done to the car. Saturday was the first day I have actually seen the car parked and was planning to go up to Luis to ask him about it. I never did get to speak to him but I am still shocked at his passing. Next time I hear thunder I will think of him
I met Luis for the first time at an SR meet. My first impression of him was someone who was warm and always had a smile when he greeted you. He was soft spoken and shared a loved for cars. I will miss him on the drives. Here is a poem that I would like to share, author unknown. Im Free Dont grieve for me, for now Im free Im following the path God has laid you see. I took His hand when I heard him call I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day To laugh, to love, to work, to play. Tasks left undone must stay that way I found that peace at the close of day. If my parting has left a void Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss Oh yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My lifes been full, I savored much Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief Dont lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and peace to thee God wanted me now; He set me free.
My condolances to Gail and everyone here who knew Luis. I have never met him and was told about this terrible accident from one of our club members from Norcal SVTOA.
Wanted to share a few memorable photos from shortly after I met Luis ... http://www.eshaun.com/pics/6speed/5-22-05SantanaRow/webgallery/
I can't believe it! I just talked to Luis on Saturday at SR my kids were amazed when they saw his car. We talked for a bit and he was telling me that he was going to be driving for TRG this year. I'm in total shock. Luis was a great person and very passionate about cars. GODSPEED my friend you will truly be missed. My prayers go out to Gail and the family.