Press Release- Rick Kopec retires from SAAC

[computerworks]

SHELBY AMERICAN AUTOMOBILE CLUB FOUNDING MEMBER RICK KOPEC STEPS AWAY AFTER 50 YEARS OF SERVICE

WALLINGFORD, CT – After 50 years of service to the Shelby American Automobile Club, SAAC today announced that founding father Rick Kopec has stepped down from his position effective immediately. Kopec has served as Director Emeritus since 2010 and Editor of SAAC's quarterly magazine "The Shelby American."

Kopec was one of the founders of SAAC in 1975. His contributions to the club are unmatched and helped pave the way for future generations of Shelby owners.  His interest in the history of Carroll Shelby's cars served as the foundation of the SAAC Registries, which have been published since 1982. The Registries, compiled and maintained by the SAAC Registrars, are the definitive history and authenticity of the cars of Shelby American. Rick has been a close friend to many in SAAC and while he will be missed, his countless contributions will never be forgotten.

"After 50 incredible years of unwavering dedication Rick served an integral role in defining the club" stated David Maffucci, SAAC board member. "Rick's enthusiasm for Shelby American cars and our club helped bring together thousands of those who share the same passion.", Maffucci concluded.

[Coralsnake]

Hope all is well with Mr Kopec. His contributions have been legendary.

Thank you Sir

[JD]

Thanks for keeping us rev'd-up and running.  Hope all is well

[Bob Gaines]

Rick you have been a positive inspiration to all. Thank you sir for all that you have done. 

[Bill]

Rick,

   Thank you for your service, and thank you for your service.


Bill

[trotrof1]

Thank you Rick, Your dedication to SAAC and tireless automotive exuberance is legendary. Guys like you never really retire.

[NC TRACKRAT]

Wait a minute!  April 1st was just a few days ago. Since Rick is truly World-renowned for his classic spoofs, is this his best yet?  I hope so because SAAC will not be the same without his ham-fisted hands on the wheel!

[FL SAAC]

Enjoy your retirement!

[mark p]

I'll go with a blanket "+1" on all of the posts above

[SCJSTU]

Job #1 is complete....thank you for your service to SAAC and our Country

[daltondavid]

Fifty years of this day in and day out.just an incredible achievement. Ricks path in life and his ideas and writings have created such an amazing journey for all of us. His tireless contributions to this hobby are priceless. I could go on and on but let me just say, Thank you Rick and Colleen Kopec. I truly am eternally grateful to the both of you.

[shelbydoug]

50 years, like a rock.

Gonna' miss ya' a long, long time.

Thanks for bein' you.

 

[98SVT - was 06GT]

SAAC will not be the same without his leadership and writing. The founders of SAAC are the reason these cars were brought back from obscurity and hold their place in collectors hearts today.
Rick was the face of SAAC since day one. Go back to the mid 70s and you'll see his hand in 90% of the mainstream articles promoting the preservation and authentication of SA products. He was able to talk CS out of retirement and get him to visit SAAC1 in Oakland - the rest is as they say history. I'll even go so far as to say that SA and the Shelbys built by Ford in the last 20 years would not exist today if not for his efforts that have kept the early cars and their influence in 1960s racing in the public eye.
I'm looking forward to his book on the 50 years of SAAC - as well as Bad Moon Rising.
Hopefully SAAC presents him a gold watch on his retirement.
SAAC50 will be a far different event without our patriarch Rick, & Colleen.

[GT350Lad]

SAAC will not be the same without his leadership and writing. The founders of SAAC are the reason these cars were brought back from obscurity and hold their place in collectors hearts today.
Rick was the face of SAAC since day one. Go back to the mid 70s and you'll see his hand in 90% of the mainstream articles promoting the preservation and authentication of SA products. He was able to talk CS out of retirement and get him to visit SAAC1 in Oakland - the rest is as they say history. I'll even go so far as to say that SA and the Shelbys built by Ford in the last 20 years would not exist today if not for his efforts that have kept the early cars and their influence in 1960s racing in the public eye.
I'm looking forward to his book on the 50 years of SAAC - as well as Bad Moon Rising.
Hopefully SAAC presents him a gold watch on his retirement.
SAAC50 will be a far different event without our patriarch Rick, & Colleen.

Well said. Such a legacy. Best wishes Rick

[Don Johnston]

It has been said that the best time to leave the stage is while the audience is still applauding.  This audience will never stop applauding for the leadership and tireless disemmination of knowledge of the legendary cars, events and people that have made SAAC an outstanding organization. It is my hope that Rick and Colleen will still attend SAAC events when possible and Rick will be available as a guest speaker.  I am sure it was a challenging decision to have him put away his driving shoes and lay down his golden pen. We wish him all the best in his retirement without conflicts and deadlines. To all he has accomplished, well done of you, sir.