Every so often, I'll read a comment here and there wondering about Mark
Beckman and how he is doing. Please allow me to end any speculation on
the subject, as I know there are a lot of ex-GPL'ers hanging around
here at RAS.
Last week, after nearly sixteen months, I finally received an email
from Mark. Why so long? Well, first of all Mark was without internet
access for the first six months or so that he was in China, as he was
in a very remote area which had no internet. And once he did have
access again, well, it's human nature to feel a little bit embarrassed
for not contacting friends, and that feeling wore on him a bit. But the
bottom line is he has finally made contact and it's great to hear from
him again.
Mark is alive and well, and he's still living in China, in a city named
Chengdu. And it appears that Mark will be living there for the
foreseeable future. It is quite apparent that Mark's life has taken a
completely different turn, and that is his life now. And I'm afraid
that GPL is no longer a part of that life, nor is any simracing for
that matter. Quite sad to hear, as the contributions he has made to the
community are very well known, and an integral part of why GPL is what
it is today. But life goes on, and not always in the directions we have
planned, or have hoped for. But he's doing well, and that's what is
most important. He is still involved in racing, but now on a real-life
level. He is currently working on a project where he will be a
manufacturer of a Spec-type open-wheel racer. It looks very promising,
and I'll pass along news of it as time goes on.
And I can easily anticipate your next questions - what will happen to
his works in progress, such as the Can-Am and Titans mods, and a couple
of track projects such as Road America and Monza '37? You will be
pleased to know that he is mailing me the entire contents of his hard
drive. I will be working over the next days and weeks towards
assembling some people together to hopefully push these projects
forward once I receive his files. I will not make any promises, nor can
I give any kind of time frame. But I can tell you that there are some
interested people out there (some are onboard already), and it's my
hope that we can make these things a reality. We must all keep in mind
that there are several projects in the works, such as continued work on
the 69 mod, Sportscars, 55's, Tasman Series, and other things. There
are a limited number of people with the knowledge and resources to make
these mods a reality, and we will have to be patient with their current
commitments.
Just thought you'd like to know...
Fletch
Good news to know, that he is fine (and in real racing)
Rolf
