Fluge Global Adventures

By Yelena King

The roar of the crowd echoed through the redwood trees of Eureka, CA as over 1100 running enthusiasts (aka “crazies”) positioned themselves at the starting line of the 39th annual Avenue of the Giants half-marathon. As a long-time member of the FGA crew, and Nick Fluge’s core-specialist commandante, I had been inspired by his epic (and admittedly spontaneous) finish at the 2009 Portland Marathon. This was my chance to prove to Nick, and the rest of the FGA nation, that I deserved to climb mountains, do crunches, and sip cocktails next to a champion.

FGA VO2max specialist Troy Carter had been dispatched to assure my triumphant finish. He stood beside me poised, strong and silent, staring at the course ahead like a tiger ready to pounce. I believe he was channeling Mr. Fluge from his Kilimanjaro days; alpha-male, ready to lead the pack without reservation.

The starting gun rang out like a backfiring GT1 racer, and we made our way across the starting line. Troy and I ran hard, weaving through the crowd of participants, all of whom looked at us with envy. After all, we represented the FGA team, Troy sporting a limited-edition Tarzan tech shirt, myself in a brand-new FGA racing team hat… we may as well have painted targets on our backs. The competition was fierce, and holding our lead was not easy. Between labored breaths we heard them talk amongst themselves, “What’s Tarzan?”, “Who are these Olympic-worthy athletes sporting this fancy gear?”, “Why didn’t the Fluge make a celebrity appearance this year?”

To avoid an angry mob at the finish line, we graciously allowed some participants to pass us, strategically slowing up at water stations and chatting with the locals. We even managed to elude an FGA heckler at the finish line, who claimed we were not “race official” in our gear.

“Fluge Global Adventures?” she snarled, “I’ve never heard of that brand!”

“Lady,” Troy quipped without missing a beat, “This is FGA. It’s not just a brand, it’s a lifestyle.”

The 50th running of the oldest sports car race west of the Mississippi, the famed Rose Cups, was exciting to say the least. Matt Crandall, driving his #3 “Speed Sports / FGA” Ford Mustang looked good all weekend and qualified first for the pole. Nick Fluge, driving a similar #7 “FGA / Speed Sports” Ford Mustang, experienced some mechanical challenges over the weekend but still qualified 2nd due to many hours of hard and talented work by the Pro-Fab team of Steve Gatrell, Spence Gatrell, Leo Matthews, Troy Gilbertson, Patrick Hinkle, Jeff Hinkle, Dom Cicero and Wes Clark.

Crandall and Fluge in front row

With both cars sporting the teams’ bright orange ”www.flugeglobaladventures” window decals, they made up the front row for the start of the race.

When the green flag dropped, Fluge pulled Crandall on the front straight but Matt was able to take the lead going into and out of turn one. The cars were locked close together for a number of laps pulling away from the rest of the good field of entrants who were doing well in their own right. Todd Harris, Pro Drive, and long time driving coach of Nick Fluge, had strategized with Nick to hold his 2nd place until he saw the right opening to pass. That came less than 10 minutes into the race. Fluge passed Crandall on a tight corner and was just barely able to control the car out of the turn. The race was on.

Once again the cars were locked in a close dual, only this time with Nick in the lead, and Matt knocking on his door. Several more laps saw the pair continue to pull out a larger lead on the rest of the field while challenging each other at every turn. Then, in an instant, a large cloud of smoke signaled the end for the front runner. Fluge’s power steering hose had ruptured and he had to pull into the pits.

From that point Matt made a great run to the finish for a victory and proved the outstanding driver of the weekend. Brian Richards finished with a great 2nd place podium and good FGA Friend Rob Holden also made the podium and finished 3rd in strong fashion in his Corvette. All in all it was a great weekend, complete with BBQ and great entertainment coordinated by Aimee Crandall of Fly Me to the Moon Productions. There were even umbrella laden security girls guarding Nick and Matt from the sun who were assisted by Tiffany, whose likeness was the focus on the now famous “Queen of Hearts” painting that Nick completed as a send off to him, Mixologist and cousin, Bill Lowblad, and Jon Sandstrom (who are competing in the World Series of Poker on June 28). Also instrumental in the Speed Speeds / FGA event were Eric Bjonskaas, the great crew members of the Crandall team and Brian Lafavor who worked tirelessly keeping the Fluge girls in Chocolate and Champagne.

Fluge, Gatrell, Tiffany ‘Queen of Hearts’ and Security Team

pictures from Pre Grid

pictures from Pre Grid

pictures from Pre Grid